The solution of the SU(2) quantum Chern-Simons field theory defined on a closed, connected and orientable three-manifold is presented. The vacuum expectation values of Wilson line operators, associated with framed links in a generic manifold, are computed in terms of the expectation values of the three-sphere. The method consists of using an operator realization of Dehn surgery. The rules, corresponding to the surgery instructions in the three-sphere, are derived and the three-manifold invariant defined by the Chern-Simons theory is constructed. Several examples are considered and explicit results are reported.