Munneswaram Temple
An ancient Shiva shrine of Sri Lanka
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About Munneswaram Temple
Near Chilaw in Sri Lanka, the Munneswaram temple complex is an age-old Shiva shrine linked in legend to the Ramayana. Its annual festival unites Hindu and Buddhist devotees in shared reverence.
Aarti Timings
- Morning Pooja06:30
- Evening Pooja18:00
Timings are indicative and may change on festival days.
Festivals & Sacred Days
Munneswaram Festival
August–SeptemberThe temple's grand annual festival spans about four weeks, drawing both Hindu and Buddhist devotees with processions, a chariot festival and water-cutting ceremony in shared reverence.
Maha Shivaratri
February–MarchThe great night of Shiva is observed with abhishekam and all-night worship of the presiding lingam.
Navaratri
September–OctoberNine nights honouring the Goddess with special poojas at the Bhadrakali shrine within the complex.
Poojas & Sevas
Morning Pooja
06:30The day's opening worship before the Shiva lingam in the ancient sanctum.
Abhishekam
Ritual bathing of the deity with milk, water and sacred substances, especially during the annual festival and on Shivaratri.
Archana
Offering of the deity's names with flowers and camphor on behalf of devotees, who come from both Hindu and Buddhist communities.
Travel Guide
Address
Munneswaram Temple, Munneswaram, Chilaw, Puttalam District, Sri Lanka
Nearest Airport
Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB), about 90 km
Nearest Railway
Chilaw Railway Station (about 4 km) on the coastal line is the nearest stop; buses and taxis cover the short distance to the temple.
Best Season
January to March for drier weather; the annual festival (Aug–Sep) is the most atmospheric but crowded time.
Dress Code
Modest dress with shoulders and knees covered; footwear is removed before entering the temple.
How to reach
Roughly a 2-hour drive north of Colombo along the western coast; the temple lies a few kilometres inland from Chilaw.
🛫 Plan Your Visit
Find flights, hotels, and trains to Chilaw for your darshan.
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