History:

is an ancient temple located in the heart of the Northern Province. Locally known as the Velanai Murugan Kovil, it is considered sacred amongst the Tamil people. Although the origins of the temple are unknown, they are said to date back to the Chola period (2,000 BCE-848 CE). Along with the nearby Keerimalai Nagar Kovil, it is visited by many devotees from all over Sri Lanka and India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of War and Victory. The main deity is a five foot tall standing idol of Lord Murugan, holding a vel (spear/lance). The temple also houses many other deities, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Kartikeya, daughter of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The main festivals celebrated in the temple are Thaipusam (Jan/Feb), Kaanum Pongal (Dec/Jan), and Chitrai Pongal (April). During religious occasions, the temple is beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and banners. Nadarajapperumal Temple is known for its religious and cultural importance, and is a major site for annual pilgrimages. Apart from the main deity, the temple also features several shrines, mandapams (large roofed halls), and a beautiful pond with a shiva lingam. A consecrated kodi maram (sacred flag pole) stands at the entrance, with a gopuram (temple tower) towering beyond. There is also a chariot, used for annual chariot processions. The temple also houses a library, which holds books on Hinduism and Tamil literature. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Nadarajapperumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Velanai West, Sri Lanka. 2. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Nadarajapperumal. 3. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Chola Raja's of South India, who also founded the Srikafta Dynasty in Sri Lanka. 4. The Nadarajapperumal Temple is one of the few ancient Hindu temples still standing in Sri Lanka. 5. The architecture of the temple is unique and it features a golden dome surrounded by intricately carved details. 6. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and it is believed to be the olderst temple in the southern region of Sri Lanka. 7. Every year, on the full moon of the month of Masi, special ceremonies and prayers are held at the Nadarajapperumal Temple to commemorate the life of Lord Vishnu. Here are some facts about the SriLanka temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in SriLanka

Worship Method:

The Nadarayapperumal Temple in Velanai West in Sri Lanka follows a standard Shaiva ritual system which involves daily and weekly poojas and festivals. The daily rituals include a ‘Noon Deepa Aradanai’ and ‘Uhoondru Deepa Aradanai’, where oil lamps are lighted before the moolavar. Other offerings such as flowers, incense sticks, fruits and coconut oil are also offered to the deity. During special occasions, villagers chant hymns and perform archanai to the deity. On full moon and new moon days, special pujas involving abishekam, deepa aradanai and other spiritual activities are performed. On Fridays and Tuesdays, special pujas such as Utsavar Archana, vishesham, Maha Deepa Ardanai and others are conducted. On annual festivals such as ‘Ettukai’ and ‘Thirukkalyanam’, elaborate rituals and ceremonies are performed. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The temple usually opens at 7:00am and closes at 7:00pm. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

? The Nadarajapperumal Temple is located in the town of Velanai West, on Velanai Island in Sri Lanka. To reach the temple from anywhere in Sri Lanka, take the A32 highway to Jaffna and then reach the Velanai Ferry boat service that takes visitors across the channel to Velanai Island. From the ferry boat service, the temple is located about 4 km away and can be reached by tuk-tuk or other local transport. famous temples in SriLanka