Chris Pearrow
A Powerful Experience
While Sri Lanka is a predominately Buddhist country, it still has a very sizable Hindu community and a wealth of historic and otherworldly Hindu temples. One of the most important Hindu temples in Colombo is the Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil (alternatively called the Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil) located out the outskirts of Colombo's hectic market neighborhood of Pettah.
The temple is built of solid grey granite which gives an ancient feel to the exterior, like something you'd find lost in a thick jungle rather than in the heart of cosmopolitan Colombo. The exterior is rather non-descript, but the interior is one of the single most powerful and memorable things I saw during my time in Sri Lanka.
The interior of the Sri Ponnambalam Vensar Kovil is based around a central island (known as a Mandir) which contains the interior shrine. Around the island is a long hallway lined with shrines to various deities and icons. The atmosphere of the interior is what will really stick with you. Dim lighting, candles, incense, chanting, the hypnotic ringing of the "ghanta" prayer bell, the shirtless priest adorned with beads and red paint presiding over the Mandir. It sounds cliche, but it really does ooze a sense of spirituality that's difficult to describe in words.
Photography is prohibited in the interior of the temple, but I managed to snap a photo before the security guard politely told me that it wasn't allowed. I'd suggest setting aside an hour of your day to wander around the intricately-carved interior, admiring the ornate shrines and generally soaking in the atmosphere. It's a place of worship (and an important one at that) so remember to dress modestly and maintain a low profile while you're inside.
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