Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Sri Lanka

Address

Nallur kandaswamy Temple, Kovil road, Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Deity

Murugan Amman: Valli and Deivayani

Introduction

• Location: The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a prominent Hindu temple situated in Nallur, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
• Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is worshipped in the form of the holy Vel within the sanctum. Other forms of Lord Murugan represented in the temple include Shanmugar, Muthukumaraswami, and Thandayuthapani, along with his consorts Valli and Deivayanai in secondary shrines.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Roots: The temple’s origins trace back to the 15th century, when it was established by Sanpaha Perumal, an adopted son of King Bhuvanekabahu, the ruler of Kotte. The original temple at Sankili Thoppu was destroyed by Portuguese General Philip de Olivera in 1621.
• Reconstruction: After the Dutch captured the Jaffna District in 1658, they erected a church on the temple site. The first temple, believed to have been built around 948 AD, has undergone multiple reconstructions due to foreign invasions and political turmoil, moving locations within the Nallur area.
• Present Structure: The current temple was constructed in 1749 AD during the Dutch period by Krishna Suba Iyer and Ragunatha Māpana Mudaliyar at Kurukkal Valavu, the original site. Initially, the temple was a simple structure made of bricks and stones with a cadjan roof, featuring two main halls without elaborate decorations.
• Renovations and Additions: Over the years, significant renovations were made, including the erection of the first clock tower in 1899, refurbishment of the main hall in 1902, and the construction of an enclosing wall in 1909. The temple is still actively maintained by the descendants of Ragunantha Māpana Mudaliyar, with ongoing renovations to accommodate large crowds during festivals.

Architectural Features

• Design Elements: The temple features an ornately carved five-storeyed gopuram (tower) in the Dravidian architectural style, adorned with six bell towers. The entrance hall boasts a beautifully designed arched ceiling that resembles floating clouds.
• Decorative Details: Two grand teak doors studded with silver bells lead to the inner court, flanked by magnificently carved temple guards known as Thuvarapalar. The temple’s layout includes various shrines and sanctums, with deities like Muttukumaraswami, Ganesha, Valli, Deivayanai, and others located in different areas around the inner court.

Beliefs and Devotional Practices

• Divine Presence: Devotees believe that the temple was divinely founded and is a place of refuge and solace. The powerful utterance of Lord Murugan, “Why fear when I am here at Nallur,” resonates deeply with the followers, instilling confidence in divine protection from troubles.
• Spiritual Connection: The temple is considered a haven for those seeking relief from their difficulties. Notable figures like Yogar Swami have expressed deep devotion, stating that contemplating the Lord’s feet allows them to surrender their worries.

Festivals

• Annual Festival: The annual festival begins with the ceremonial hoisting of the flag, or Kodietram, with cloth sourced from the nearby Saddanathar Temple. The festival spans twenty-five days, featuring various Yāgams, Abishekam, and special poojas conducted in the main sanctum.
• Major Celebrations: Key festivals celebrated at the temple include Manjam, Thirukkarthikai, Kailasavahanam, Velvimanam, Thandayuthepani, Sapparam, the Ther festival procession, Theertham (water cutting festival), and Thirukalyanam (the holy wedding). The Ther Thiruvila (chariot festival) is particularly popular, drawing significant crowds.

Century/Period/Age

15th century

Managed By

Department of Archaeology

Nearest Bus Station

Nallur

Nearest Railway Station

Jaffna

Nearest Airport

Jaffna

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