Amarnthakali Kovil near Batticaloa

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Amarnthakali Kovil near Batticaloa

Shri Mamangeshwarar Kovil in Amarnthakali, or Amirthakally, 6 kms away from Batticaloa, is a well-known holy place for Hindus, who believe that bathing in the sacred water of Mamangeshwarar tank will improve the rebirth conditions for their deceased relatives. Besides the main temple for Kali Amman there are shrines for Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Amarnthakali furthermore is believed to be the site where Lord Rama and his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana took their first meal after the war. The so-called Old or Hanuman Lake is said to have extinguished the fire set on Lord Hanuman’s tail.