01. Nallur Kandaswamy temple
In 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.
History
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 Kotteking. 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 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.
02. Naguleswaram temple
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The main entrance faces east and in walking distance towards the northwest is Keerimalai Spring. Inside the temple are the statues of the moorthies (deities) which adorn the sanctum. A fifteen day festival is held in February-March which culminates with the Sivarathri (Shiva’s night) for the revelation of the deities. Like Mavvidapuram, Naguleswaram is in the ‘High Security Zone’ and the access is restricted. From the main road, take the road on the left which is in front of Mavvidapuram Temple and drive 2.7 km. The temple will be on your left and the Keerimalai Spring slightly further on the right.
03. Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple
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The architecture of the Kovil is breathtaking with elaborately decorated columns and a towering gopuram. The six faced statue of Lord Murugan is accompanied by statues of his wives Valli and Devanai. Devotees visit the Kovil all year around to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.
04. Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple
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The present structure was built during 1720 to 1790 after the ancient structure was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1620. The temple attracts around 1000 visitors a day, and approximately 5000 visitors during festivals. The annual 16-day Mahostavam (Thiruvizha) festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Aani (June/July) - attracts over 100,000 pilgrims. There is an estimated 10,000 sculptures in this newly renovated temple.
05. Tellippalai Thurkkai Amman Temple
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The waters of Thondaimanaru, a tîrtham where fresh water flows into the sea past the site, elevates the location to a sthalam, blessed with the triple adjuncts of tîrtham, sthalam and mūrti. This waterway said to have been excavated under the supervision of Karunakara Thondaiman. He was sent here for procurement of salt supplies, by Kulatunka Colan, who reigned in South India from 1070 to 1118 A.C. The temple by the side of the newly cut waterway would have been the place of worship of this settlement that got founded in the locality. The temple however suffered the fate of devastation, like all other Hindu temples, in the hands of the foreigners of the 16th century.
At this stage, the story shifts to one Kadirkamar, a keen devotee of Murukan, who proceeded bewailing to Katirkamam, and was rewarded there with the gift of a silver Vel . He brought this sacred Vel and installing it in a madam at the sacred site, performed daily pujas to it. Later, he was permitted to use the temple itself, which he took over. He and his group have been managing and officiating ever since, with piety and satisfaction to all devotees.
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