A few minutes' walk from the Nainativu jetty, the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil is one of the most venerated Hindu temples in northern Sri Lanka. Tradition counts it among the Shakti Peethas — the places where parts of the goddess Sati fell to earth; here, her anklets. The temple is dedicated to the goddess as Nagapooshani or Bhuvaneswari, with Shiva worshipped as Nayinaar.
Destroyed by the Portuguese in 1620 and rebuilt between 1720 and 1790, it is today a landmark visible from the ferry itself, its four gopurams crowned by the 108-foot eastern Raja Raja Gopuram and adorned with an estimated ten thousand sculptures. The 16-day Mahostavam festival in the Tamil month of Aadi (June–July) draws over 100,000 pilgrims; on ordinary days worship is quieter but constant.
Good to know
- Same ferry as Nagadeepa Vihara — most visitors see both together
- The gopuram view from the approaching boat is the classic photo
- Festival season (Aadi, June–July) is spectacular but very busy
- Modest dress; small offerings available outside the temple