KETHEESWARAM TEMPLE

This ancient Hindu temple, also called Thiruketheeswaram Kovil, overlooks the ports of Manthai and Kudiramalai. The date of establishment of the temple is not known, but according to some historians, it existed long before the arrival of the Vijayas in 600 B.C. It is of great importance to Hindus as it is one of the Pancha Iswarams (the five abodes of Shiva) of the island. It has been restored, renovated and expanded several times in the early 20th century. This colourful temple is worth a stop if you are driving between Mannar and Jaffna