The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is an important Hindu Kovil in Jaffna, Sri Lanka’s northern capital city. The temple’s foundation dates to 948 A.D., but invasions led to its relocation several times within Nallur. The structure was built in 1749 and features a five-story gopuram, or ornately carved tower, in the South Indian Dravidian architectural style. It’s a central part of the Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu identity, with similar temples built worldwide. The temple honours Lord Murugan at the principal shrine, as well as other deities of the Hindu pantheon.
The Nallur Kovil is not just an important religious centre but also an important cultural and historic centre of the North that attracts devotees and visitors from all over the country. It is known as the largest Hindu Kovil in Sri Lanka. Every year, a grand festival takes place here in August, lasting for 25 days, that features processions with the temple’s deity, body-pierced devotees, and various elaborately decorated vehicles.
The first Nallur temple structure was established during the reign of the Chola Dynasty, around the 10th century. During this period, the temple served as a key spiritual centre for the Hindu population. However, the initial temple faced demolition in the 13th century due to invasions and faced some decline. During the Portuguese and Dutch periods, the temple was destroyed by the Portuguese and was only later rebuilt in the 17th century, although not as masterfully as the original.
Nallur Kovil covers a broad area and is surrounded by high walls, creating an atmosphere of seclusion. Consisting of a main sanctum, shrines of deities, a tower and a pond, there are four tower entrances for entrance from each direction.
Tip: Remember to dress respectfully and wear sombre clothing
A kovil tower entrance called a Gopuram serves as the main gateway into the temple and is usually a tall ornate structure containing statues, scriptures, and important Hindu pantheon figures.
The symmetrical courtyard houses many shrines, and the temple pond is used for ritual purposes.
The main sanctum is a shrine and idol of Lord Murugan. The kovil is dedicated to the Hindu god of War, also known as Skanda. It is made of carved stones and high-quality wood. Of special interest are the intricate wood carvings depicting celestials and religious symbols.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
Jaffna
Tel:+94212219353
Open: Daily (4:30 am- 5:15 am, 7:30 am-12:00 pm, 3:00 pm-6:15 pm, Mondays to Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Fridays 4:15 am-12 pm and 3:00 pm-6:15 pm)
Tickets: Entrance is Free, but donations are a custom.