Highlights
- One of the main landmarks of Jaffna town
- Known for the red and white stripes on its walls
- Central to Tamil culture and identity in the north
- Closely tied to the history of the Jaffna kingdom
- The first temple here is said to date back to 948 AD
Overview
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the most important Hindu temple in Jaffna and one of the most significant in Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to Murugan, also called Skanda or Kandaswamy. Nallur, about 2 km from the town centre, was once the capital of the Jaffna kingdom.
History
A temple stood at Nallur in the time of the Jaffna kings. The Portuguese destroyed it in the 17th century. The present temple was built in the 18th century and has been enlarged many times since. Remains of the old royal capital, including parts of a palace gateway, can still be seen nearby.
What you see
The temple's outer walls are painted in red and white stripes, and its golden gopurams, the towering gateways, rise high above the town. Inside are halls, shrines, and a golden image of Murugan's lance, the vel. The temple is known for its order and punctuality: pujas are held at fixed times through the day, with bells, drums and lamps.
The festival
The Nallur festival runs for about 25 days, usually in July and August. It is one of the largest Hindu festivals in the country, with processions, chariots and huge crowds.
How long it takes
About an hour.
When to go
Late afternoon and evening pujas are the most atmospheric. Check times on arrival.
Getting there
Nallur is about 2 km from Jaffna town, a short tuk-tuk ride.
Practical tips
- Men must remove their shirts to enter; women should wear modest clothes covering shoulders and legs.
- Remove shoes outside the temple compound.
- Photography inside is not allowed.
Nearby is the Jaffna Archaeological Museum. Our Jaffna city tour and northern Sri Lanka tour include Nallur. See things to do in Jaffna and Jaffna hotels.
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