Mamankeshwaram/Sri Mamangeswarar Kovil Batticaloa,Sri Lanka
Very ancient and historical temple. The temple had the name of Maamanga Eashwara earlier, but for some reason, the name changed and is now known as Maamangam Pillayar. The temple is believed to be built at the exact spot where “Raman” performed his prayers to Lord Siva.
In the Ramayanam Rama defeated the king of Sri Lanka, Ravana, rescued Sita from prison, and on his way back to Ayodhya rested at the present site of the temple. He worshiped Shiva and sent Anuman to bring a Shiva lingam. Hanuman was late in bringing the Shiva lingam and made a lingam out of the soil there and worshiped Shiva. History also says that he got the tirtha necessary for sitting and worshiping . It is also said that the linga brought by the late Hanuman was buried at the place where Godandatha was buried. The lingam made by Rama is the main idol in the temple and the lingam brought by Hanuman is buried there and the Tirtha pond is located there.
Basically this temple is a Shivalayam and it is said that the Lord himself appeared in a dream and ordered Pillaiyar to worship and since then prayers are being held here for Pillaiyar. The administration of the temple belongs to the Velalar family of Kottamuna area and to the Gurukula family of Amritghazi area. (Descendants of 1880)
To the east of the temple is the Theerthakulam. In this pond every year June newmoon day Mamangeshwar’s Tirtha festival takes place. Tens of thousands of devotees participate in this festival and celebrate it with enthusiasm.
As the Tirtha tank of this temple was dug by Rama and the lingam brought by Hanuman was buried there, it has miraculous powers to cure many diseases. The sandalwood mud found in this pool is believed to have many rare medicinal properties and is a cure for various skin diseases.
This is a splendid temple of Lord Shiva and Vinayakar, and is visited by many devotees. The lake was where, Lord Hanuma extinguished his tail which was set on fire by the guards of Sri Lankan king, Raavana.
