Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
ITS HISTORY
The historic Kandaswamy Temple stands at Nallur 1.5 km from Jaffna on the Pointpetro Road. The temple was built in the 15th century, by Sanpaha Perumal the adopted son of Bhuvanekabahu, the king of Kotte, who led an expedition to the North and brought Jaffna under the suzerainty of Kotte.
Having established himself as the ruler of the Jaffna Kingdom, Sanpaha Perumal set about the task building the city and erecting the temple. Then he appointed Vijayabahu as the ruler and returned to Kotte. After some time, the deposed king Kanagasuriyan attacked and drove away the invader. He and his descendants managed the Nallur Temple up to the arrival of the Portuguese. Bhuvanekabahu’s name is still mentioned by the usher on ceremonial occasins.
The Portuguease defeated Sankili, the last king of Jaffna in 1560. The Portuguease General Philip de Olivera demolished the historic Kandaswamy Temple in 1621. The temple then stood at Sankili Thopu on the easttern side of the Pointepedro Road (The site was later used for erecting a Christian Church)
MANAGEMENT
Jaffna, like the other maritime districts, fell to the Dutch in 1658. The Dutch were more tolerant than the Portuguese. Don Juan Ragunatha Mappana Mudaliyar who was shroff in the Kachcheri (and hence an influential person) obtained permission from the Government to rebuild the temple. The temple was built in stone and brick in 1734. His decendants have, to date been, trustees of the temple. The present incumpent Kumaradasa Mappana Mudaliyar enjoys a reputation for punctuality and discipline.He has, during his period of office, been effecting add itions and improvements to the temple, making it spacious and accessible to the very large crowds that throng during the festival. The very atmosphere of the temple breathes holiness and peace.
In Punctuality, Order and neatness, Nallur Provides a model for oll Saiva temples. This is one of the few temples that conduct the stipulated nithya akkini and nithya utsawam daily. Tuesdays and Fridays witness a larger number of devotees. Each (lunar) month Thirukarthikai is of special significance. It is Lord Muruga’s day. The pageant of the Vel with Valli and Theivayanai is enthralling.
ITS HISTORY
The historic Kandaswamy Temple stands at Nallur 1.5 km from Jaffna on the Pointpetro Road. The temple was built in the 15th century, by Sanpaha Perumal the adopted son of Bhuvanekabahu, the king of Kotte, who led an expedition to the North and brought Jaffna under the suzerainty of Kotte.
Having established himself as the ruler of the Jaffna Kingdom, Sanpaha Perumal set about the task building the city and erecting the temple. Then he appointed Vijayabahu as the ruler and returned to Kotte. After some time, the deposed king Kanagasuriyan attacked and drove away the invader. He and his descendants managed the Nallur Temple up to the arrival of the Portuguese. Bhuvanekabahu’s name is still mentioned by the usher on ceremonial occasins.
The Portuguease defeated Sankili, the last king of Jaffna in 1560. The Portuguease General Philip de Olivera demolished the historic Kandaswamy Temple in 1621. The temple then stood at Sankili Thopu on the easttern side of the Pointepedro Road (The site was later used for erecting a Christian Church)
MANAGEMENT
Jaffna, like the other maritime districts, fell to the Dutch in 1658. The Dutch were more tolerant than the Portuguese. Don Juan Ragunatha Mappana Mudaliyar who was shroff in the Kachcheri (and hence an influential person) obtained permission from the Government to rebuild the temple. The temple was built in stone and brick in 1734. His decendants have, to date been, trustees of the temple. The present incumpent Kumaradasa Mappana Mudaliyar enjoys a reputation for punctuality and discipline.He has, during his period of office, been effecting add itions and improvements to the temple, making it spacious and accessible to the very large crowds that throng during the festival. The very atmosphere of the temple breathes holiness and peace.
In Punctuality, Order and neatness, Nallur Provides a model for oll Saiva temples. This is one of the few temples that conduct the stipulated nithya akkini and nithya utsawam daily. Tuesdays and Fridays witness a larger number of devotees. Each (lunar) month Thirukarthikai is of special significance. It is Lord Muruga’s day. The pageant of the Vel with Valli and Theivayanai is enthralling.
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