About Sri Nallur kandaswamy Devasthanam
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, located in Jaffna and preserving the Tamil Saiva tradition, is said to have been established by Sembakaperumal, the general who made Nallur his capital, in 1450. In the 1620s, the temple was completely razed to the ground by the Portuguese administration. Although several temples dedicated to Nallur Murugan were built and subsequently destroyed, in 1734, Iraghunatha Mappana Mudaliar conducted worship of Vel at the site where the current Nallai Atheenam stands. The same Vel is still enshrined as Nallur Kandaswamy in the temple’s moolasthana.
The temple has been registered in the name of Lord Murugan as Ambalavanar Subramanian. The temple and all its movable and immovable properties have remained in His name, and the descendants of Mappanar have continuously served as executive officers and trustees.
During the time of the first Arumuga Mappanar, the installation of temple tiles began, and separate sanctums were established for Pillaiyar and Vairavar. Later, under Raghunatha Mappanar III, a fence was constructed around the temple, and the annual festival was inaugurated. The festival starts with flag hoisting on the sixth day after the Adi Amavasi, known as Shashti Tithi, and continues for twenty-five days.
During the reign of Arumukha Mappanar II, the temple underwent several significant developments. Internal sheds were constructed, and the bell tower, known as Manikkoottu Kopuram, was built. Additionally, Lord Shanmukha was established. For the first time during this period, Lord Shanmuga was blessed during the chariot festival. The silver throne for Shanmug, which remains widely revered, was also established during this era. After 1972, under the stewardship of the fourth Raghunatha Mappanar, the Archanai Cheetu (receipt) system and the punctual puja system gained importance. The Archanai Cheetu, which remains at one rupee, is unique compared to other places. The temple continues to serve as an example of effective time management.
During the reign of Raghunatha Mappanar IV, the construction of the main Raja and Shanmukha Gopurams began. The work was completed during the reign of Shanmugadasa Mappana Mudaliar. Construction also included the consecration of Muthukumara Swami and the sanctorum for Palaniandavar.
Following the completion of the Rajagopura work, two bell towers were erected on both sides of the tower. A shed was constructed for Shanmukha Tirtha Keni, and Vallikanthar Murthy was established for the palliyara puja. Additionally, the vimana was built for the palliyara puja. During this period, the temple’s old chariot broke down, and a new chariot was repaired. Lord Shanmukha ascended the new chariot for the first time. Panchamurthy Bhavaniva and darshan were inaugurated on the Tirtha festival day, akin to the Thillai Chidambaram Temple. It was also during this period that the temple’s festival was broadcast live on radio for the first time in the world.
In 1964, Kumaresa Mappanar took office as the tenth administrator of the temple. During his tenure, Kanthaswamyar Arul contributed significantly to enhancing the temple’s splendor. In 1966, after the Vasanthamdapam was consecrated and the Kumbabhishekam was performed, several key structures were erected. The Maha Mandapam and Rudra Mandapams were built to honor Nallur Gandhapuruman. Additionally, a Sannidhi with Vimana for Muthukumar and a Therumuti for the Chariot were established. A Sokkatan Panthal was constructed in front of the Rajagopuram as a symbol of Jaffna. It was also during this period that the bow-shaped hall was constructed. Other significant additions included Klikkopuram in 2011 and Kubera Gopuram in 2016. The Shanmukha Pushkarani Theertha Mandapam was renovated in 2016, and golden stupa and caskets were built for Lord Shanmukha.
Today, the temple is under the trusteeship of Kumares Sayandana Mappana Mudaliar. In 2023, the Kumara Gopuram was constructed, and the Kumbabhishekam was performed.