Munneswaram Temple (Munneswaram Devasthanam) in Negombo: An Honest Review & Practical Visit Guide

Description and is it worth visiting

Munneswaram Temple (Munneswaram Devasthanam or Sri Munnessarama Devalaya) is located in a small village near the city of Chilaw north of Negombo. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and is considered one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka, although nothing remains of the temple originally founded in 1000 AD. This is thanks to the "efforts" of the Portuguese, who destroyed it twice (in 1578 and 1600). However, thanks to the persistence of local residents who restored it again and again, today it looks impressive.

It is a complex of several temples, including the main altar for Shiva (in the center), to the southeast and southwest - a shrine for Ganesha, in the northeast corner - a Buddhist shrine for Ayyanayake. According to some sources, part of the walls of the main altar for Shiva dates back to the late 16th - early 17th centuries. The bas-reliefs of Hindu deities along the outer wall, chariots for religious rites and festivals look very impressive. In the eastern part from the entrance grows a bodhi tree, and behind it is a sacred pond.

Overall - a place worthy of attention. The temple is very often visited during a trip from Negombo to Anuradhapura or to other northern resorts of Sri Lanka.