Pilgrimage to Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram is revered as one the Pancha Ishwaram of Sri Lanka. This is the abode of "Kona" (the Chief Lord or God). The presiding Siva deity's name is a combination the words of Kona and Ishwara.

The temple stands distinctly atop Konesar Malai, a high point of land that overlooks the Indian Ocean, near the Trincomalee (Thirukonamalai) District. The original temple is believed to be built around 205 bce, with key features resembling the Dravidian temple architecture, such as a thousand pillared hall.
The temple complex was destroyed by the Portuguese Empire in colonial religious attacks between 1622 and 1624, and Fort was built near the site from its debris. Ruins of the Koneswaram temple are still found underwater, and several murtis have been rediscovered.

Koneswaram is described in the Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is mentioned by Sambandhar and Sundarar Nayannar in Tevarams between 600-630 ce. Another prominent Saivite, Arunagirinathar visited here in 1468. In 1952 the Society for Restoration of Koneswaram did the initial reconstruction work and more renovations were done by local Tamils in 1982.

Satguru and Yogi Dayanatha enjoying the sunrise from the temple\

s cliffside'

Lyla Tanzi, next to Satguru Bodhinatha in silhouette, puts out her finger to grasp the mighty sun

By the mid 19th century worshippers began their offerings and prayers to the ruins of the temple in the sea below.

Small cradles are offered at the Koneswaram Temple by women wishing to have children.

Divyesh Nagarajan, Innersearch staff helper, has been a great asset for the program with video and other duties assigned.

The watcher

The original Nandi from the Chola period in its own Mandapam

The Thirunyana Sambhandar Thevaram stanza can be found here: http:\/\/www.koneswaram.com\/koneswaram-pathikam

The Burkes in silhouette

The temple has a small courtyard that is narrower towards the back, facing the sea.

Prayers inside the Temple

Satguru and the Innersearch pilgrims head down after prayers to the meditation courtyard

The Majestic God Siva statue is newly made and painted

Yogi Dayanatha, Yogi Jayanatha and Siddhanathaswami saying hello for the camera

The base of Koneswaram hill at dawn

The Naga Lingam on the cape. This is where the sunrise puja takes place

Before dawn, Temple prashadam is being prepared outside the temple

The Siva family in a small cliff cave flanked by the banyan tree roots

Sivakumaran enjoying a solo view of the wide open sea

A local fishing boat starting out the day just after dawn

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami looking far out into the horizon as the sun peeks out

Lord Thirukoneshwarar also known as Dakshinakailasha overlooks the Indian Ocean

Sunrise darshan for Sivakumaran, Ed Hawk, Vatshalan, Ramesh and all Innersearch pilgrims

In the early morning, fishing boats heading out for the day, They first make their stop below the Koneswaram Temple cliffs and then fetching water from above the underwater temple ruins. They pour it over the top of their boats seeking blessings for the day.

Sundari Devam from Alberta, Canada enjoying scenes at the break of dawn

Innersearch pilgrims offering prayers at one of the side shrines

After a brief meditation the Temple administrator and devotees offered Innersearch pilgrims some prasadam

The chital, also known as the spotted deer or axis deer, is a native to the Indian subcontinent and to Sri Lanka

Innersearch Pilgrims sat in the meditation spot near the Sivalingam by Ravana\

s Cleft in the rocky promontory'

Even the 15th century saint Arunagirinathar who primarily worshipped God Murugan praised and sang for Thirukoneshwarar

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