Thirukkovil Temple | |
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திருக்கோவில் Thirukkovil Arulmigu Citra Velayudha Swami Aalayam | |
Religion | |
Affiliation | Hinduism |
District | Ampara |
Province | Eastern |
Deity | Sithiravelayuthar (his Vel) |
Festivals | Utsava and Śrāddha centered on Aadi Amavasai |
Location | |
Country | Sri Lanka |
Geographic coordinates | 7°7′6″N 81°51′22″E / 7.11833°N 81.85611°E |
Architecture | |
Type | Tamil architecture |
Inscriptions | Thambiluvil Inscription |
Thirukkovil Temple (officially Thirukkovil Citra Velayudha Swami Kovil, Tamil: திருக்கோவில் சித்திரவேலாயுத சுவாமி ஆலயம்) is the most significant Hindu temple in Thirukkovil, Ampara District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.[1][2][3] It is dedicated to Chitravelayudhar (Cittiravēlāyutar, literally "One with elegant spear") who was once the guardian deity of Mattakkalappu Desam (Batti - Ampara districts nowadays) and this temple enjoyed the honor of Desathukkovil (Tēcattukkōvil, royal temple) of the Batticaloa region.[4] Archaeological and historical evidences suggest that Cholan, Kotte and Kandyan kings maintained strong relations with this temple in the past.[5]
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