Nagadeepa Purana Vihara
නාගදීප පුරාණ විහාරය
Said to be the place where the Buddha made his second visit to Sri Lanka, and one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sinhalese Buddhists.
According to the Mahavamsa, the Buddha once settled a dispute between two Naga kings fighting over a throne here, which is why it is counted among Sri Lanka's sixteen sacred sites. The temple has a white stupa and a silver stupa, and it stands not far from the island's Hindu temples, so Buddhism and Hinduism coexist on the same small island. Visitors can reach it on foot after arriving by the Nainativu ferry. Entry requires wearing white or plain long clothing and removing shoes.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple
- Fort Hammenhiel
- Delft Island
- Charty Beach
- Casuarina Beach
- Jaffna Fort
- Jaffna Public Library
- Jaffna Market