Overview
The northernmost of the Pancha Ishwarams, at Keerimalai north of Jaffna, beside the Keerimalai natural springs. A declared Archaeological Protected Monument.
History
Traditional accounts place its origin in the sixth century BCE, with restoration attributed to Prince Vijaya. No independent corroboration was found for either. Destroyed by Portuguese forces in 1621. Priests are recorded as having hidden the principal icons in a well beforehand. Reconstructed in 1894 under the Hindu reformer Arumuka Navalar.
Spiritual Significance
The temple and the springs work together: the springs are used for Aadi Amaavaasai ancestral rites, which makes this a site of obligation for families as well as devotion. The Skanda Puranam names Naguleswaram among ancient pilgrimage sites, and the Dakshina Kailasa Puranam mentions it too.
Prayers at Naguleswaram Temple, Keerimalai
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजंगतुंगमालिकाम्।
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्मवेदस्वरूपम्।
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम्।
नागेन्द्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्माङ्गरागाय महेश्वराय।
Pilgrimage Information
Current status: Active, fully reconstructed and reconsecrated in 2012, protected as an archaeological monument.
Check festival dates and local conditions close to the date of travel.
Sources
- Naguleswaram Temple other
About this page
Researched and written by YatraBeyond from published sources, and not yet confirmed by the temple. Facts here are cross-checked against at least two independent sources, never written from memory, and every source is listed above.
Last reviewed by us: 2026-09-17. Timings, entry rules and access can change without notice; treat anything time-sensitive as a starting point and confirm before you travel.
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