Our Heritage
Serving the Ginthupitiya community since 1813.
A Kovil of Ginthupitiya
Founded in 1813, Sri Sivaraja Vinayagar Swamy Kovil sits inside the Ramlal Maharajah Dharma Chatram, a charitable rest-house in Ginthupitiya. It is dedicated to Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha), the remover of obstacles.
The kovil has served the Ginthupitiya community through Colombo's changes. Its daily pujas and its festivals have continued across the generations.
Today the buildings need repair, and the trustees are raising funds to restore the kovil so it can keep serving the community.
- Founded
- 1813
- Age
- 213 years
- Location
- Ginthupitiya, Colombo 13
Milestones
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Foundation
The Ramlal Maharajah Dharma Chatram was established during the British colonial period, providing a sacred space for Hindu worship in Colombo.
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Kovil Expansion
The kovil underwent its first major expansion, with the addition of the main sanctum and gopuram (gateway tower).
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Community Growth
The Ginthupitiya community flourished around the kovil, making it a central hub for cultural and religious gatherings.
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Renovation
Major renovation works were undertaken to preserve the kovil's historic architecture and sacred spaces.
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Celebrations
The kovil celebrated its continuing legacy with special pujas and community events.
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Restoration Initiative
Launch of the restoration campaign to preserve this heritage site for future generations.
The Ramlal Maharajah Dharma Chatram
The kovil stands inside the Ramlal Maharajah Dharma Chatram, a charitable rest-house built in 1813. It gave shelter and a place of worship to pilgrims and travellers.
A dharma chatram, also called a choultry, was a place of rest for travellers, offering food, water, and a place to worship. The kovil was established within it.
Together the chatram and kovil remain a heritage site in Ginthupitiya, kept by the community through the generations.
The kovil needs repair
The building that has stood since 1813 now needs roof repair, gopuram restoration, and safe wiring.
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