Visit Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil: Colombo's oldest Hindu temple

Colombo is the capital of a religious country. Between Buddhism, Islam and Christianity, it is a place where religions meet with respect. The Hindu temple, also called Kapikaawatha Shivan by its followers, is not just another temple in the capital.

The temple with its colourful divinities, which stands proudly in the Pettah district, is a reminder of the painful period when Sri Lanka was occupied by the colonialists.

Commonly known as the "Capitan's Garden Hindu Temple", it was built by a group of Indian merchants who arrived in Sri Lanka on business. At the time, Colombo's Hindus had no place of worship. They gathered around a Sivalingam, the iconic symbol of the Hindu religion. Desolate at not having a proper temple to pray to the gods, the merchants had the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil temple built in 1873. The temple is dedicated to the devinities Shiva and Ganesh, two protagonists of the Hindu religion.

Shiva, the creator

Shiva is one of the most important gods in the Hindu religion. The god Shiva occupies an important place in the Hindu religion. He is the creator, the presenter, the transformer, the concealer and the revealer. He is widely idolised and depicted in various statues and paintings in temples, and forms part of the Trimūrti trilogy, along with Brahma and Vishnu.

Ganesh, the god who removes obstacles

Ganesh, in the form of an elephant, is the god of intelligence, wisdom, education and prudence. As such, he is the protector of schools and knowledge workers.

Outside, the towers known as "Gopuras" symbolise the hustle and bustle of the world. They feature men and divinities, each more colourful than the last. They recount episodes from Hindu mythology.

The other part of the temple, the sanctuary, with its strict, square architecture, represents Brahman, the ultimate reality. Conversely, it represents discretion and austere grandeur.

This type of construction, known as Dravidian architecture, is typical of South India and the Tamil people. Inside, the main tomb is dedicated to the god Shiva. The walls and ceilings are painted and decorated with statues of the Hindu gods.

There are two ideal times to visit the interior of the temple.

• From 6 am to 10 am
• 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is important to plan your visit around these times. Visiting a sacred site is always a special experience. At all hours, worshippers roam the temple lighting candles here and there. Some meditate, others sweep the floor.

As throughout the country, the balance between order and disorder seems to be perfect.

We advise you, as we did, to simply walk around the place.

A devotee will certainly come up to you to mark you with a bindi. This mark, often red, was originally made of cow's blood and earth. Today, a little red dye on the thumb is enough to mark the third eye. Sometimes, someone will give you a flower necklace to wear around your neck.

What to wear

As in all Sri Lankan temples, it is important to dress modestly. These places are sacred and symbolic for many people. Whether you are a man or a woman, remember to cover your shoulders and ankles.

Taking photos

Don't forget to ask permission before taking out your camera to take photos of deities or people. It may be considered impolite to do so without permission.

🚌 How do I get to the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil temple?

By foot

Located in the north of the city, it only takes a few minutes to walk to the temple from the centre.

By tuk-tuk or taxi

From your hotel or guesthouse, you can ask at reception for a taxi or tuk-tuk. The price will be a little higher than if you find one on the street, but it's practical. You can also use the Pickme and Uber apps to get around Colombo.

👛 How much does it cost to get in?

Admission is free. If someone asks you to pay in front of the temple, it's a scam. On the other hand, it's better to give a few rupees to the person in charge of the temple if you take several photos of the interior. Even if it's not really official, you can consider it as a contribution to the upkeep of the place.

⌛ How long will you be staying?

The temple can be visited in 1 hour.

👉 What can I visit in the surrounding area?

The temple is located in the Pettah district. So you can continue your visit to Colombo by taking a stroll around the district. It's a very lively area where you can eat and quench your thirst in the many restaurants.

The Fort district, just a stone's throw away, offers a view of Colombo harbour and many historic monuments to visit. Finally, the Pettah Floating Market is a 20-minute walk away, passing through the Pettah district. On the way, you can visit the Red Mosque, or the Pettah market.