Sri Lanka: Jaffna – Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple is the most famous and prominent temple in northern Sri Lanka. It is the most significant religious and cultural landmarks for Sri Lankan Tamils and holds deep historical and spiritual importance. The original Kandaswamy Temple was established in 948 AD, the temple was further developed in the 13th century by the Jaffna King Kalinga Magha. In the ensuing years, it was rebuilt multiple times due to invasions and destruction – by British and then the Dutch, who actually later fully rebuilt it in the 17th century in its current iteration. The temple is truly spectacular in a classic Tamil style – with lots of colorful details and sculpture of deities and demons – this is called Dravidian style, characterized by its ornate gopurams (towers) and intricate carvings. You can admire from the outside as much as you can, but to enter you need to be a mad and be shirtless and barefoot. Also after having taken a few pics, I got seriously yelled at and even grabbed by the phone and ordered to delete all the pictures of the interior.