Eelathu Chithambaram (Karainagar Sivan Temple)

This outstanding shrine dedicated to Thillai Chithambaram (of South India) Nadarajar has no parallel in any other part of Sri Lanka. This temple is appropriately bestowed with MOORTHY, THALAM and THEERTHAM. The Indian Ocean lies to the North of this temple and the Ponnalai lagoon is on its East. At the entrance there are two majestic towers (Raja Gopuram) constructed with granite slabs. The Chief Deities of this temple are Lord Sunthareswarar and His consort Savuntharambikai. The trees of this temple are Bo tree (Arasamaram) Illuppai and Vanni are consisted sacred.

The 39 feet high temple chariot (or Ther in Tamil) consists of the carved out figures of 108 Siva thandavam, 63 images of Saiva saints and 25 forms of Maheswara Moorthams (Godly images) in its five ascending bases of artful architecture. The dry run of this Ther was conducted on 10.01.2006.

Annually three high festivals are conducted. The Thiruvathirai festival is conducted grandly with hundreds of thousands of worshippers in attendance at the Arudhra Dharshan and the procession of the five chariots. Annually six special festivals are observed and Abhishekams performed to invoke the blessing of Lord Nadarajar. A special high festival is conducted to seek the grace of Goddess Savuntharambikai on Aadi Pooram day and another special festival is conducted to glorify Lord Somaskadar on Panguni Uththaram day.

Contact Person: Northern Province

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