Manavari Temple (Chilaw), Sri Lanka

Manavari is a small Shiva temple a few kilometres north of Chilaw, on the north-west coast. Its importance is out of all proportion to its size. According to Ramayana tradition, this is where Rama installed and prayed to his first Shiva lingam after defeating Ravana, to free himself from the sin of killing a Brahmin king. The lingam is known as the Ramalingam, and devotees say that it is one of only two in the world named after Rama, the other being at Rameswaram in India.

The story

The legend says that on his way home, Rama felt that he was being followed by Brahmahatya dosha, the stain of having killed a Brahmin. He stopped at Munneswaram to pray to Shiva, and was advised to install lingams at several places to atone. Manavari was the first of them. These accounts come from tradition and devotion, not from historical evidence, and our Ramayana sites guide sets them in context.

What to expect

Don't expect a grand complex. Manavari is a simple village temple with a single main shrine housing the lingam, a small courtyard and a peaceful, rural setting. That simplicity is part of its appeal, especially after the crowds at larger temples. You'll rarely find more than a handful of visitors unless a tour group has just arrived.

Allow about 20 to 30 minutes.

Visiting tips

• Dress modestly, and remove your shoes before entering.
• Pujas take place in the morning and evening. The temple may be closed around midday, so come early if you can.
• A priest is usually on hand, and offerings can often be bought nearby.
• Bring water and a hat, as this part of the coast is hot for most of the year.

Our Hindu temples guide has more on etiquette.

Getting there

Manavari is about 6 km north of Chilaw, off the road towards Puttalam. Chilaw is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Colombo and about an hour north of Negombo and the airport. Trains and buses run to Chilaw, and a tuk-tuk can take you to both temples from there.

Almost everyone visits Manavari together with Munneswaram, which is 15 minutes away. Because both are close to the airport, they are often the first stops on a Ramayana tour, and they work well on arrival day. If you're travelling on up the coast, Anawilundawa and Kalpitiya are further north.