Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple
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Location
Maviddapuram, Jaffna, Northern Province
Timings
6:00 AM � 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM � 7:00 PM
Dress Code
Traditional attire. Men: sarong or pants. Women: saree or salwar kameez.
Deity
Maviddapuram Kandaswamy (Murugan) with Valli and Deivanai
Significance
Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple is one of the oldest Murugan temples in the Jaffna peninsula, with a history dating back over 1,000 years. The site was originally an ancient Kannaki (Pattini) temple before being converted to a Murugan shrine. Located on the Palaly road, it survived Portuguese destruction in the 17th century and was later restored during the Dutch colonial period in the 19th century. It remains an important pilgrimage site for Sri Lankan Hindus.
Architecture
The temple is built in the Dravidian style with a 3-tier gopuram. The sanctum houses Kandaswamy in standing posture. The vimana is copper-plated. The temple mandapam features carved granite pillars. The temple tank is supplied by the natural Maviddapuram spring. The surrounding area is lush with palm trees and paddy fields.