📍 Location

Thiruketheeswaram, Mannar District, Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Main Deities

• Lord Shiva as Ketheeswaran

• Goddess Parvati as Ketheeswaram Amman (Gowri)

🌳 Sacred Elements

• Granite Shiva Lingam: Unearthed in the 1950s, this ancient lingam is believed to have been buried during the Portuguese destruction in the 16th century, preserving its sanctity through centuries.

• Temple Architecture: Built in the traditional Dravidian style, the temple boasts soaring gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with intricate carvings, reflecting the devotion and artistry of its creators.

📖 Legends

• Ramayana Connection: Believed to be the site where Kethu Bhagavan (the planet Ketu) worshipped Lord Shiva, hence the name "Ketheeswaram" .

• Skanda Purana: Mentions the temple as one of the five Pancha Ishwarams, ancient coastal temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

✨ Specialties

• Pancha Ishwaram: One of the five ancient coastal temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Sri Lanka.

• Restoration: Rebuilt in the early 20th century after destruction by the Portuguese in the 16th century, with further renovations by the Thiruketheeswaram Restoration Society in the 1950s.

📜 Scriptural Importance

• Tevaram Connection: Part of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, temples praised in the Tamil hymns of the Nayanmars.

• Dakshina Kailasam: Referred to as the "Southern Kailasam," emphasizing its significance in the Tamil Saivite tradition.

🙏 Benefits of Worship

• Spiritual Merit: Devotees believe that worshipping here grants spiritual merit and purification of sins.

• Planetary Influence: Specifically associated with alleviating the malefic effects of Ketu (the South Node of the Moon) in one's horoscope.

📖 Thevaram Connection (Naalvar)

• Sambandar: Composed hymns praising Lord Shiva at this temple.

• Sundarar: Also contributed hymns, highlighting the temple's prominence in the Tamil Saivite tradition.