Munneswaram festival to be held on grand scale

Text and picture Christie Fernando, - Chilaw special correspondent

Festival dates

* September 4 - Ganadevi celebration
* September 5 - Kataragama Devi commemoration
* September 6 - Maha Vishnu Perahera
* September 7 - Fire-walking ceremony
* September 8 - Bhikshadana Perahera
* September 9 - Nadesar Perahera
* September 10 - Amba Vidina Perahera
* September 11 - The Great Chariot Perahera
* September 12 - Water-cutting Ceremony, Perahera
* September 14 - Mangala Festival

The annual month-long Hindu Festival at the Shri Munneswaram temple dedicated to Lord Shiva will begin with the flag-hoisting ceremony on August 16.

Processions and ceremonies will be held daily in the precincts of the sacred temple.

The festival will last for 28 days during August and September. Devotees in large numbers will gather at the temple to make their offerings and invoke the blessings of the deities.

After the water-cutting ceremony at Deduru Oya on the final day, a wooden chariot drawn by two white bulls draped in silk and adorned with garlands carrying the deity is escorted in procession through the streets of Chilaw town, with the beating of drums, playing of flutes and Kavadi dancing.

Celebrations are held till late at night at the promenade of the sea beach, Chilaw and in the early hours of the morning. The Ther returns to the temple square and Munneswaram hamlet goes back to its perennial slumber till the ensuing year.

With peace prevailing in the country, a large number of pilgrims are expected from all over the country especially from Jaffna, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Devotees are also expected from India.

Munneswaram is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the island.

According to legend, Rama after slaying Ravana was returning to India with Sita when a feeling of guilt gripped him. Passing Munneswaram he saw the spire of the temple and decided to worship there. Legend has it that while praying, Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathy appeared before him. Sympathizing him He ordered him to enshrine three Sivalingams, one in each of the most sacred places; Munneswaram, Koneswaram and Thiruketheeswaram. According to legend, Rama built the temple at the spot now known as Munneswaram.