Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple
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The temple has an interesting mythological history behind it. It's said to be one of the five Pancha Ishwaram's which was built by Ravana who was an ardent devotee of God Shiva. It's also believed that, after Rama killed Ravana to rescue Sita he was advised by few saints to visit all five sacred Shiva linga's to cleanse him from the sin he accumulated by killing Ravana, so as part of the process he had bathed in Keerimalai pond to cleanse his sins. Initially this temple was known to be as Tiruthambaleswaram but later it was changed to Naguleswaram due to Sage Nagula. Sage Nagula was residing near the Shiva lingam and the pond and due to his age his face and body had shrunk to position where he looked like a Mongoose (Keeri). Thereafter, one day he had taken a bath in the pond where he had got instant cure. From then the temple was called Keeri or Nagula which means Mongoose. A Pandyan princess Maruthapura Veeravalli as also had a disfigured face and then came he to bathe in the pond a King Vijaya had constructed a larger shrine to the temple. During the rule of Portuguese, they destroyed the temple. Arumuga Navalar reconstructed the temple during 1890's but a fire destroyed the temple again on 1910. It was rebuilt again but during war in 1990, a major bombing destroyed it again. It wasn't rebuilt until 1997 and gradually it was rebuilt and the 2012 Mahakumbabhishegam was done to invite all devotees. To go see the linga, Males need to remove their shirts/t-shirts and go inside bare body (top part only). The Keerimalai pond, has said above is believed to provide healing power and analysis has said that it contains high mineral present in the water. While the water resource is believed to be deriving from Nilavarai bottemless well. There is only a wall which separates the pond and the sea.
Ashrar AhmedAshrar Ahmed
100
The Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple, nestled in the picturesque northern region of Sri Lanka, is a sacred haven that seamlessly blends spirituality with natural beauty. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, exudes an aura of tranquility and mystique, making it a must-visit for both devotees and admirers of cultural heritage. The temple's historical roots trace back to ancient times, contributing to its significance as one of the revered Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Lord Shiva in Sri Lanka. The architecture of the temple reflects a harmonious blend of Dravidian and traditional South Indian styles, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant sculptures that narrate tales from Hindu mythology. What sets Keerimalai Naguleswaram apart is its unique location. Situated on the coastal fringes, the temple boasts a mesmerizing view of the Indian Ocean, creating a serene backdrop for worship. Pilgrims often engage in ritualistic bathing in the sacred Keerimalai Springs, believed to possess healing properties. The crystal-clear waters add a therapeutic dimension to the spiritual journey, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both divine devotion and natural rejuvenation. The temple complex, though modest in size, emanates a profound spiritual energy that resonates with devotees. The peaceful ambiance, coupled with the rhythmic chants and ceremonial rituals, offers a soul-stirring experience. Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka, beckoning travelers to explore its sacred halls and connect with the divine in a setting that transcends both time and space.
S SupinthanS Supinthan
00
A most Sacred Hindu Temple – visit and be blessed!! Seventeen of us travelling together visited Naguleswaram Temple on 7th July 2019, accompanied by our guide. There is no entrance fee. We first visited the Keeramalai Ponds, and then the temple located close by - almost opposite the ponds. It is a sacred Hindu temple venerated and worshipped from ancient times. The temple had sadly been destroyed badly in 1990 during the civil war. It was reopened after reconstruction only in February 2012. The old temple entrance and some of the damaged can still be seen. Being a sacred place, we were careful to dress modestly. Visitors are required to remove footwear (socks ok) and maintain appropriate decorum and respect. Males remove their shirts and enter the temple bare bodied to display respect. Although I am not a Hindu, in accordance with the tradition I purchased and made some offerings though it is not an absolute requirement. Hindus believe that their offerings to the deities would bring them blessings and aid them in fulfilling their wishes and needs. We circulated through the temple, enjoying the pious atmosphere and looking at the many and various murals, monuments and statues. A priest placed a small mark on our forehead blessing us! I also made it a point to drop a small note into the donation box. Thousands of Hindus from all over the world come here to pray and receive blessings. The Atmosphere was such that I felt I was blessed too!!
Seevali De AbrewSeevali De Abrew
30
❤️ Loved my visit here! Me and a friend came and really did enjoy, both the temple and pond. 🚌 You can get a bus from Jaffna town and it will cost 150rs, ask locals for help to get the right one! The last bus heading back to Jaffna will be at 5:15pm. (As of 21/08/23) 🛕 The temple is gorgeous and is a known as a Pancha Ishwaram - one of five temples in Sri Lanka built to worship Lord Shiva. It is said that King Ravana of Sri Lanka built these as he was a huge devotee of Lord Shiva. 💪 The temple has been burned down by a fire, was taken over by the Portuguese and suffered damage during the civil war, you can see remains of the old temple and can witness the new one standing in all its glory! 💧 Walk down from the temple, there was vendors selling sweets etc, go all the way past them and you will reach the pond. The pool is separate for men and women and it cost 20rs to use the pool, there are changing rooms available. 📖 The pond gets its name from an old tale. Its said there was a sage who lived in cave near the pond. With his age, his face and body began to resemble a mongoose, after taking a bath in the pond, he was cured of this disfigurement. He was known as sage Nagula Muni. Nagula and Keeri means 'mongoose' in local scripture. So it is said that this water has healing properties! It is alsio said that in the famous Ramayana tale, Rama came to this pond to cleanse himself before going back to India. 🙏❤️🙏
Travelling Kook- YouTube and TikTokTravelling Kook- YouTube and TikTok
20
the five hallowed Siva temples (pancha ishwarams) in Srilanka Naguleswaram once stood supreme in the Jaffna peninsula. Hindu shrines attain a unique status when blessed with three special attributes moorthy (deity), thalam (temple and its precincts) and theertham (source of water). Endowed with all three, Naguleswaram has been regarded from ancient times a pre-eminent place of worship. Curative properties of Keerimalai Popularly called Keerimalai (nagulam – keeri – mongoose), the place has its name wonderfully preserved in numerous legends. Previously it had been called Tiruthambaleswaram. The curative value of its waters is the theme around which many legends have emanated. Ancient texts refer to the confluence of fresh water from the springs on the coast, with brackish water from the sea, ganga samudra sangamam, as the union of the powers of Siva and Sakthi. The sage Nagulamuni found a cave nearby a haven for meditating and “faced the rising and setting suns with equal facility and had the summer and winter solstices directly overhead, when they occurred” the “sacred spring of Keerimalai –its very name signifies the hill of Nagula muni, the sage who was shrunken with austerities, that was likened to the Kiri (mongoose)”. Maruthapuraveehavalli, a Pandiyan princess, cured of her equine facial features by the waters, built Maviddapuram Kandaswamy temple nearby.
Jaibhraman SangarappillaiJaibhraman Sangarappillai
40
Naguleswaram temple Keerimalai is a most venerated centuries old historical Hindu Temple in northern capitol of Jaffna Sri Lanka. This is Pancha Ishwarams of lord Shiva venerated by the Hindu community across the globe. Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple is also known as Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai Jaffna which is one of the oldest Hindu shrines of the northern province of Sri Lanka.😌😇 The very special thing is 👆 "Keerimalai Hot Springs pond " : Keerimalai hot spring is a natural one. A bathing tank was constructed adjacent this pool and only the walls separate the waters of the spring and the sea. The water is not hot. Hindu believe the water of Keerimalai hot spring is having a healing power. As per the geological analysis, this water enriched with high mineral properties. One more special facility : 👆 : There were so many comfortable rooms in lodge(மடம்) & you can contect to the owner to stay there
Dilu logeshDilu logesh
20
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R276+9RH, Kankesanturai, Sri Lanka
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+94 217 900 470
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Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple, historically known also as the Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai, is a famous Hindu temple in Keerimalai, located north of Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka in the suburb of Kankesanthurai.
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