iSee Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Every corner holds a secret, every statue a story waiting to be told

As I stepped inside Nallur, a wave of sensations washed over me, leaving a trail of goosebumps pricking my skin. I couldn't help but feel small in the vastness of the temple, as if I were being sucked into its sacred depths. Every corner seemed to hold a secret, every statu a story waiting to be told.

I pause in a busy city



In the bustling city of Jaffna, nestled amidst its vibrant streets, lies the sacred heart of the Hindu community: the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. The temple stands as a prominent symbol of devotion and spiritual fervour in the region, where Hinduism, once brought by the migration of Tamil people from southern India to the island of Sri Lanka, thrives as a vibrant and integral aspect of daily life and culture.



A divine structure



As I ventured to the temple, my eyes were immediately drawn not only to the majestic architecture but also to the captivating presence of the Banyan trees nearby. Though they stood at a slight distance from the temple, their grandeur was unmistakable, casting a serene aura over the surroundings. These Banyan trees hold profound importance for Hindus, symbolising longevity, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all life.

A ritual to purify

One of the most intriguing rituals I've witnessed before stepping inside the temple was the offering of coconuts to Lord Murugan. It's a ritual deeply rooted in the Hindu culture, symbolising purity and devotion. As devotees approach the kovil, they carry a coconut in their hands, and its rough husk symbolises the obstacles we face in life.

As I moved through the temple, witnessing the ritual and ceremony of puja—ceremonial worship of Gods—I was overcome with a sense of admiration. Each gesture and offering was imbued with meaning and significance, connecting me to something beyond the material world.


For travellers

This kovil is a sensory explosion. It is most active during the mornings and evenings when devotees visit to pray. Photography is not allowed inside, but we were able to record what we heard.

So, if you ever find yourself longing to experience the Nallur Temple from the inside, you can listen to the recording and allow yourself to be transported to a place of profound spirituality and reverence. But I encourage you to go there yourself, to experience the complex level of emotions derived from the visual, verbal and spiritual, as within those sacred walls lies a world of beauty and wonder, waiting to be discovered.