Trinco historic Pathirakali Amman temple festival begins

[TamilNet, Sunday, 09 March 2003, 18:18 GMT]
The annual festival ('mahotsavam') of the historic Pathirakali Ambal Temple in Trincomalee commenced Saturday with the flag hoisting ceremony. The ten-day 'Mahotsavam' comes to an end on March 17 with the chariot (Ther) festival. The next day water cutting ceremony will be held in the Back Bay Sea in the east port town, sources said.

Trincomalee Pathirakali Ambal Temple is one the most revered Amman temples in the island not only by Hindus even by Sinhalese Buddhists. Buddhists in Trincomalee attend daily poojahs and making vows in this temple.

The history of the leading Amman temple in the island goes back to eleventh century AD when King Rajendra Cholan 1st ruled the country, sources said.

According to Professor of History Dr.S.Gunasingham, the archaeological finds of the temple prove that the history of the temple goes even beyond 11th century AD.

The chief deity of temple Pathirali amman is being taken out of temple in procession after flag hoisting.

Devotees performing 'Angaprathadshanam'
click on the figure for a larger picture