The Shankari Devi temple is believed to be in Sri Lanka at Trimkomali. Currently, there is no temple available here and the temple is said to have been destroyed by the Portuguese between the 16th and 17th centuries.
According to the priest’s account, the Portuguese who invaded the island in the 17th century completely cannon balled from their ship and demolished the cliff of the Devi temple. In its place stands a lonely pillar, like a silent spectator.
The temple of Sankari devi which was exactly at the top of a hill was ruined by foreign invaders. However, Amma’s idol is said to have been preserved in the present temple, which is next to where the idol originally stood.
Sri Lanka Sankari Devi Peetham Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
About Shankari Devi Temple:
The famous Shankari temple in Sri Lanka is one of the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas. Many have heard the Ashtadasha Shaktipeeth Shloka starting with LANKAAYAAM SHAANKARI DEVI ……….. – composed of Adi Shankaracharya which means Shankari in Lanka. This Shloka lists the locations of Devi temples which are considered to be part of the 18 Devi Peethas.
But hardly anyone in Sri Lanka knew of a famous Devi temple in the country. Even on the Internet, there was not much authentic information available. The temple is said to be located in the famous town of Trincomalee on the east coast. Sri Shankari Devi temple, according to the priest of Trincomalee, says that the Portuguese who invaded the island in the 17th century completely demolished Devi temple from their ship.
The current Shiva temple, known locally as the Shankari temple, was a recent construction. Lord Shiva is called TRIKONESHVARA (probably because it is located in Trincomalee, which is actually TRI CONA MALAI, which means a triangle-shaped hill). There is a small Devi shrine built next to the Shiva temple. The famous Bilva tree which stands just on the edge of the hill a few hundred meters above the Indian Ocean. It is an exciting and spectacular sight to see. In general, the silence reflects what is most needed in this war-torn nation which is rightly called paradise. There is also a famous Kali temple in the heart of the city that devotees can visit on the way from Shankari temple.
Sri Lanka Shankari Devi Peeth Address:
Trincomalee,
Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 77 879 1463
What is the best way to visit this Shakti Peetham from India. Please advise
Dear Jayashree Tatavarti
You don’t need a visa to visit Sri Lanka, so feel free to plan your trip anytime. The temple is located 268 km from Colombo. You can easily find local travel options and buses to reach your destination. Enjoy your journey!