A colourful Hindu temple in the heart of Vavuniya dedicated to Lord Murugan, with a golden shrine and an ornately carved gopuram.

Overview

The Kandaswamy Kovil is Vavuniya's principal Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Tamil god of war and victory. An elaborately carved and brightly painted gopuram tower marks the entrance, while inside a golden shrine and inner halls draw a steady stream of worshippers. The kovil is at its liveliest during the weekly Friday poosai (puja) and comes alive with colour and music during its annual festival.

History

Set near the centre of town, the Kandaswamy Kovil has long served Vavuniya's Tamil Hindu community as a focus of worship dedicated to Murugan, and remains one of the town's most recognisable and revered landmarks.