About Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna stands as a living beacon of Tamil Saivaite tradition. Its present form was established in 1734 by Raghunatha Maapaanar I, who consecrated a Vel (divine spear) at the site now hosting Nallai Aatheenam. That Vel still remains enshrined in the moolasthanam (sanctum) as the revered form of Nallur Kandaswamy.
The temple is legally registered under the name Kandaswamy (Ambalavanar Subramanian). All temple properties—movable and immovable—have been preserved under this divine title. The trusteeship has remained with the hereditary lineage of the Maapaanar family, ensuring continuity in spiritual stewardship.