Maha Shivarathri - 'Hindu Temples around the world' - Koneshwarar Tricomalee - songs by Yoga Kirtana

Описание: The Thirukonamalai Koneswaram Temple, also called the Temple of a Thousand Pillars, is one of the most sacred Pancha Ishwarams (ancient abodes of Shiva) in Sri Lanka. It stands on Swami Rock (Kōṇāmalai) overlooking the Indian Ocean and Trincomalee Bay, a dramatic promontory revered in Hindu tradition. Some scholars trace the temple’s origins back to around 205 BC, while other literary traditions cite ancient mentions even earlier. Classical Tamil Saivite hymns, including those in the Tevaram, praise Koneswaram as a major Shiva shrine by the early medieval period.

Ravana Cut, locally known as Ravana Vettu, is a deep cleft in the rock at Swami Rock, near the Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee. The cleft at Trincomalee is believed by devotees to mark Ravana’s sword strike or fall, symbolizing his act of penance. Some traditions state Ravana worshipped Shiva at Koneswaram, strengthening the temple’s association with Shaivism. The temple’s Dravidian architecture featured a spectacular thousand-pillared hall (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam) and grand gopuram towers.

Inscriptional evidence from about the 10th–11th centuries shows royal patronage and land grants to the temple during Chola rule. The Sinhalese King Gajabahu II (12th century) is recorded as a devotee and benefactor of Koneswaram. Chola period 11th Century Nandi Dhevar was excavated when the temple was rebuilt in 2013. Historically, the site was known to Greek geographers as a shrine on a cliff overlooking the sea. In 1622–1624, Portuguese colonial forces raided and destroyed the temple, looting treasures and demolishing structures. Stones from the ruined temple were used to build Fort Frederick at the same site. Devotees hid sacred images and lingams, and a successor temple (Ati Konanayakar) was built nearby in the 17th century to safeguard traditions.

In the 20th century, archaeological excavations unearthed bronzes, inscriptions, and underwater remains of the original complex. The modern temple was rebuilt and restored on its original site, reopening to devotees in the mid-20th century. Koneswaram is celebrated in Hindu epics and local chronicles, symbolizing southern Kailash (Dakshina-Then Kailasam)for Saivites. Today it remains a vital pilgrimage centre, blending ancient heritage and living religious tradition in Eastern Sri Lanka.

Close to 90% of Hindus live in the Indian subcontinent but the effect of Hinduism can be seen all over the world. This series is a humble initiative to explore the spread of Hindu culture beyond the shores of India by presenting various Hindu temples throughout the world and taking the viewers through the history of each temple against a Carnatic music background.

Vocal: Mrs Yoga Kirtana
Release #77