The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is one of the most important and prominent Hindu temples in Sri Lankan cultural history. It is an honour to the Tamil Sri Lankan population, which comprises about 11% of the country. The temple has an interesting history that is built on political intrigue. The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple hosts the annual Nallur festival, one of Sri Lanka’s major events. Welcoming all, the temple worships Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kartikeya, who is the god of love, beauty and war. He is the brother of Lord Ganesha and the son of Goddess Parvati and God Shiva. The festival is a must-visit on your trip to Sri Lanka for a wondrous experience.
History Of Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
Image Credit: Mayuresan for Wikimedia Commons
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was originally built in 948 CE on Kurukkal Valavu. The Portuguese invaders broke down the original temple and built a church. The location at which the current temple is built is thus different from its original location. The temple was rebuilt a total of four times after its destruction. The old Nallur Kandaswamy Temple also acted as a defensive fort multiple times. The present temple was constructed by Krishna Suba Iyer and Ragunatha Maapaana Mudaliyar from 1734 CE to 1749 CE under the Dutch colonial regime. The original shrine was austere and lacked the grandeur it has today. The first clock tower was added at the turn of the century in 1899. It was not till 1964 that the ‘Vasantha Mandapam’, literally the great hall, was renovated to its current look. The temple is called a Kovil, a Hindu temple carved in the Dravidian school of temple architecture. Therefore, the full name of this temple is the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
The temple has a five-story Gopuram carved in the Dravidian school of temple architecture. Apart from Lord Murugan, several other gods, including Lord Ganesha, Vairavar, and the Sun God, are worshipped here. The southern side has the holy pond, and the northern side has the holy garden in the temple complex. From an aerial view, the temple seems like a Citadel in the Nallur region. Two new Gopurams have been built in the past few years, each taller than the last. The latest gopuram is the biggest in the entire island. The temple is a mark of respect and recognition of the minority population of Hindus in Sri Lanka. Many subsequent Murugan temples have been modelled after it. Some temples pay homage to it by calling themselves by the same name, including replicas set in the United States of America.
Must Read: Things To Do In Jaffna
Location And How To Reach
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is located near the centre of Jaffna on Kovil Road. It is about 1.5 km from Jaffna town. You can reach there by stopping at the Jaffna railway station or the Jaffna Airport. The temple, being located in a popular area, is easily accessible. It is reachable by road via private vehicles and taxis for hire. A bus route has been established as well.
The Festival At Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
Image Credit: Yercaud-elango for Wikimedia Commons
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple hosts a 25-day festival in midsummer in honour of Lord Murugan. This annual festival begins with the hoisting of the flag: a holy flag called the Kodiyetram is hoisted around the 6th day. The cloth for the flag is usually brought by a small chariot belonging to families from the Sengunthar Kaikola Mudaliyar dynasty. One of the most popular parts of the festival is when the chariot is brought out and paraded in the streets. The event is called Ther Thiruvila and starts early in the morning.
In the chariot sit Lord Murugan and his consorts on a throne made of silver. The chariot ride is similar to the Rath Yatras carried out in various parts of India. This throne on which the gods sit is called the Simhasanam. The Simhasanam is intricately carved with minute, precise details. It was made by Arumuga Maapaana Mudaliyar, the 7th temple custodian, in the year 1900. A few other chariots parade around other vehicles or Vahanaams around as well. The festival also has a few spectacles lined up. To seek penance, a few devotees string their bodies up with hooks and other sharp objects. These are remarked to not cause pain to the devotee due to the manner of the self-inflicted piercing and the intent that goes behind it. The festival is drenched in a splendour of food, dance and a colourful, vibrant, celebratory ethos that livens up the whole place.
Suggested Read: Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka
Details That Will Help You On Your Trip
Image Credit: T.Thevananth’s Photos for Wikimedia Commons
The temple entry is free of cost. However, one is expected to adhere to the strict code of conduct. The dress code is compulsory. All males must remove any clothing from their upper body (above the waist) before entering the temple. Failure to adhere to this means you will not be allowed to enter the premises. Women are encouraged to wear clothes that go down to the knees. The temple can get pretty crowded during the main festival and during the evenings. Be careful of your personal belongings. Try not to wear expensive jewellery or have costly items on your person. The timings range from about 5 am to 7 pm. These timings may differ during the festival. The entire temple can be covered in about an hour. For researchers, people in academia, and enjoyers of temple architecture, an entire day might be required to study and enjoy the stunning designs and carvings on the temple
Since it is a Hindu temple, you must remove your footwear before entering. Apart from simply enjoying the temple, you can cover a few other tourist spots to enhance the joy of your trip. This includes a visit to the Delft And Nagadeepa Islands, which are near Jaffna. A must-visit, these islands are beautiful. Quite remote, they are tranquil and offer the very best of nature alongside human history. Other spots include the Dutch Fort at Jaffna, Casuarina Beach, the Jaffna Fort, the Nilavarai, an underground naturally occurring well, and King Sangiliyan’s Statue. Full of rich history, this breathtaking temple is a must-see on your journey to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Further Read: Esala Perahera
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple must be explored on your next trip to Sri Lanka for the experience of a lifetime. Say prayers and reconnect with God. By adding this religious attraction to your itinerary, you add a whole new dimension to your trip.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Gane Kumaraswamy for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
How much time will be required to cover the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple?
You can cover the temple in about 2-3 hours. However, you can take much time to seek inner peace in the temple
What to wear in Sri Lanka?
It’s recommended that you wear full-sleeved cotton clothes that will protect you from the Sun. but you can wear any clothes of your choice below the knees.
What are some tourist attractions in Sri Lanka?
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Little Adam's Peak View Point, the Golden Temple of Dambulla and Pidurangala Rock are some of the great places to visit around the islands.
What is the Climate in Sri Lanka like?
Sri Lanka has a very hot climate throughout the year, with heavy rains. The best time to visit is in winter and to avoid the intense heat of the summer months.
How many days are sufficient to cover Jaffna?
2 to 3 days are sufficient to cover the town. You can spend some more time there if you want to soak in the vibrations of each and every place that you visit, take detailed photographs, or just learn more about the culture and the history and interact well with the locals.
People Also Read:
Temples In South India Temples In Andhra Pradesh Temples In Colombo
