The Koneswaran Kovil (Hindu temple) in Trincomalee is considered to be one of the five Ashrams (abodes) of God Shiva, thus making it one of the most important Hindu Temples in the country.
This is a classical medieval Hindu temple which is linked to the Ramayana Yatra in Sri Lanka.
The Kovil, dedicated to God Shiva, is about 2 k.m. away from the Trincomalee town in the Fort Fredric by the sea. The Kovil is said to have existed even before the arrival of Prince Vijaya 2,500 years ago.
According to the Ramayana story, this is a wonderful temple on a rock promontory built by Rishi Agastya on the instructions of God Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. The history has it that Indian Pallawa, Chola and Pandyan kings had contributed to the upkeep of this religious site.
The temple has flourished since its inception as many kingdoms in Sri Lanka and India such as the Anuradhapura kingdom, Chola empire, Pandyan kingdom and the Jaffna kingdom made sure to protect the place of worship. Not only Hindu devotees but also Buddhists and Christians visit this place of worship almost everyday.
“Lovers’ leap” is a cliff which is a few metres away from the temple’s main shrine room. There are several stories woven around this place. One story focuses on Francina Van Reed, the daughter of a distinguished Dutch gentleman during the Dutch colonial period.
Young Francina was engaged to a Dutch officer and was set to get married soon. Sadly, the officer decided to break off the engagement and return to his motherland in Europe. The devastated Francina who was left distraught and helpless, climbed the Swami Rock and watched as her beloved sailed off from the island never to return. The heartbroken Francina leapt off the rock shortly after and plunged into the murky depth of the ocean. The location has come to be known as “Lovers’ Leap” ever since.
There is an interesting legend regarding this site. When Ravana’s mother was ailing, he wanted to remove the temple of Koneswaran. As he was heaving the rock, God Shiva made him drop his sword. As a result of this, a cleft was created on the rock which is today called Ravana’s cleft”.
There is a tree decorated with multi-coloured cradles near the main shrine. It is called the cradle tree. The cradles have been hung on the tree by women who have no children. They make vows to God Shiva and hang these cradles with the hope of a childbirth.
