NallurKandaswamy Kovil
Located in the city centre of Jaffna, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil has a long, rich history. Dating back to the year 948 AD, the temple is a symbolic place of worship for the country’s Hindu community.
Dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan (the Hindu god of love, war and beauty), the temple comes alive in August during the 25-day annual Nallur Kandaswamy festival, which is hosted with grand pageantry and sacred rituals.
What You Can See
This kovil is one of the largest and oldest Hindu temples in the country and is built using Dravidian architectural styles. This is especially evident in the large ‘gopurams’ (ornate entrances) built on all four sides of the temple.
Please note that you need to follow a dress code in order to visit the temple. It is also advisable to bring along offerings like flowers and camphor to respect this place of worship.
❂ Useful Tips:
- No footwear is allowed inside the temple.
- Women need to be attired in clothing that covers their shoulders and legs. Men need to cover their legs, but are required to remove shirts or t-shirts.
- Try to participate in one of the rituals (poojas) that take place in the morning.