Madhu Catholic Church, Mannar, Sri Lanka.

With a history going back to the time of the Dutch Colonial rule of Sri Lanka, this church of the Virgin Mary draws large crowds from all over the Island. Founded by refugees who hid in the jungles during Dutch persecution of Catholics, this church in the jungle has an annual feast when devotees in their thousands come here to camp out and partake of the festivities.

Pesalai to Thantrimale by road, June 2014, Sri Lanka.

Donkeys running free, Pesalai.

Road from Pesalai.

Roaming domestic cattle, Cheddikulam.

Back from school, Murungan.

Giant's tank.

Entrance to the Thantrimale complex.

Please click on the web-link below:-

http://youtu.be/8DNWfqU39es

Thirukketheeswaram to Pesalai, Mannar, A road trip, June 2014, Sri Lanka.

The 'Gopuram of the Thirukketheeswaram temple.

The causeway leading to Mannar town.

Catholic church at Pesalai with a 500 year history.

Fishing boats at Pesalai.

An ancient light-house with facilities to burn fire-wood at the top, Pesalai.

Please click on the  web-link below to see more photos:-

http://youtu.be/XL1njx133Uw

Jaffna to Thirukketheeswaram, a road trip, Sri Lanka.

Past Sanguppiddy on the bridge along the causewat going to Poonekary.

Left Jaffna town at 9.05am and reached Thirukketheeswaram temple close to Mannar at 11.15 with a 5 minute stop on the way. Beautiful drive.

Please click on the web-link below to watch the series of photos taken along the way:-

http://youtu.be/ZJwbp7F1mqU

Naagar Kovil temple, Point-Pedro - Chempiyanpattu road, Sri Lanka.

Two old trees in the temple premises.

The rebuilt temple, with the story of the Portuguese ship on the left side of the 'Gopuram"..

Going back a long time, legend has it that a devotee of Lord Shiva was directed to this place to seek a 'five-headed Cobra'. He found it and made an idol of the Cobra out of gold and started a temple here. Legend has it that a Portuguese sailing ship had attempted to abduct some villagers from this place. The ship was invaded by a 'five-headed cobra' and it left the ship only when the abducted villagers were returned. This story is depicted as images near the 'Gopuram' of this temple.