Jaffna's main kovil and a must visit. Tourists are allowed in this temple though it is also used by worshippers. You'll have to remove your shoes at the door. Men must take their shirt off too. No photos inside but walk around and observe the many paintings. I wish I had someone to explain their meaning to me.

A famous Hindu temple is located in Jaffa town. A well-kept and appealing location that attracts both foreign and non-Hindu tourists. They have scheduled open times and allowed anyone who is interested to come inside.

An extraordinary example of a Hindu Temple ( Kovil) dedicated to Lord Kataragama . The exterior and the interior are immaculately decorated. No photographs are permitted inside. well time managed poojas & typical tamil culture devotees a really pleasant to see such a nice hindu temple in Sri Lanka. One of the pilgrimage places situated in Jaffna and having some sort of unique attraction.If u are late for the pooja time, you couldn’t enter the kovil inside… The temple was built in the 15th century,by Sanpaha Perumal the adopted son of Bhuvanekababhu, the king of Kotte, who led an expedition to the North and brought Jaffna under the suzerainty of Kotte. 🖤💞🥰

One of the most significant places in Jaffna which is worshiped by Hindu community. This is devoted to Hindu god lord Murugan. The artworks and statues emphasize another cultural cornerstone. We went on an off season. Should visit on a festival season so can experience the beauty of all the rituals.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a must visit place when you visit to Jaffna. It’s Hindu temple, located in Nallur, Jaffna. Very close to Jaffna city. Before visit, ladies make sure you have cover your shoulders and knees. Gentlemen have to remove the shirt before entering to the temple. Visit before 12.00pm because it closed after 12 until 3pm. Not allowed to take pictures inside the temple. Parking also available near to temple and purse, belt, mobile, camera and other electronic items no entry inside the temple.

Best temple in Jaffna city (North part of Sri Lanka). It's very good architect design and on the main road, so u can easily visit 🙏🏻🙏🏻 parking also available near to temple and purse, belt, mobile, camera and other electronic items no entry inside the Temple and main thing no shirt ya tshirt allowed enter the temple means u can't anything wear upper side for men 😊

This is the most popular Kovil in entire Jaffna district. Regardless of their religion all local and foreign tourists make sure to visit the place in their trip to Jaffna. Architecture of the building is mind blowing. Sadly no pictures allowed inside the Kovil and you are not allowed to take any camera gear inside.

I thinks this is very significant place for Hindu people in world. The presiding deity is Lord Murugan in the form of the holy 'Vel' in the Sanctum, the primary shrine, and in other forms, namely, Shanmugar, Muthukumaraswami, Valli Kaanthar with consorts Valli and Deivayanai, and Thandayuthapani, sans consorts in secondary shrines in the temple. Now a days its big festival is over.i saw thier cultural and habits for their god... everyone must seen this Nallur Cultural festival... Thanks lot... Malan

The temple was originally founded in 948 AD. However, it reached fame when it was rebuilt in the 13th century by Puvaneka Vaahu, a minister of the Jaffna King Kalinga Maha. The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was built for a third time by Senpaha Perumal (a.k.a Sapumal Kumaraya) who was the adopted son of the Kotte king. Nallur served as the capital of the kings of Jaffna, and was a highly defensive fort and city. There were courtly buildings, the palaces, businesses and much more. The third built temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1624 AD; and many churches built over the ruins. The location of the original temple is now covered by the St James Church, Nallur. Part of the original Sivalingam from the temple remained in the vicarage, but was destroyed during the recent civil war. Now only the platform where it was mounted remains. The current temple was built in 1734 AD by Don Juan. However, the ‘Golden Era’ of the Nallur Temple began in the latter 1890s with the takeover of the temple administration by Arumuga Maapaana Mudaliyar; who started renovating it to bring it back to its earlier magnificence. Design Created in the ways of the ancient temple cities of Madura and Padaliputra in India; the town of Nallur too revolves around this temple. * The cities had four entrances with temples at each gate. * There were outer circles where the commoners resided and businesses flourished, inner circles where highly placed nobles resided. * The walls of the temple then rose, resembling the towers (in this case kopurams) and palisades of a fort. * Within these walls were the outer courtyard, the holy bathing well (theertha keni), the residences of the priests, the inner temple, and smaller shrines for lesser deities. * The inner temple itself was large; and contained the inner courtyard, the central shrine or mulasthanam, shrines for other major gods and goddesses, the dance hall, the conference hall, and many other such elements. While the original Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was on this same grand scale; the current temple is on a much smaller scale when considering area, whilst still being one of the largest and historically accurate temples still existing in Sri Lanka. The temple has four kopurams, a rarity nowadays; including a massive golden-ochre Rajakopuram standing approximately seven stories (22-25m) tall. Some of the kopurams were built within the last decade. The inner and outer circles usually function as normal roads; except during the temple’s elaborate festival. With beautiful sculptures and architecture created by architects brought in from India; the temple is a visual delight that is best seen directly. Guidelines on visiting the Nallur Kandaswmy Temple. * The temple has a large courtyard; don’t forget remove your shoes and wash your feet at the outer well before you enter. * You bring items such as flowers, fruits, camphor and such to offer to the shrines. These can be bought from shops opposite the temple; but everything except camphor and incense must be washed outside before offering. * Men are not allowed to wear any other garments above waist level within the temple, as has been the Hindu custom from ancient days. Women are encouraged to wear clothing which is non-revealing and below knee length. * No photography is allowed within the temple; and mobile phones must be switched off to prevent disturbing other devotees. * The tickets for the poojas are sold at a mere Rs 1.00, and have been so for decades. You can buy some tickets and offer them to the priests at the shrines to observe the colorful poojas with the ancient mantras. * While worshipping put your palms together and hold it at chest height. Worshipping Nallur – A Virtual Tour * The temple has four entrances, but you will be using the main entrance, which lies directly before the main shrine. * The main shrine will lie before you, within which is the holy spear (vel)which is believed to be an artefact left by the actual God Skanda himself. * You can do worship and do a pooja here

Hindus praying place Historical place in jaffna Most beautiful temple The original, Kandaswamy Temple was founded in 948 ad. According to the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, the temple was developed at the site in the 13th century by Buwanika Bahu, a minister to the King of Kotte. Sapumal Kumaraya (also known as Chempaha Perumal in Tamil), who ruled the Jaffna kingdom on behalf of the Kotte kingdom is credited with building the third Nallur Kandaswamy temple. Nallur served as the capital of the Jaffna kings, with the royal palace situated very close to the temple. Nallur was built with four entrances with gates.There were two main roadways and four temples at the four gateways. The present rebuilt temple that exists now does not match their original locations which instead are occupied by churches erected by the Portuguese. The center of the city was Muthirai Santhai (market place) and was surrounded by a square fortification around it. There were courtly buildings for the kings, Brahmin priests, soldiers, and other service providers. The old Kandaswamy temple functioned as a defensive fort with high walls. In general, the city was laid out like the traditional temple town according to Hindu traditions. Cankilian Thoppu, the facade of the palace of King Cankili II, can still be found in Nallur. The third temple was destroyed by the Portuguese Catholic colonial Filipe de Oliveira in 1624 AD. The original kovil was located where St. James' Church, Nallur is located today. Part of the original Shivalingam of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was located in the Vicarage till 1995 when it was destroyed during the recapture of Jaffna by Sri Lanka armed forces and the platform where the shiva lingam was mounted on can still be seen in the hallway of the vicarage.

My visit to Nallur Temple was a serene and spiritually enriching experience. The temple's intricate architecture and vibrant colors created a peaceful atmosphere that immediately captivated me🤍 The Nallur Murukan Temple is a cultural gem, providing a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the region. The friendly locals and knowledgeable staff were more than willing to share insights into the significance of the temple and its ceremonies.🙏💕

Hindu cultural most admirable temple in Sri Lanka. every city peoples visit here. they pray god. temple created very nicely. in festival time whole people visit here and pray our murugan. kids to elders all are praying here for their health and wealth. high quality cleaning service in nallur. very easily located to every one. statues are created very nicely. kopuram builded nicely. lot's of cultural related places nearby. programs organized in festival time very nicely, music dance and other cultural programs. peoples are very friendly. cool place near by Jaffna town. highly recommended for visit our Murugan. we all pray for whole world peace.

Best temple in Jaffna. The present temple was constructed in 1734. No photographs are permitted inside. The arts and paintings inside it is amazing.

World prominent Hindu temple which dedicated to Tamil God Murugan. Initially built by Buwaneka Baahu (The minister to the King of Kotte. Sapumal Kumaraya). The temple was destructed by foreign invaders 3 times. The present temple was built by Ragunatha Maapaana Mudaliyar in 1734 AD. Daily offerings happens at 3.00PM. Gents not allowed wearing any shirts, T-shirts. Capturing photos, loud talks not allowed inside the temple.

It's very famous religious temple in jaffna area for Hindu people. Male visitors have to go top less to get into the temple no matter what your religion is and for ladies need to be covered well before entering the temple. It's a common practice in most of the religious places. No worries are needed since all the needed things will be provided in front of the gate. The arts and paintings inside it is amazing. The structure of the temple and colours which was used on everything is very unique and beautiful. Even the columns which supporting the roof also very attractive and colourful. Before visiting the temple make sure you go to the temple in its opening hours.

This temple is one of the most visit place oin Jaffna. The beauty of the temple is astonishing and when you visit this place you will surely get a nice relaxed feeling. They don't allow you to take photographs inside the temple however you can capture some pictures near the entrance. Due to pandemic it is not crowded there is special festival for this temple and during that time the temple looks so beautiful.

Visiting this Hindu kovil is truly a blissful experience. The grandeur of the kovil is awe-inspiring, and stepping inside reveals a world of wonder and beauty that captivates the senses. The expansive temple grounds provide ample space to soak in the spiritual atmosphere. The road leading to the kovil adds to the charm of the journey, and the overall environment exudes a soothing and feel-good ambiance. It's a place where one can't help but be amazed and spiritually uplifted.

This is sacred Hindu temple. Most visited iconic place in Jaffna. Men are not allowed to wearing shirt entering the kovil inside and must be removed it. At festival season thousands of peoples came to here. I suggest when you come either early morning or evening.

This is main tourist attraction in Jaffna.which is worshiped by Hindu community.this is devoted to Hindu god lord Murugan.Said to be built during Sankilian era of 16 century. Visited by thousands of Hindu devotees dressed in vibrant colors of green, orange, blue, etc. annually, specially during the festival in August. It's a Kovil of Murugan the same as Kataragama Dewalaya (Skandha Kumara). Males need to enter topless and females with most of the body covered. Can enjoy beautiful wall paintings.Prior to entering the kovil, all visitors are required to cleanse themselves and be dressed in appropriate attire. For men, this includes either pants or sarongs that cover their legs, whereas the upper body should be bare. Women are to wear something long that covers their legs, and the same for their upper bodies, with tank tops and the likes being prohibited. No footwear is allowed within the kovil premises.

One of the beautiful place in Jaffna. Not allow to take photos inside the kovil. If you are a male, not allow to wear shirt or t-shirt. You need to remove your top. But female, there're no restrictions.

The place for mind relaxation & prayer. Historical Temple. Good infrastructure. The good place to see in Jaffna area.

It is the one of the most sacred temples of Hindu religion situated in the heart of the Jaffna Town. Every year they performed the Nallur festival which attracts all the Hindu’s living in each part of the world. The festival is one of the glamorous cultural festivals in Sri Lanka. Temple is open from 3 pm to 6 pm in the evening for devotees to worship. If you can reach at the time of 3 pm, the crowd is less. All the men should remove their shirts before entering to the temple and women should wear dresses covering their shoulders and knees. Taking photographs inside the temple is prohibited.

My visit to Nallur Temple was a serene and spiritually enriching experience. The temple's intricate architecture and vibrant colors created a peaceful atmosphere that immediately captivated me The Nallur Murukan Temple is a cultural gem, providing a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the region. The friendly locals and knowledgeable staff were more than willing to share insights into the significance of the temple and its ceremonies.

Nallur Temple, nestled in the heart of Jaffna, stands as a testament to both architectural splendor and cultural richness. A visit to this sacred site is an immersive journey into the soul of Hindu spirituality and the vibrant history of the region. As you approach the temple, its grandeur is immediately striking. The entrance gate, adorned with intricate sculptures and vibrant colors, serves as a prelude to the wonders within. The temple’s main sanctum, dedicated to Lord Murugan, exudes an aura of divine tranquility. The gopurams (towers) stand tall, adorned with ornate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, each telling a story that adds layers to the temple’s significance. The architecture is a harmonious blend of Dravidian and South Indian styles, reflecting the rich cultural exchanges that have shaped Jaffna over the centuries. The meticulous detailing in the sculptures and the symbolic representations throughout the temple showcase the craftsmanship of the artisans who dedicated their skills to this sacred space. The spiritual ambiance inside the temple is palpable. Devotees, clad in vibrant traditional attire, offer prayers with unwavering devotion. The rhythmic chants and the fragrance of incense create an atmosphere that transcends the mundane, inviting visitors to connect with something profound and eternal. Nallur Temple’s significance extends beyond its religious importance. It stands as a symbol of resilience, having withstood the tests of time and conflicts that have marked the history of the region. The temple has undergone renovations and rebuilds, each time re-emerging as a beacon of hope and cultural pride for the community. The temple’s surroundings are well-maintained, offering a peaceful retreat for contemplation. The courtyard, adorned with sacred trees and flowering plants, provides a serene space for visitors to reflect and find solace. The temple’s role as a cultural center is evident in the various festivals and events that take place here, bringing the community together in celebration of their heritage. A visit to Nallur Temple is not merely a tourist experience; it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of Jaffna’s cultural identity. It leaves an indelible impression, a mosaic of sights, sounds, and spirituality that lingers in the memory long after leaving its hallowed grounds. Nallur Temple is, without a doubt, a jewel in the crown of Jaffna’s cultural heritage.

It is a famous temple in Jaffna having a tremendous religious history. A huge number of people gather for festivals in August. It is located on Pointpedro Road and about 3km from the town of Jaffna. Can

Immersed in the divine aura of this breathtaking temple – where spirituality meets architectural splendor ❤ #SacredJourney #TempleElegance

Feel the sacred atmosphere in the temple where they keep the old traditions very well. The place has a special feeling that takes you to a respectful and timeless space. Remember to wear the right clothes to show respect and follow the traditions. In short, the temple is not just a place to pray but also a great example of keeping old customs alive. 🙏

This is the main Kovil in Jaffna. Recommended for everyone to visit there. If you’re a male you much have trouser or a saroon. Shorts are not allowed. Also you need to remove your top ware before entering in to Kovil premises. Ladies and children doesn’t have any rules like above.

It is a significant hindu temple, located in Nallur,Jaffna. The present temple was constructed in 1734. The temple has four Gopurams ( ornately carved five-story towers.) And six bell towers along with it's fortified walls giving it an appearance of a citadel in Nallur. Please wear appropriate clothing when visiting Nallur Kovil. Males are only allowed bare-topped.

Such a divine place🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 the place just mesmerized us.😍🥰 The temple has got 4 raja gopurams there is a belief that before this temple was constructed here it was a mosque. (But not accurately sure)

The temple was closed to visitors when I got there, but you can still look around the outside. Important to note sharts are not permitted, you are supposed to wear lungy (rap/skirt thing) and ho shirtless. If you are a guy

The Nallur Kandasamy Temple is a magnificent Hindu Kovil that offers a truly enriching spiritual experience. As I entered the temple, I noticed a sign requesting that men's t-shirts be removed, which I found to be a respectful gesture in line with traditional customs. Although shorts were not permitted, the temple provided suitable sarongs at the entrance, ensuring that visitors could dress appropriately and participate in the religious rituals. The temple's beauty is truly captivating, with intricate wall designs and an impressive architectural layout that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the temple's construction are commendable, making it a sight to behold. Inside, one is greeted by numerous stunning statues of gods and deities, creating an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility. It was awe-inspiring to witness the devotion of the worshippers as they prayed and offered their respects. Overall, the Nallur Kandasamy Temple is a wonderful religious place that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. The strict dress code may seem unusual to some, but it adds to the authenticity of the experience. The temple's intricate designs and vast collection of god statues contribute to its unique charm. I highly recommend a visit to this temple for a serene and spiritually fulfilling journey.

An astonishing place of worship. Apart from being a religious place, it marvels in the arts and crafts both inside and outside. No need to buy tickets. If you are interested check in with locals to find out about rituals that take place here, it'd definitely be a wonderful experience.

The famous Nallur temple wasn't busy today. But i was told during the festival season it gets packed. I was wearing shorts and was told shorts were not allowed inside. So i had to go to a store outside and they provided me with a vetti (sarong) to cover my ankles. Inside the kovil, almost everywhere you look there are signs asking not to take photographs.

The most popular Hindu temple in Jaffna is a major tourist attraction. Please note strict dress code: Men should cover below their knees and enter topless, while women should have sleeves and below-the-knee clothing. No shorts or sleeveless dresses are allowed for entry.

An ancient Hindu temple. As a ritual you should remove your shoes and wash your feet before entering. You need to be covered the body with a full dress and keep the needle drop silence here. Men should remove their shirts. You can offer flowers and fruits. But you are not allowed to take photos inside. Mind relaxing place.

Famous temple in Jaffna also in Sri lanka. You can do archnay for just one rupees. Special poojas at 5am 10am 12pm 4pm 5:00pm

If you’ve traveled to Jaffna, and didn’t go to Nallur Kovil, then you never traveled to Jaffna. This place is THAT iconic. The day I visit was a Monday and it was rainy. Otherwise the temple would be swarmed with people as it’s dedicated to Lord Murugan. The interior of the temple is breathtaking and majestic like in the movies. Though the priests advices everyone not to take any photos inside the place. And I respected it. So you’d probably visit to experience the amazing interior work. Highly recommended. ___DJ Glitch LK___

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most significant Hindu kovils in Sri Lanka. Situated about 3km from Jaffna town,this 15th century kovil is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war, love and beauty. Every year in August the kovil hosts a festival.The festival, which starts off with a flag-hoisting ceremony, carries on for 25 days. Prior to entering the kovil, all visitors are required to cleanse themselves and be dressed in appropriate attire. For men, this includes either pants or sarongs that cover their legs, whereas the upper body should be bare. Women are to wear something long that covers their legs, and the same for their upper bodies, with tank tops and the likes being prohibited. No footwear is allowed within the kovil premises. Also photography is prohibited inside the kovil.

The main tourist attraction in Jaffna. Said to be built during Sankilian era of 16 century. Visited by thousands of Hindu devotees dressed in vibrant colors of green, orange, blue, etc. annually, specially during the festival in August. It's a Kovil of Murugan the same as Kataragama Dewalaya (Skandha Kumara). Males need to enter topless and females with most of the body covered. Can enjoy beautiful wall paintings and quality live karnatak music during daily puja every six hour starting at 0430. No photos or videos allowed inside which makes no sense and would've attracted more attentions by the tourists.

n the hot arid lands of Nallur, in Jaffna, rises the majestic Hindu temple for Skanda/ Murugan – the god of love, war and beauty. It has reigned over the land for centuries, attracting devotees from various walks of life. The temple itself embodies a kind of peace that can only be felt in the most divine of places. Guidelines on visiting the Nallur Kandaswmy Temple. The temple has a large courtyard; don’t forget remove your shoes and wash your feet at the outer well before you enter. You bring items such as flowers, fruits, camphor and such to offer to the shrines. These can be bought from shops opposite the temple; but everything except camphor and incense must be washed outside before offering. Men are not allowed to wear any other garments above waist level within the temple, as has been the Hindu custom from ancient days. Women are encouraged to wear clothing which is non-revealing and below knee length. No photography is allowed within the temple; and mobile phones must be switched off to prevent disturbing other devotees. The tickets for the poojas are sold at a mere Rs 1.00, and have been so for decades. You can buy some tickets and offer them to the priests at the shrines to observe the colorful poojas with the ancient mantras. While worshipping put your palms together and hold it at chest height.

An ancient Hindu temple . As a ritual you should remove your shoes and wash your feet before entering . You need to be covered the body with a full dress and keep the needle drop silence here . Men should remove their shirts . You can offer flowers and fruits . But you are not allowed to take photos inside . Mind relaxing place .

This is a majestic Hindu temple for God Muruga. The temple was founded on 948 AD. There have been many renovation and has also been damaged by the Portuguese in 1642 AD. The original kovil was located where St. James Church is located now. The current temple was constructed by Don Juan on 1734 AD during the Dutch ruling. The whole temple changed to this magnificent look after the administration was taken over by Arumuga Maapaana Mudaliyar and his descendants in latter 1890's. The temple has six bell towers, 4 gopuram's including the massive Rajagopuram approximately 25m tall. The huge chariot carrying Murugar and consorts pulled by thousands of devotees arrived to Jaffna from all over the world along the streets of the temple is one of the most highlighted event in the temple apart from other hindu festivals ...

Nallur Kovil is one of the most sacred Hindu kovils in Sri Lanka. Men will have to remove their shirts before going inside the kovil. The premises is maintained well, even though it is visited by thousands of people daily. Could be very crowded during festive seasons. Best time to visit is either early in the morning or late evening.