Famous Temples & Kovils in
Jaffna, Sri Lanka

The most revered Hindu temple in Northern Sri Lanka, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is dedicated to Lord Murugan and stands as the spiritual heart of the Jaffna Tamil community. Originally built during the Jaffna Kingdom era (13th–17th century), the current structure dates to the 18th century with its iconic golden gopuram (tower) rising majestically over Nallur. The temple hosts the legendary 25-day Nallur Festival — the largest Hindu festival in Sri Lanka.

One of the five ancient Ishwarams (Pancha Ishwaram) of Sri Lanka, Naguleswaram Temple in Keerimalai is among the oldest and most sacred Shiva temples on the island. According to legend, it was established in the mythological era and has been a centre of Shaivite worship for over two millennia. The temple sits near the famous Keerimalai natural springs, where devotees bathe before worship — believed to have healing properties.

One of the most important Murugan temples in the Jaffna peninsula, Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Kovil has a legend dating back centuries — the Chola princess Maruthapravathi is said to have been cured of a facial disfigurement after bathing in the Keerimalai springs and praying to Lord Murugan here. The temple's name 'Maviddapuram' itself derives from this legend (maa-viddai meaning 'horse-faced'). Beautifully restored, it remains a major pilgrimage destination.

Located in the sacred Keerimalai area alongside the natural springs, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Nagapooshani (a form of Parvati). Devotees often combine their visit with a sacred bath in the adjacent Keerimalai Springs and worship at the nearby Naguleswaram Temple, making this a complete spiritual experience on the northern coast.

One of the rare temples in Sri Lanka dedicated to Goddess Sita (from the Ramayana epic). Seeththai Amman Kovil in Nallur is a significant temple for devotees of the Ramayana tradition. The temple is believed to mark a location associated with the epic story of Sita's journey. Its proximity to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil makes it an easy addition to any temple tour of the Nallur area.

Selva Sannithi is one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan in Sri Lanka, making it an essential pilgrimage destination. Located near Thondaimanaru lagoon, the temple has ancient origins and is surrounded by a serene natural setting. Devotees believe that worshipping at all six Murugan abodes brings divine blessings and spiritual fulfilment.

Located on the sacred island of Nainativu (Nagadeepa), this ancient kovil dedicated to Goddess Nagapooshani is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The island is also home to the Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya Buddhist temple, making it a unique multi-faith pilgrimage destination. A ferry from Kurikadduwan jetty brings you to this island sanctuary in about 20 minutes.

One of the oldest Vishnu temples in Sri Lanka, Vallipuram Aalvar Kovil holds immense archaeological and religious significance. The famous 'Vallipuram Gold Plate' inscription, discovered here in 1936, is one of the earliest Tamil inscriptions found in Sri Lanka, dating back approximately 2,000 years. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and sits in a peaceful rural setting near Point Pedro.