நல்லூர் கந்தசுவாமி கோவில்
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil — Jaffna's Sacred Crown
A living testament to Tamil heritage and devotion, standing for over a thousand years on the sacred soil of Nallur Rajadhani.
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A living testament to Tamil heritage and devotion, standing for over a thousand years on the sacred soil of Nallur Rajadhani.
The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the most revered Hindu temple in northern Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Murugan — the divine warrior deity known as Kartikeya. Located in the ancient royal capital of Nallur, just 1.5 km from Jaffna town, this temple serves as the spiritual heartbeat of Tamil Hindu identity.
The presiding deity takes the form of the sacred Vel (divine spear) in the main sanctum, with secondary shrines housing Shanmugar, Muthukumaraswami, and Valli Kanthar with consorts Valli and Deivayanai.
"Why fear when I am here at Nallur"
— Words of Lord Murugan to the DevoteesThe original Kandaswamy Temple was founded on the sacred land known as "Kurukkal Valavu" in Nallur. This marked the beginning of a spiritual legacy that would endure through centuries of upheaval and transformation.
The temple was developed by Puvenaya Vaku, a minister to Jaffna King Kalinga Magha. Nallur served as the royal capital, with the king's palace near the temple. The city was designed as a traditional Hindu temple town with four gated entrances.
Sapumal Kumaraya (Chempaha Perumal), adopted son of King Parakramabahu VI of Kotte, built the grand third iteration. The kovil functioned as a defensive fort with towering walls, embodying both spiritual and military significance.
Portuguese conqueror Filipe de Oliveira demolished the temple following the conquest of the Jaffna Kingdom. Churches were erected over the original temple sites. The original kovil's location is now occupied by St. James' Church, Nallur.
The fourth and present temple was constructed by Don Juan Ragunatha Maapaana Mudaliyar during the Dutch colonial era. Initially built with bricks, stones, and a cadjan roof, it enshrined the sacred Vel at its centre.
Under successive custodians, the temple underwent extensive renovations. The first bell tower rose in 1899, granite was laid in 1902, and fortified walls erected. Today, with four gopurams and six bell towers, it stands as the largest Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Main Gopuram — East Entrance
Dravidian Architecture
Temple Complex View
Sacred Grounds
Gopuram Sculptures
The main east-facing entrance features an ornately carved five-story gopuram tower in the classical Dravidian architecture style, adorned with vibrant deity sculptures.
The main shrine houses Lord Murugan in the form of the divine Vel (sacred spear), a unique representation that distinguishes Nallur from other Murugan temples.
The temple's six bell towers and four gopurams rise within fortified walls, giving Nallur the appearance of a sacred citadel.
Shrines for Ganesha, Palliyarai, Sandana Gopalar, Gajavalli Mahavalli, Vairavar, and Surya — a complete sacred universe within its walls.
The southern section houses the sacred Theertha Keni (holy bathing well) and the Thandayudhapaani shrine for ritual purification.
Renowned for punctuality and order, Nallur conducts Nithya Akkini and Nithya Utsawam daily. Tuesdays, Fridays, and Tirukarttikai are especially significant.
The annual festival spans 25 glorious days during July and August, concluding with the August new moon. It is the largest Hindu temple festival in the Jaffna peninsula, drawing thousands from across Sri Lanka and the global Tamil diaspora.
Point Pedro Road, Nallur, Jaffna
Approximately 1.5 km from Jaffna town centre. Easily accessible by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or on foot.
Morning: 4:30 AM — 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM — 9:00 PM
Special puja timings on Tuesdays, Fridays, and full moon days.
Modest clothing required. Men should wear a verti/sarong or long trousers without a shirt. Women should wear a saree or modest clothing. Footwear must be removed.
July — August (25 days)
The annual Nallur Festival is the best time to visit. Book accommodation early as Jaffna fills with pilgrims during this period.
Whether you're a devotee seeking spiritual solace or a traveller exploring Jaffna's rich heritage, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil promises an experience that transcends time.
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