See the Muthumariamman Temple in Matale
See the Muthumariamman Temple in Matale
While you’re exploring the historic treasures situated within the Cultural Triangle region of Sri Lanka, be sure to schedule a stop off at the Muthumariamman Temple in Matale.
Most travellers touring the island will come across Matale as they travel between the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa toward Kandy. Matale is about fifteen miles from Kandy, close to the spice gardens we visit on our Sri Lanka Itinerary, 15 Day Group Family Tour, 8 Day Group Highlights, Luxury Tour and Honeymoon Tour of Sri Lanka.
As well as the spice gardens, the Aluvihara Rock Monastery is also located on the outskirts of the city and is well worth a visit while you’re in the area.
Exuberantly decorated, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman
Near to the main road through Matale, the Muthumariamman Hindu temple is a tall, exuberantly decorated structure that can be easily seen from afar. The prominent towers, called Gopurams, boast hundreds of detailed sculptures, in a rich mosaic of colour. These Gopurams structures can be seen in other Hindu temples across the island, as well as in Southern India.
Dedicated to the Hindu goddess of Mariamman, the ‘muthu’ prefix translates as ‘pearl’ and indicates the goddess’s original association with fertility, but today Mariamman is the deity celebrated as the protector of diseases such as smallpox and the bringer of rains.
The Muthumariamman Temple was originally built in 1852 by Thiyagaraja Chettiar. It was damaged in the early 1980s but it has since been fully repaired and is a splendid and must see sight when travelling within the Cultural Triangle.
