| Naguleswaram temple | |
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The ancient gopuram of the Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil |
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Naguleswaram temple
Location in Sri Lanka
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| Name | |
| Proper name: | Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil |
| Tamil: | கீரிமலை நகுலேஸ்வரம் |
| Location | |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| Province: | Northern |
| District: | Jaffna District |
| Location: | Keerimalai, Kankesanturai |
| Architecture and culture | |
| Primary deity: | Shiva |
| Architectural styles: | Dravidian architecture |
| History | |
| Date built: (Current structure) |
pre 6th century BCE |
Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple (Tamil: கீரிமலை நகுலேஸ்வரம் கோயில்) (also historically known as the Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai) is a famous Hindu temple in Keerimalai, located north of Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka near the ancient port of Kankesanthurai. One of the oldest shrines of the region, it is the northernmost shrine on the island of the five ancient Iswarams of Lord Siva, venerated by Hindus across the world from classical antiquity. Its adjacent water tank, the Keerimalai Springs, is believed to have curative properties.
Keerimalai is 50 feet above sea level, and situated west of Palaly. The fresh water comes from an underground spring source. Hindus flock in large numbers on “Aadi Amaavaasai” day which falls during the Tamil month of “Aadi”, to carry out rituals for their forefathers and take a divine dip in the natural springs. These rituals are usually carried out by men. “Keerimalai” is particularly famous for this festival.
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Keeri in Tamil and Nagula in Sanskrit mean Mongoose. Keeri-malai in Tamil means Mongoose-Hill. The temple is situated adjacent to the mineral water springs. The legendary sage Nagula Muni, shrunk by age and austerity while meditating at a cave in Keerimalai was likened to mongeese that frequented the area. The sage bathed in the springs and was cured of his mongoose face. In gratitude, Nagula Muni constructed a small shrine and worshipped the Lingam enshrined there. This became known as the Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai and also the Naguleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai alluding to the sage.
The Pandyan princess Maruthapura Veeravalli built the nearby Mavidapuram Murukan temple after she was cured by the Keerimalai springs.
The temple is referenced in religious treatises such as Dakshina Kailasa Puranam and Skanda Puranam.
After 1620 ACE it was destroyed by Portuguese colonialists. The final destruction was recorded in 1621 ACE. The local brahmin priests are said to have hid the main icons before fleeing the temple.
After a gap of almost 400 years in 1894 ACE, local Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu people of under the urging of Hindu reformer Arumuka Navalar came together and built the present temple. However the temple was destroyed by fire in 1918 and had to be rebuilt.
In 1983, the temple was occupied by the Sri Lankan army and devotees and priests were unable to visit the premises without special permits.
In 1990, the 18th of October the Sri Lankan Air force bombed the temple killing a number of civilians and destroying the temple.
The chief priest was allowed in 1997 and discovered that the temple was utterly in ruin with the sacred icons vandalized or missing. The temple has not been restored.
| Naguleswaram Temple Gallery | |||||||||
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