One of the iconic places of Jaffna is Nallur Kandasamy Kovil. The most devoted and most visited place in the Jaffna peninsula. The beginning of the kovil is still in a shadow and there is no evidence to ascertain that the old kovil existed on the present site. There is a rumour stating that the old kovil has been destroyed by the Portuguese as they did to the other kovils in the region.

The present Nallur kovil was built in 1749 by Krishnaiyar Cuppaiya. At that time, it was a small temple built with stones and bricks with a tiled roof. Year by year the kovil has been developing inch by inch and nowadays it has become one of the biggest kovil in the peninsula.

The Kovil was devoted to Lord Kandasamy, another avatar of Lord Murugan. The rituals are taken place thrice a day and some special rituals occur every Sunday and some other special days. People from all parts of Sri Lanka worship and show their gratitude towards Lord Murugan. It is prohibited to take photographs inside the kovil. But you can capture

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
everything with your eyes. Here is the first thing to remember in Sri Lanka. The dress code is so important when you are going to visit a religious place. Both male and females can't wear shorts and girl's dresses should cover them properly. Not as in Muslim countries, a well cover is enough. But some kovil has a kind of strict dress code. So beware of the dress code in Sri Lanka. And in Nallur, guys you have to be topless. I mean guys, not girls. Nallur kovil is a must-visited place in Jaffna and please don't forget to get the blessings of lord Murugan. May God keep everyone safe and happy. 

Outside the temple, there are a number of street shops (tuck shops) selling fancy colorful things. Places where souvenirs can be bought. A much more enjoyable place.