Points of Interest - Trincomalee
Koneswaram Temple
Located on a stunning cliff overlooking one of the world’s largest and most beautiful natural harbours, this ancient Hindu temple of Koneswaram is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The fascinating Koneswaram temple is also called “the temple of a thousand pillars”.
The Koneswaram Temple is a popular place of worship in Sri Lanka and is one of the Pancha Ishwarams (five abodes) of Lord Shiva. The temple dates back to 6th century BC.
The site of the temple was mentioned in the Ramayana. King Ravana is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva in Koneswaram. According to the legends, a deep gap in the rock above the shoreline, known as Ravana Cleft, was created when Lord Shiva made Ravana drop his sword while he was trying to hurl the cliff into the sea.