Chariot festival in Koneswaram temple after AD 1624

[TamilNet, Sunday, 30 March 2003, 15:22 GMT]
For the first time after the destruction by Portuguese invaders in 1624 “ Ther” (chariot ) festival is to be held in the historic Koneswaram temple in Trincomalee on April 3rd Thursday. The newly constructed “Ther” was taken around the temple on a trial-run successfully Sunday morning amid thousands of devotees chanting prayers.

Newly constructed Ther for Koneswaram temple on trial run

Until the historic Koneswaram temple was destroyed by the Portugese, Ther festival was held annually, historical records say. Since the destruction of the old temple and the consecration of the new temple in 1963 no ‘Ther’ festival was held.

The present management of the temple succeeded in constructing a new Ther for the temple after a lapse of 369 years.

The annual festival of Trincomalee Koneswaram temple began on March 18th with the flag hoisting religious event. After ‘Ther” festival, the water cutting ceremony will be held Friday at Papanasa Theertham, the holy well within the Fort Frederick which is surrounded the Sri Lanka Army barracks, sources said.

The chief deity of the Koneswaram Temple. Lord Konesar will be taken to the Papanasa Theertham well for a holy dip. Both Ther and water cutting ceremonies will be held under the auspices of the Trincomalee Urban Council, temples sources said.

The Boat Festival is to be held on April 6 under the auspices of Sri Lanka Port Authority. The chief deity Lord Konesar will be taken in a decorated boat around the temple in the sea.