Nallur (Jaffna)

This article is about A town in the northern Province of Sri Lanka. For other uses, see Nallur (disambiguation).

Nallur நல்லூர் නල්ලුර්
—  Town  —
Nallur
Coordinates: 9°40′0″N 80°02′0″E / 9.666667°N 80.033333°E / 9.666667; 80.033333
Country	Sri Lanka
Province	Northern
District	Jaffna
DS Division	Nallur

Nallur (Tamil: நல்லூர்), (Sinhala: නල්ලුර් ), is a small holy town within the present day city of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is located 3 km away from the colour and bustle of Jaffna Town. Originally known by its Royal term "Singai Nagar", Nallur formerly functioned as the capital of the ancient Jaffna kingdom for many years during the Aryacakravarti dynasty. However much of the grace and grandeur which once flourished the town no longer exists, as a result of the portugeese conquest in 1619. This turbulent period witnessed a myriad of incidents , deliberately perpetrated by the portugeese to put a halt to the spread of Hinduism but most importantly mark the beginning of a new era, where conversion to Roman Catholicism would be favoured.

At the core heart of Nallur is the iconic Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, noted by Sri lankan`s for its intricate Dravidian Architecture, rich ornate jewellery and inscrutable miracle enigmas. It is precisely Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil imposing presence why Nallur is reputedly renowned for its prestige, amoungst not only the City of Jaffna, but the whole of the Northern Peninsula alike; this sense of importance is reflected by the residence who inhabit the town - being predominantly that of eminent social castes such as Brahmin, Chettiar and Vellalar

Swami

Not only is Nallur esteemed to be associated with divinity due to the various historic temples erected, but it was also owing to prominent Guru figures who had lived in Nallur, such as Chellappa Swami, Kadai Swami and temporarily even Yogaswami. Theese men all endured bare modest lives, in hope of completely engaging with God and receiving Moksha (enlightenment), which they most certainly did. As a result they were obliged to fulfil their duties by teaching spiritual discipline and sharing their wisdom and knowledge to other people, despite however reluctant they were to accept.

Photo Gallery

Nallur Gallery

Statue of King Sangiliyan (Cankili II), the last legitimate king and ruler of Jaffna, who acclaimed Nallur to be the capital of his kingdom. Located on Muthirai Santhi, Nallur.   Nallur Kandaswamy Kovils gopuram overlooking Point Pedro road .

See also

• Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
• Vallipuram
• Nainativu
• Kantharodai

Coordinates: 9°40′N 80°02′E / 9.667°N 80.033°E / 9.667; 80.033