Title : Glories of Thiruketheeswaram
Author : Dr Subashini Pathmanathan An author publication
Shiva worship in Sri Lanka is deep rooted and interwoven in the ethos of the Sri Lankan Hindu community. It is based on Saiva Agama tradition, Hindu Dharma and rituals. The island is dotted with numerous Hindu temples. Among them, there are two outstanding temples: the Thiruketheeswaram temple in the Northern coast of the island and Thirukoneswaram in the Trincomalee District.
The area surrounding Thirukoneswaram is regarded as the citadel of legendary Ravana’s kingdom and Thiruketheeswaram is often referred to as South Kailasam or Mount Kailash of the South.
In ancient times, Thiruketheeswaram was referred to as Mathottam because the sea port Mathottam existed close to the temple. The temple was originally built by Mayan, father-in-law of Ravana. The author has delved deep into the history of Thiruketheeswaram giving the reader a graphic account of the temple.
According to the author, Kethu Bhagavan had performed numerous forms of worship at the Thiruketheeswaram temple. Even Lord Rama had visited Thiruketheeswaram temple and installed a Velli Lingam (a lingam made of silver). The All Ceylon Hindu Congress selected Thiruketheeswaram to establish a Gurukulam for the priests to enrich their knowledge. It was inaugurated in 1962. The students were given three years rigorous training in several subjects including Sanskrit, Tamil and Hindu religious rituals. After the training, the priests were sent out to serve in Hindu temples in different parts of the island.
A large number of pilgrims visit the Thiruketheeswaram temple to celebrate the Maha Shivarathri Festival. Saiva devotees also take part in the Theertha Kavadi procession.
In a separate chapter, the author has traced the earlier temple location and surroundings. In1952, Thiruvaska Maddam was established by Saiva devotees. To educate the children of the area, Gowry Ammal School was established. This is followed by an elaborate description of the new Thiruketheeswaram temple.
The author has not forgotten to include the contributions made by Arumugam Navalar who took a keen interest in rebuilding the temple and restoring the daily rituals. On the other hand, the contribution made to the temple by the Nattukottai Chettiar community was immense.
The Thiruketheeswaram temple faced many challenges in recent times. Due to the 30-year conflict, temple activities ceased for more than a decade. However, the Thiruketheeswaram temple was finally handed over to the Executive Administrative Committee.
The book comes with a large number of colour pictures of the temple and its colourful festivals. The value of the book has been enhanced by the inclusion of the 108 Thandava Karanas of Lord Shiva. This will be very useful for those who learn Bharathanatyam.
Dr. Subashini Pathmanathan is a well-known Bharathanatyam teacher, author of several books and a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines. Her latest book, Glories of Thiruketheeswaram, will adorn any private or public library. It is available at leading bookshops.
