subject: A Unique Religious Experience At The Munneswaram Temple [print this page] Sri Lanka is one of the most religiously and culturally diverse nations in South Asia. Despite the countrys majority population being Buddhist, other religions such as Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are practiced by about thirty percent of the population. These religions have been practiced in Sri Lanka for centuries and, in the case of Hinduism, for thousands of years. Therefore they have been woven intricately into the nations social fabric.
The Munneswaram Temple, which is located in the countrys Northwestern coastline north of the capital of Colombo, is an example of the religious harmony that prevails in the island. Despite its name, the temple is actually a complex of religious buildings that also include a Buddhist temple. The Munneswaram Temple is considered to be one of the holiest sites for Hindus in Sri Lanka and every year thousands of devotees make a pilgrimage here from all over the country.
The main temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is one of the most important Hindu deities according to the Vedic texts. The other temples are dedicated to other gods and some even to deities that exist only in local folklore such as Ayyanayake. Because of this, the Munneswaram Temple is popular among people belonging to any religion and thousands of Buddhist and Catholic pilgrims also flock here to gain blessings.
The architecture of the temple is similar to that of Hindu temples found in South India, but certain buildings sport influences gained from Buddhists and even European design styles.
The Munneswaram Temple is located close to the popular Ayurveda resort Sri Lanka - the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions. This is a Negombo ayurveda hotel that offers excellent accommodation and conference facilities as well as soothing Ayurveda treatments.
