Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam

An iconic Hindu temple in Sri Lanka. Perhaps the most sacred one too. Easily accessible as it is situated in the heart of the city. Note that you are not allowed to wear short skirts, short trousers or sleeveles tops, crop tops to the kovil. You can have a glimpse of hindu culture and rituals there. A must visit if you go Jaffna.

Nallur Kovil is a wonderful place to visit, located in the heart of Jaffna with easy access. Visitors are required to remove their slippers before entering the premises. When we visited, the temple was closed, so we couldn’t go inside. However, we were still able to observe some aspects of Hindu rituals from outside. It's a peaceful and culturally rich site worth seeing

Nallur Kandhasamy Kovil, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. It was originally founded in 948 AD by Bhuvanekabahu, then re-established in 1734 by Krishnaiyar, a minister to the Tamil king of Jaffna. The temple was destroyed multiple times during colonial invasions — first by the Portuguese in the 16th century, then during various conquests. The current structure stands as a result of the 18th-century rebuilding, preserving the Dravidian architecture, towering gopuram, and intricate traditions. Nallur is not only a religious center but also a cultural cornerstone for Tamil Hindus. Its grand Ther Thiruvizha (Chariot Festival) draws thousands annually, keeping the legacy alive. Today, it remains a symbol of devotion, resilience, and Tamil heritage.

This is one of the most iconic Visiting places in Jaffna and also a very important temple for tamil people. And in the time of the Kovil function there will be kovil in Sri Lanka for Tamil people. You can say this is one of the most attractive places in Jaffna.

Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam is a must-visit if you're traveling to Jaffna. This massive and majestic Kovil stands as a symbol of Tamil Hindu culture and devotion. The temple's architecture, with its golden tower and intricate carvings, is truly breathtaking. Before entering, men are required to remove their shirts as a sign of respect. Once inside, the atmosphere is spiritually powerful, creating a sense of peace and reverence. Whether you're visiting for religious reasons or just to experience the rich culture, you can’t help but feel a special energy here. The temple is well-maintained, and the prayers and rituals add to the divine experience. A must-experience place in Jaffna!

A very beautiful Hindu kovil with a lot of rituals and colours the people were friends and just the appearances are astonishing. I am not Hindu but this is a great place to visit.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna, and honestly, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. From the moment I arrived, the temple completely took my breath away. The first thing that caught my eye was the stunning golden gopuram (tower) – it’s absolutely massive and covered with the most intricate carvings I’ve ever seen. You can feel the history just standing outside it. I later learned that the temple was originally built in 948 AD, although it’s been rebuilt a few times over the centuries, which makes it even more impressive. Walking into the temple, I immediately felt a sense of peace. The air was filled with the smell of incense, and the sound of traditional chanting just added to the atmosphere. There are several shrines inside, mainly dedicated to Lord Murugan, but you’ll also find shrines for Ganesha and a few other deities. Even if you’re not particularly religious, it’s hard not to be moved by the devotion you see all around you. The way people pray, the rituals – it’s a beautiful glimpse into the Tamil Hindu culture that’s so strong in this part of Sri Lanka. A few important things to know if you’re planning a visit: there’s a strict dress code. Men have to remove their shirts before entering, and women need to make sure their shoulders and knees are covered. I recommend dressing modestly and respectfully, as it’s definitely not the place for casual touristy outfits. Also, you’re not allowed to take photos inside the temple itself, which at first felt a bit disappointing, but honestly, it made me focus more on just soaking up the experience. The temple’s opening hours are from 4:15 AM to 12:00 PM, and again from 3:15 PM to 6:15 PM. If you can, try to visit during one of the prayer sessions – it’s a completely different, more powerful experience. On Fridays, they have extended hours, and it’s usually busier, but the energy is absolutely worth it. One thing I wasn’t able to experience this time (but I definitely want to go back for) is the annual Nallur Festival. It’s usually held in July or August and is said to be an amazing spectacle with parades, music, and all sorts of traditional ceremonies. From what locals told me, it draws people from all over the island and even from abroad. In short, visiting Nallur Kandaswamy Temple was honestly one of the highlights of my time in Jaffna. It’s not just a religious site; it’s a living, breathing piece of history and culture. Whether you’re spiritual or not, if you appreciate stunning architecture, rich traditions, and powerful experiences, this is a place you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Most sacred places of worship for the Hindu community of Sri Lanka and is close to Jaffna town center. The annual Nallur Kovil festival take place with island wide devotees.