Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devastanam Kovil, Kotahena

Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devastanam Kovil is a sacred Hindu temple built with granite in an amazing architectural style, Which is located in Kotahena, Colombo.

Temple

One of the very few remaining temples made of solid granite in our nation is this one. Since the temple is composed of stone, it is rather dark and only the flames of oil lamps provide illumination. The synchronized chanting and the sound of bells overwhelm your ears as you pass through the wooden doors. This temple has finely carved stone pillars and walls. A lofty gopuram, beautiful arches, carved pillars, and sculptured walls depicting swans, peacocks, cows, gods, and goddesses are all highlights of this Kovil. The other shrines encircle the primary shrine. Different rituals are conducted at set times. When entering the Kovil, one should not step on the elevated step near the entrance; instead one has to step over it. People are not allowed to take any pictures while inside the Kovil.

History

The Sri Ponnambalawaneswaram Temple was built during the time of British rule in Sri Lanka by Ponnambalam Mudaliyar, who lost his life whilst fighting for Sri Lanka’s independence and who wished to provide a place of worship for the Hindus. Hence a small temple was built, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. This temple displays ancient Dravidian architectural styles. In 1905, this temple was inherited by the son of Ponnambalam Mudaliyar; Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, who was a renowned Ceylon Tamil lawyer, politician and Solicitor-General of Ceylon. The Kovil we see today was built by Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan.

Pooja & Festival

Apart from 5 Kala regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Arudra darshan, Navaratri, etc, The Annual festival starts on the 10th day of Panguni and ends on Panguni Uthiram. Somaskandar, Chandikeswarar, Murugan with Valli Devasena will be taken in procession in Temple cars which are pulled maximum by the ladies.