| Sri Lanka is one of the most religiously and culturally | | | | for Hindus in Sri Lanka and every year thousands of |
| diverse nations in South Asia. Despite the country's | | | | devotees make a pilgrimage here from all over the |
| majority population being Buddhist, other religions | | | | country. |
| such as Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are practiced | | | | The main temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is |
| by about thirty percent of the population. These | | | | one of the most important Hindu deities according to |
| religions have been practiced in Sri Lanka for | | | | the Vedic texts. The other temples are dedicated to |
| centuries and, in the case of Hinduism, for thousands | | | | other gods and some even to deities that exist only |
| of years. Therefore they have been woven | | | | in local folklore such as Ayyanayake. Because of this, |
| intricately into the nation's social fabric. | | | | the Munneswaram Temple is popular among people |
| The Munneswaram Temple, which is located in the | | | | belonging to any religion and thousands of Buddhist |
| country's Northwestern coastline north of the capital | | | | and Catholic pilgrims also flock here to gain blessings. |
| of Colombo, is an example of the religious harmony | | | | The architecture of the temple is similar to that of |
| that prevails in the island. Despite its name, the | | | | Hindu temples found in South India, but certain |
| temple is actually a complex of religious buildings that | | | | buildings sport influences gained from Buddhists and |
| also include a Buddhist temple. The Munneswaram | | | | even European design styles. |
| Temple is considered to be one of the holiest sites | | | | |