Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil

The Sri Ponnambalawaneswaram Temple was built during the time of the 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.
This temple is one of the very few solid granite temples still in existence in our country. The temple is quite dark since it is made of stone, and is only illuminated by the flames of oil lamps. When you enter through the wooden doors, the synchronized chanting and the sound of bells fill your ears. The walls and stone pillars found in this temple are carved intricately. This Kovil features a tall gopuram, decorative arches, and carved pillars, sculpted walls of swans, peacocks, cows, gods and goddesses. The main shrine is surrounded by the rest of the shrines. 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.