Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Feel the sacred atmosphere in the temple where they keep the old traditions very well. The place has a special feeling that takes you to a respectful and timeless space. Remember to wear the right clothes to show respect and follow the traditions. In short, the temple is not just a place to pray but also a great example of keeping old customs alive. 🙏

My visit to Nallur Temple was a serene and spiritually enriching experience. The temple's intricate architecture and vibrant colors created a peaceful atmosphere that immediately captivated me🤍

The Nallur Murukan Temple is a cultural gem, providing a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the region. The friendly locals and knowledgeable staff were more than willing to share insights into the significance of the temple and its ceremonies.🙏💕

Nallur Temple, nestled in the heart of Jaffna, stands as a testament to both architectural splendor and cultural richness. A visit to this sacred site is an immersive journey into the soul of Hindu spirituality and the vibrant history of the region.

As you approach the temple, its grandeur is immediately striking. The entrance gate, adorned with intricate sculptures and vibrant colors, serves as a prelude to the wonders within. The temple’s main sanctum, dedicated to Lord Murugan, exudes an aura of divine tranquility. The gopurams (towers) stand tall, adorned with ornate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, each telling a story that adds layers to the temple’s significance.

The architecture is a harmonious blend of Dravidian and South Indian styles, reflecting the rich cultural exchanges that have shaped Jaffna over the centuries. The meticulous detailing in the sculptures and the symbolic representations throughout the temple showcase the craftsmanship of the artisans who dedicated their skills to this sacred space.

The spiritual ambiance inside the temple is palpable. Devotees, clad in vibrant traditional attire, offer prayers with unwavering devotion. The rhythmic chants and the fragrance of incense create an atmosphere that transcends the mundane, inviting visitors to connect with something profound and eternal.

Nallur Temple’s significance extends beyond its religious importance. It stands as a symbol of resilience, having withstood the tests of time and conflicts that have marked the history of the region. The temple has undergone renovations and rebuilds, each time re-emerging as a beacon of hope and cultural pride for the community.

The temple’s surroundings are well-maintained, offering a peaceful retreat for contemplation. The courtyard, adorned with sacred trees and flowering plants, provides a serene space for visitors to reflect and find solace. The temple’s role as a cultural center is evident in the various festivals and events that take place here, bringing the community together in celebration of their heritage.

A visit to Nallur Temple is not merely a tourist experience; it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of Jaffna’s cultural identity. It leaves an indelible impression, a mosaic of sights, sounds, and spirituality that lingers in the memory long after leaving its hallowed grounds. Nallur Temple is, without a doubt, a jewel in the crown of Jaffna’s cultural heritage.

One of the beautiful place in Jaffna. Not allow to take photos inside the kovil. If you are a male, not allow to wear shirt or t-shirt. You need to remove your top. But female, there're no restrictions.

Very interesting location, we went around 4pm where there was a ceremony, you had to cover your legs when entering and woman had to covers shoulder while men had to be bare chested. The temple is a bit different then other hindu temple less colorful but more gold shades

It is a famous temple in Jaffna having a tremendous religious history. A huge number of people gather for festivals in August. It is located on Pointpedro Road and about 3km from the town of Jaffna. Can

It is the one of the most sacred temples of Hindu religion situated in the heart of the Jaffna Town. Every year they performed the Nallur festival which attracts all the Hindu’s living in each part of the world. The festival is one of the glamorous cultural festivals in Sri Lanka. Temple is open from 3 pm to 6 pm in the evening for devotees to worship. If you can reach at the time of 3 pm, the crowd is less. All the men should remove their shirts before entering to the temple and women should wear dresses covering their shoulders and knees. Taking photographs inside the temple is prohibited.

Its a beautiful kovil. You cannot take photos inside the temple/kovil. Note: Gents are not allowed to cover their upper body. Ladies have to dress moderate.

I thinks this is very significant place for Hindu people in world. The presiding deity is Lord Murugan in the form of the holy 'Vel' in the Sanctum, the primary shrine, and in other forms, namely, Shanmugar, Muthukumaraswami, Valli Kaanthar with consorts Valli and Deivayanai, and Thandayuthapani, sans consorts in secondary shrines in the temple.

Now a days its big festival is over.i saw thier cultural and habits for their god... everyone must seen this Nallur Cultural festival...

Thanks lot...
Malan

Good tourist place to stop and take photos. Free entry. Must remove footware before entering the compound. Males must remove shirt before entering into the temple building. Can stay outside for photos.

Immersed in the divine aura of this breathtaking temple – where spirituality meets architectural splendor ❤ #SacredJourney #TempleElegance

Feel the sacred calm atmosphere in the temple where they keep the old traditions very well. The plac make you feel and that takes you to a respectful and timeless space. Remember to wear the right clothes to show respect and follow the traditions.if ur wearing shorts you can get clothes for free from shop infront of the kovil ( make sure to return them after use ).Make sure to turn off ur phones and leave ur bags in the area they provide. Please enter premises after washing ur legs

This is the main Kovil in Jaffna. Recommended for everyone to visit there.

If you’re a male you much have trouser or a saroon. Shorts are not allowed. Also you need to remove your top ware before entering in to Kovil premises.
Ladies and children doesn’t have any rules like above.

This is main tourist attraction in Jaffna.which is worshiped by Hindu community.this is devoted to Hindu god lord Murugan.Said to be built during Sankilian era of 16 century. Visited by thousands of Hindu devotees dressed in vibrant colors of green, orange, blue, etc. annually, specially during the festival in August. It's a Kovil of Murugan the same as Kataragama Dewalaya (Skandha Kumara). Males need to enter topless and females with most of the body covered. Can enjoy beautiful wall paintings.Prior to entering the kovil, all visitors are required to cleanse themselves and be dressed in appropriate attire. For men, this includes either pants or sarongs that cover their legs, whereas the upper body should be bare. Women are to wear something long that covers their legs, and the same for their upper bodies, with tank tops and the likes being prohibited. No footwear is allowed within the kovil premises.

😁 I came here for the festival and it was so incredibly interesting!

🙏 I witnessed so much culture and saw true expression of peoples faith and religion through the many rituals and practices devotees took part in, it was an amazing experience to learn and see all of this!

🇱🇰 SO grateful to have a varirty of experiences here in Sri Lanka, truly a beautiful country!

❤ Thank you to my friend Ajai who explained everything to me :)

Bard was just updated.  See update

close

Conversation with Bard



Write 100 words description about Nallur hindu temple in Jaffna

edit

View other drafts

volume_up



Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, also known as Nallur Murugan Kovil, is one of the most significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It is located in the ancient capital town of Nallur in Jaffna, and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, love, and beauty.

The temple has a long and rich history, dating back to the 10th century AD. It has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, due to invasions and natural disasters. The current structure was built in the 15th century by Parakramabahu VI, the king of Kotte.

The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture. It has a towering gopuram (gateway tower) and intricate carvings on its walls and pillars. The temple complex also includes a number of other shrines, dedicated to other Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Parvati.

The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is not only a place of worship, but also a center of cultural and social activity for the Hindu community in Jaffna. The temple hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Nallur Kandaswamy Festival, which is one of the largest Hindu festivals in Sri Lanka.

The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hinduism, Sri Lankan culture, or simply beautiful architecture. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to worship, celebrate, and find peace.

Here are some additional facts about the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil:

The temple is home to a number of rare and valuable artifacts, including a 10th-century bronze statue of Nallur Devi, the consort of Lord Murugan.

The temple is also known for its unique rituals and traditions, such as the "Naga Poojai" (Snake Worship) ceremony.

The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a popular tourist destination, and is visited by people from all over the world

A place with many ancient significances. Be sensible about the timings when going to watch it. Closes at 12:00 PM and reopens at 3:00 PM.

Nallur Murugan temple or  Kandaswamy Kovil is situated in Jaffna District of northern province, Sri Lanka. Nallur was the capital of Jaffna Kingdom which was established by the mighty king Kalinga Magha. Kandaswamy temple  is one of the most sacred temple to the Sri Lankan and Indian Hindus. Men have to be bare chested before entering the temple. This grand temple was first  built in 948 ad. by one Puvenaya Vaku , Chief Minister of King Kalinga Magha.

Later in the 15th century, the temple was reconstructed by Buddhist king of Kotte Kingdom, Parakrambahu 6. The temple was again destroyed by the Portuguese invaders by the order of Filipe de Oliveira in 1624 ad and present day St. James Church of Nallur was built .  Later in 1734 the present Hindu temple was rebuilt during Dutch colonial era by one Tamil Hindu, Raghunatha Maapanna Mudaliyar who was a high ranking official in Dutch Katchery. His descendants are still Temple trustees and custodian of this temple. Besides Murugan, there are shrines of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Surya and many other Hindu deities . Temple architecture is simply grand and mesmerizing . Must visit place in Sri Lanka tour.

The temple was originally founded in 948 AD. However, it reached fame when it was rebuilt in the 13th century by Puvaneka Vaahu, a minister of the Jaffna King Kalinga Maha. The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was built for a third time by Senpaha Perumal (a.k.a Sapumal Kumaraya) who was the adopted son of the Kotte king. Nallur served as the capital of the kings of Jaffna, and was a highly defensive fort and city. There were courtly buildings, the palaces, businesses and much more.
The third built temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1624 AD; and many churches built over the ruins. The location of the original temple is now covered by the St James Church, Nallur. Part of the original Sivalingam from the temple remained in the vicarage, but was destroyed during the recent civil war. Now only the platform where it was mounted remains.
The current temple was built in 1734 AD by Don Juan. However, the ‘Golden Era’ of the Nallur Temple began in the latter 1890s with the takeover of the temple administration by Arumuga Maapaana Mudaliyar; who started renovating it to bring it back to its earlier magnificence.
Design
Created in the ways of the ancient temple cities of Madura and Padaliputra in India; the town of Nallur too revolves around this temple.
* The cities had four entrances with temples at each gate.
* There were outer circles where the commoners resided and businesses flourished, inner circles where highly placed nobles resided.
* The walls of the temple then rose, resembling the towers (in this case kopurams) and palisades of a fort.
* Within these walls were the outer courtyard, the holy bathing well (theertha keni), the residences of the priests, the inner temple, and smaller shrines for lesser deities.
* The inner temple itself was large; and contained the inner courtyard, the central shrine or mulasthanam, shrines for other major gods and goddesses, the dance hall, the conference hall, and many other such elements.
While the original Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was on this same grand scale; the current temple is on a much smaller scale when considering area, whilst still being one of the largest and historically accurate temples still existing in Sri Lanka. The temple has four kopurams, a rarity nowadays; including a massive golden-ochre Rajakopuram standing approximately seven stories (22-25m) tall. Some of the kopurams were built within the last decade. The inner and outer circles usually function as normal roads; except during the temple’s elaborate festival. With beautiful sculptures and architecture created by architects brought in from India; the temple is a visual delight that is best seen directly.
Guidelines on visiting the Nallur Kandaswmy Temple.
* The temple has a large courtyard; don’t forget remove your shoes and wash your feet at the outer well before you enter.
* You bring items such as flowers, fruits, camphor and such to offer to the shrines. These can be bought from shops opposite the temple; but everything except camphor and incense must be washed outside before offering.
* Men are not allowed to wear any other garments above waist level within the temple, as has been the Hindu custom from ancient days. Women are encouraged to wear clothing which is non-revealing and below knee length.
* No photography is allowed within the temple; and mobile phones must be switched off to prevent disturbing other devotees.
* The tickets for the poojas are sold at a mere Rs 1.00, and have been so for decades. You can buy some tickets and offer them to the priests at the shrines to observe the colorful poojas with the ancient mantras.
* While worshipping put your palms together and hold it at chest height.
Worshipping Nallur – A Virtual Tour
* The temple has four entrances, but you will be using the main entrance, which lies directly before the main shrine.
* The main shrine will lie before you, within which is the holy spear (vel)which is believed to be an artefact left by the actual God Skanda himself.
* You can do worship and do a pooja here

A calm place! So beautiful! Opens at 7.30 or later. Therefore we could not get into the inside of the kovil