Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple- Sri Lanka

Address

Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple, Kankesanturai, Jaffna Sri Lanka Phone: +94 217 900 470

Diety

Naguleshwara Amman: Naguleshwari

Introduction

Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple historically known also as the Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai, is a famous Hindu temple in Keerimalai, located north of Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka in the suburb of Kankesanthurai. One of the oldest shrines of the region, it is the northernmost of the island’s Pancha Ishwarams of Lord Siva. Naguleswaram temple Keerimalai is a most venerated centuries old historical Shiva Temple in northern capitol of Jaffna Sri Lanka. Naguleswaram Kovil Keerimalai destroyed by Portugese during Portiguese colonial period of Ceylon and re-stored by Arumuka Navalar in 1894.

Puranic Significance

As per the Hindu legends, King Rama visited this place and bathed to get rid of dosham after killing King Ravana who abducted Princess Sita Devi. Therefore Keeramalai Naguleswaram temple is one of the Ramayana related sites of Sri Lanka. Keeri in Tamil and nagula in Sanskrit referred as Mongoose. Keeri – Malai in Tamil means “Mongoose Hill”. The Naguleswaram Temple is located next to the Keerimalai hot spring. According to Hindu legends, sage Nagula Muni, shrunk by age and austerity while meditating at a cave in Keerimalai was likened to mongooses that frequented the area. The sage bathed in the springs and was cured of his mongoose shaped face and he decided to construct the Kovil as a gratitude. This sage cursed with a face likened to a mongoose. This became known as the Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai and also the Naguleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai alluding to the sage. Another folklore stated that, Pandiyan Princess called Maruthapura Veeravalli constructed the Hindu Kovil at Keerimale when she was cured of her horse shaped head after bathing at Keerimale.

Special Features

Keerimalai or Keerimale jot spring is a natural spring located near coastal belt of Palaly 50 FT above the mean sea level. A bathing tank was constructed adjacent this pond and only the walls separate the waters of the spring and the sea. The water is not hot. It is believed this underwater water resources are connected with Nilavarai bottomless Well which located approximately 10 KM away from Keerimalai hot spring. believe the water of Keerimalai hot spring is having a healing power. As per the geological analysis, this water enriched with high mineral properties.

Festivals

“Maasi Magam” and “Aadi Amaavaasai” festival days, the latter falling during the Tamil month of “Aadi” (mid July-mid August) brings Hindu pilgrims to the town to carry out rituals for their forefathers and take a divine dip in the natural springs. These rituals are usually carried out by men. Keerimalai is particularly famous for this festival.