Keerimalai naguleshwaram temple historically known also as theThirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai, is a famous Hindu temple in Keerimalai, located north of Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lankanear the ancient port of Kankesanthurai. One of the oldest shrines of the region, it is the northernmost shrine on the island of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams of Lord Siva, venerated by Hindus across the world fromclassical antiquity. Its adjacent water tank, the Keerimalai Springs, is believed to have curative properties.
Keerimalai is 50 feet above sea level, and situated west of Palaly. The fresh water comes from an underground spring source. 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 take a divine dip in the natural springs. These rituals are usually carried out by men. “Keerimalai” is particularly famous for this festival.
Keeri in Tamil and nagula in Sanskrit mean "mongoose". Keeri-malai in Tamil means "Mongoose-Hill". The temple is situated adjacent to the mineral water springs. 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 Lingamenshrined there. This became known as the Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai and also the Naguleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai alluding to the sage.
It is one of the five hallowed siva temples (pancha eshwaram) 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.
Temple buildings
The Yalpana Vaipava Maalai, credits Prince Vijaya as the one who restored the Siva temple. However the historian and Cambridge scholar, Paul Pieris asserts, “ Long before the arrival of Prince Vijaya, there were in Srilanka five recognised Iswarams of Siva which claimed and received the adoration of all India. These were Tiruketheeswaram near Mahtitha; Munneswaram dominating Salwatte and the pearl fishery; Tondeswaram near Mantota; Tirukoneswaram near the great bay of Kottiyar and Naguleswaram near Kankesanturai. The situation of the shrines close to these ports cannot be the result of accident or caprice and was probably determined by the concourse of a wealthy mercantile population whose religious wants called for attention…”.
The Yalpana Vaipava Maalai, credits Prince Vijaya as the one who restored the Siva temple. However the historian and Cambridge scholar, Paul Pieris asserts, “ Long before the arrival of Prince Vijaya, there were in Srilanka five recognised Iswarams of Siva which claimed and received the adoration of all India. These were Tiruketheeswaram near Mahtitha; Munneswaram dominating Salwatte and the pearl fishery; Tondeswaram near Mantota; Tirukoneswaram near the great bay of Kottiyar and Naguleswaram near Kankesanturai. The situation of the shrines close to these ports cannot be the result of accident or caprice and was probably determined by the concourse of a wealthy mercantile population whose religious wants called for attention…”.
The impressive Hindu temple on the northern coast did not escape the envy of Portuguese invaders in the early 17th century. In 1621 Naguleswaram was razed to the ground by marauding forces. Yalpana Vaipava Malai refers to a Brahmin priest fleeing the temple but ensuring that at least some of the valuables were preserved, by hiding them in a near by well.
Srilasri Arumuga Navalar
It was not any easier under subsequent rulers. In 1878, the savant Sri Arumuga Navalar who led the revival of public interest in Saivaism, campaigned for the restoration of the temple, urging every one to donate in kind or cash for this work. Seventeen years later a consecration ceremony took place. However in 1918 the temple suffered severe damage due to an accidental fire.
It was not any easier under subsequent rulers. In 1878, the savant Sri Arumuga Navalar who led the revival of public interest in Saivaism, campaigned for the restoration of the temple, urging every one to donate in kind or cash for this work. Seventeen years later a consecration ceremony took place. However in 1918 the temple suffered severe damage due to an accidental fire.
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