An ancient Hindu temple on the shores of Nanthikadal lagoon dedicated to the goddess Kannagi, one of the most important Kannagi pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.

Overview

The Vattappalai Kannaki Amman Kovil is a revered Shaivaite temple set near the Nanthikadal lagoon, dedicated to the goddess Kannagi, the legendary heroine of the Tamil epic Silappadikaram. It is regarded as one of the oldest and most important Kannagi shrines in Sri Lanka, drawing pilgrims especially for its annual Vaikasi festival. Devastated during the civil war, the temple has been rebuilt and once again fills with colour and ritual on festival days.

History

According to tradition the temple was founded by King Gajabahu I, and it is held to be the tenth and final 'palai' (resting place) of the goddess Kannagi, who is said to have travelled from Madurai through Kerala to Sri Lanka. Ranked second in importance only to the Mangala Devi Kannagi shrine, it draws pilgrims for the Vaikasi Visakam festival, when a sea-water lamp is lit. The kovil was destroyed during the civil war and has since been reconstructed.