Thirukkovil Temple (original) (raw)

Thirukkovil Temple (officially Thirukkovil Citra Velayudha Swami Kovil, Tamil: திருக்கோவில் சித்திரவேலாயுத சுவாமி ஆலயம்) is the most significant Hindu temple in Thirukkovil, Ampara District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to Chitravelayudhar (Cittiravēlāyutar, literally "One with elegant spear") who was once the guardian deity of Mattakkalappu Desam (Batti - Ampara districts nowadays) and this temple enjoyed the honor of Desathukkovil (Tēcattukkōvil, royal temple) of the Batticaloa region. Archaeological and historical evidences suggest that Cholan, Kotte and Kandyan kings maintained strong relations with this temple in the past.