Naguleswaram Temple, Keerimalai, Jaffna, Srilanka

Naguleswaram Temple, Keerimalai, Jaffna, Srilanka

Naguleswaram Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Keerimalai Town, in the suburb of Kankesanthurai in Jaffna District in the Northern province of Srilanka. The Temple is also known as Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai. It is one of the oldest shrines of the region, it is the northernmost of the island's Pancha Ishwarams of Lord Siva, venerated by Hindus across the world from classical antiquity. The temple is situated adjacent to the mineral water springs.  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 bathe in the natural springs. Saint Arunagirinathar of Tamil Nadu had sung his 15^th Century Thirupugazh Hymns on Lord Murugan of this Temple.

Etymology

Keeri in Tamil and Nagula in Sanskrit mean "mongoose". Keeri-Malai in Tamil means "Mongoose-Hill".

Legends

The legendary sage Nagula Muni, shrunk by age and austerity while meditating at a cave in Keerimalai was likened to mongooses 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.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/04/naguleswaram-temple-keerimalai-history.html

The Temple

The Temple is facing east with an entrance arch and followed by a 9-tiered Rajagopuram. The sanctum houses the presiding deity in the form of huge Shiva Lingam. It is said that the Sivalingam is made out of a very rare material. The Keerimalai natural spring ponds, which is said to have medicinal properties is just a short distance away from the temple. 

Festivals

Maasi Magam and Aadi Amaavaasai festival days, the latter falling during the Tamil month of Aadi (mid July – mid August) brings Hindu pilgrims to the town 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. The new moon or Amaavaasai is a significant day, and according to Tamil astrologers, in the month of Aadi, the moon is in the ascendant in Kataka rasi, which is occupied by the Sun; this concurrence is reminiscent of Siva and Sakthi in Hinduism.

Hence, there is special significance of Aadi Amaavaasai as a day when children remember their departed parents, notably their late fathers. It is customary for them to perform ablutions, offer prayers to the departed souls with the help of a priest (Darpana) and attend a temple of Siva. In Sri Lanka, Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple continues as the foremost shrine for Aadi Amaavaasai.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Keerimalai Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Kankesanthurai, 4 Kms from Kankesanthurai Railway Station, 12 Kms from Palaly Airport, 19 Kms from Jaffna Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Jaffna, 20 Kms from Jaffna Railway Station, 350 Kms from Colombo Airport and 378 Kms from Colombo. The Temple is well connected to Kankesanthurai and Jaffna.

Location | Photos