Attraction

Nallur Kovil

Founded in the year 948AD, The Nallur Kandaswamy temple is one of the most revered and popular Hindu temples on the island that is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple boasts an expansive structure that consists of ornately decorated spires, high roofed interiors, and a myriad of inner sanctums that houses idols of Hindu deities.

Magnificently protruding over the flat landscapes of Jaffna, the Nallur Kanadaswamy Temple boasts 4 golden gopurams (decorated towers of a Hindu temple) that feature intricately carved sculptures of deities and other significant characters of Hindu mythology. With godly fragrances of incense, the chimes of the holy bells, and the chanting of mantras, the interiors of the temple resonate a positive aura and it is surrounded by an inexplicably tranquil ambience. The inner sanctums, the high ceilings, and shrines also feature meticulously carved sculptures and are embellished in wondrous artworks. With everything you see and experience once you are inside the temple, even if you are not seeking spiritual wisdom, the temple offers you a perfect sense of calm and it fills your soul with tranquillity.

The temple’s history takes us back as far as the 8th century and the ancient chronicle, Yalpana Vaipava Malai states that the temple was renovated and developed in the 13th Centuries by a minister of the Jaffna Kingdom Bhuwanika Bahu. Since Nallur was the capital of the Jaffna Kingdom, kings who ruled the region constantly made renovations and they expanded the temple adding new features to it. The temple throughout the sands of time faced destruction due to several incidents. Initially, it was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1624 AD and was rebuilt during the British rule. It further endured damages due to the civil war in 1995 and was restored when the government took control over the region. Today although it is not restored to its former glory, the temple dazzles with its golden edifices as a significant yet enticing place of worship and millions visit here to get the blessings of Nallur Kandhan – the Main deity of the temple.

One of the other significant aspects of this temple is the fact that it is governed by strict rules and regulations and high standards of discipline is expected from the devotees who visit the temple. This is one of the reasons why the temple is revered and admired so much by Hindus. All in all the temple is considered the epitome of order, neatness, and punctuality! Nallur temple is also famous for its Ther Thiruvizha (the annual chariot festival) this takes place in the Tamil month of Aadi for a total of 25 days and it usually falls during August in the Gregorian calendar. Millions of devotees from around the world visit here to attend the event and with so much of colour, festivities, and events it will indeed be something that you won’t see anywhere else on the planet!

Related Attractions