Jaffna's most important Hindu temple, a golden, five-tiered Dravidian gopuram complex dedicated to the war god Murugan.

Overview

The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the spiritual heart of Jaffna and one of the most significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Murugan (Skanda/Kandaswamy). Its ochre-and-gold gopuram towers, pillared halls, sacred pools and golden arches draw a steady flow of devotees, and daily pujas fill the complex with drumming, camphor smoke and chanting. The temple is the focus of a spectacular 25-day festival each August, with chariot processions and devotees performing acts of penance.

History

The present temple was established in 1749, though earlier shrines on the site date back to the Jaffna Kingdom before they were destroyed by the Portuguese in the 17th century. It has grown over the centuries into the grandest kovil in the north and the ceremonial centre of Jaffna Tamil Hindu life.