Thiruketheeswaram Temple
Mantai, Mannar District, Northern Province, Sri Lanka
History & Historical Heritage
Thiruketheeswaram Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in Mannar District, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Overlooking the historic port town of Mantai, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated as one of the five Pancha Ishwarams of the island. The temple has existed for over 2,400 years and is praised in the Tevaram hymns of the 7th-century Tamil Nayanar saints Sambandar and Sundarar. Historically, the temple received patronage from Pallava, Chola, and Pandyan kingdoms. In 1575 AD, the temple was completely demolished by the Portuguese, who used its stones to build the Mannar Fort. In 1903 AD, after intense archaeological search by local Hindu leaders, the main Shiva Lingam was recovered, and the temple was rebuilt.
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Sacred Legend (Sthala Puranam)
"The temple is named after Ketu Bhagavan (the planetary deity), who performed intense penance at this spot and worshipped Lord Shiva to seek release from his astrological afflictions. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and blessed Ketu here, naming the spot Thiruketheeswaram. Another legend states that Mayan, the father of Mandodari (Ravana's wife), built the temple here to please Shiva."
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Comprehensive Route Guide & Logistics
Nearest Airport
Jaffna International Airport (JAF) - 110 km or Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) - 310 km
Local Bus Routes
Available Bus Numbers: Local buses run frequently from Mannar town to the temple during festival periods
Railway Junctions & Connecting Trains
- Mannar Railway Station - Located 12 km away. Trains run regularly from Colombo Fort on the Talaimannar line.