Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
நல்லூர் கந்தசுவாமி கோவில்
Jaffna’s most important Hindu temple, with a golden gateway tower and drum-accompanied pooja rituals. It is the spiritual center of Tamil culture.
The temple is dedicated to Murugan, the god of war (also called Skanda). The present structure was rebuilt in 1749 and features a golden main gateway tower and richly painted corridors. Men must remove their shirts before entering, and everyone must remove their shoes. Photography inside the shrine is prohibited. Pooja ceremonies are held at around 5:00, 10:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 17:00 each day, when the drums and incense are most atmospheric. In July and August, the Nallur Festival features chariot processions and kavadi penance. Admission is free. The temple is about 2 km from the city center, and a tuk-tuk costs about 200 rupees.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–12:30 and 15:30–19:00 (follow puja times)
Nearby sights
- Mantri Manai & Yamuna Eri
- Jaffna Archaeological Museum
- St. Mary's Cathedral, Jaffna
- Jaffna Market
- Jaffna Public Library
- Jaffna Fort
- Kantarodai Stupas
- Nilavarai Well