The Koneswaram Temple is a majestic, multi-tiered Shaivite shrine perched on Swami Rock, a sheer promontory that drops 130 metres directly into the sea at Trincomalee. The original temple, said to date back over 2,500 years, was partially destroyed by colonial forces in the 17th century, but has been rebuilt and expanded into a place of great devotion and architectural beauty. The festival of Maha Shivaratri transforms the temple and surrounding town into a celebration of colour, music and devotion.
