Have you ever wondered what it would be like to witness a 25-day long festival at one of the most revered Hindu temples in Sri Lanka? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war and victory. Located in the heart of Jaffna, the temple is a symbol of the rich and resilient Tamil culture that has survived centuries of turmoil and transformation. In this article, we will guide you through the history, culture, architecture, and festivals of the temple, and provide you with some travel tips and recommendations to make your trip memorable and enjoyable.
History of the Temple
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the ancient times. According to legend, the temple was built by a Chola king named Kulakottan in the 10th century CE, on the site where Lord Murugan appeared in his dream. The temple was then patronized by the Jaffna kingdom, which ruled over the northern part of Sri Lanka from the 13th to the 17th century CE. The temple was a center of learning, art, and culture, and attracted pilgrims and scholars from all over the region.
However, the temple also faced several threats and destructions from the foreign invaders, such as the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, who tried to suppress the Tamil Hindu identity and impose their own religion and rule. The temple was demolished and rebuilt four times, with the last reconstruction taking place in 1749 CE, under the patronage of the Dutch governor Jan Maccara. The temple has since undergone several renovations and expansions, but has retained its original Dravidian style and glory.
Architecture and Features of the Temple
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with its towering gopuram (gateway tower), spacious mandapam (hall), and ornate sanctum. The temple covers an area of about six acres, and has four gopurams facing the four cardinal directions. The main gopuram, which faces the east, is the tallest and the most elaborate, with nine storeys and hundreds of sculptures depicting various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology. The gopuram also has a golden kalasam (pot) on top, which is said to contain sacred water from the Ganges river.
The temple has a large mandapam, which can accommodate thousands of devotees at a time. The mandapam has 48 golden pillars, each with intricate carvings and designs. The mandapam also has a stage, where cultural and religious events are held. The mandapam leads to the sanctum, where the main deity, Lord Murugan, is enshrined. The sanctum has a silver door and a golden vimana (dome), and is surrounded by several other shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan's consorts, Valli and Deivanai, and his brother, Lord Ganesha. The temple also has statues of other deities, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati.
The temple is a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and exquisite sculptures. The temple is also adorned with various decorations, such as lamps, flags, flowers, and fruits, especially during the festivals. The temple is a must-see for anyone who appreciates art, culture, and spirituality.
Festivals and Rituals of the Temple
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of celebration and joy. The temple hosts several festivals and rituals throughout the year, but the most famous and grand one is the annual Nallur festival, which takes place in August. The festival is a 25-day long extravaganza, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world. The festival begins with a flag-hoisting ceremony, which marks the commencement of the festivities. The festival then features various events and processions, such as the chariot festival, the kavadi festival, the water-cutting festival, and the fire-walking festival. Each event has its own significance and symbolism, and showcases the devotion and faith of the Tamil Hindu community.
The festival is a spectacle of colors, sounds, and emotions, with the temple and the streets being decorated with lights, flowers, and banners. The devotees wear colorful and traditional attire, and carry various offerings, such as milk pots, coconuts, fruits, and flowers. Some of the devotees also perform penance, such as piercing their skin with hooks and needles, or carrying heavy kavadis (wooden structures) on their shoulders. The devotees chant and sing praises of Lord Murugan, and seek his blessings and protection. The festival culminates with a final procession, where the deity is taken around the town in a golden chariot, accompanied by music, dance, and fireworks.
The festival is a unique and unforgettable experience, which showcases the culture and heritage of the Tamil Hindu community. The festival is also a time of harmony and unity, where people of different faiths and backgrounds come together to celebrate and respect the temple and the deity.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
If you are planning to visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, here are some travel tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip:
- The best time to visit the temple is during the Nallur festival, which usually takes place in August. However, you should also be prepared for large crowds, long queues, and hot weather. You should also book your accommodation and transportation in advance, as they tend to get full and expensive during the festival season.
- The temple is open from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The temple has a strict dress code, which requires the men to wear a veshti (white cloth) and remove their shirts, and the women to wear a saree or a salwar kameez. The devotees are also required to remove their footwear and wash their feet before entering the temple. The temple does not allow photography or videography inside the premises, so you should respect the rules and the sentiments of the devotees.
- The temple is located in Nallur, which is about 3 km from the Jaffna town. You can reach the temple by bus, taxi, tuk-tuk, or bicycle. The temple is also close to other attractions in Jaffna, such as the Jaffna Fort, the Jaffna Library, the Casuarina Beach, and the Nallur Clock Tower. You can also visit the nearby places, such as the Delft Island, the Nagadeepa Island, the Keerimalai Springs, and the Point Pedro Lighthouse, which offer scenic views and historical insights.
- The temple is surrounded by several hotels, guest houses, and restaurants, which cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular hotels near the temple are the Jetwing Jaffna, the Thinnai, the Tilko Jaffna City Hotel, and the Green Grass Hotel. Some of the popular restaurants near the temple are the Mangos, the Cosy, the Malayan Cafe, and the Rio Ice Cream. You can also find some local delicacies, such as the Jaffna crab curry, the dosa, the idli, and the vadai, which are delicious and affordable.
Conclusion
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is a gem of Sri Lanka, which offers a glimpse into the history, culture, architecture, and festivals of the Tamil Hindu community. The temple is a place of worship, celebration, and joy, which attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. The temple is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Jaffna and beyond. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit and witness the glory of the temple for yourself.
