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SRI LANKA, MARCH 12, 2005: Three-day procession of Lord Konesar, chief deity of historic Trincomalee Koneswaram Temple, with his consort Mathumai Ambal concluded Saturday early morning. The procession commenced Wednesday evening from Koneswaram Temple following Maha Sivarathiri Day celebrations. Sources said about six thousand coconuts were dashed on the road. Following the tsunami disaster, this year roads were not gaily decorated. However, devotees thronged in thousands and paid obeisance to Lord Konesar as the procession went through all main roads in the east port town. Residents received Lord Konesar with poorna kumbam in front of their houses, sources said. A Sinhalese businessman dashed six coconuts in front of his shop when the procession passed through Ehambaram Road, fulfilling his vow. Sources said Buddhists along with Hindus revered Lord Konesar. Many of Hindus and members of other faiths were of the view that, compared to other coastal areas in the northeast, the recent natural disaster did not cause serious damage to the port town because of the rock where Lord Konesar abode is located, sources said.



The history of the original Trincomalee Koneswaram temple goes back to 1589 bce as recorded by a Poet Kavi Rajavarothiam in his Tamil poem. King Kulakottan was an Indian Prince who, in the 5th century ce rebuilt and enlarged the Koneswaram temple, which was later destroyed by the Portuguese in 1624 on the Hindu New Year day, according to historical records. The carved stones of the destroyed ancient Koneswaram temple can be seen today in the ramparts of Fort Frederick. “A walk round the ramparts of Fort Frederick today will reward the interested searcher with many treasures in the shape of granite blocks and carvings. These are the undoubted remains of the old Koneswaram temple,” said Lt. Colonel G.P.Thomas in his book, “The History of Trincomalee.” Thomas wrote this book when he was serving in Trincomalee during 1940s. “Whatever its actual date, however, the fact of the temple’s existence is incontrovertible, and it is impossible not to feel the awe-inspiring romance of these aged stones over which time and war have flailed unavailing,” said Thomas.

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