Naguleswaram temple Keerimalai is a most venerated centuries old historical Hindu Temple in northern capitol of Jaffna Sri Lanka. This is Pancha Ishwarams of lord Shiva venerated by the Hindu community across the globe. Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple is also known as Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai Jaffna which is one of the oldest Hindu shrines of the northern province of Sri Lanka. Naguleswaram Kovil Keerimalai destroyed by Portugese during Portiguese colonial period of Ceylon and re-stored by Arumuka Navalar in 1894. 

Keerimalai Hot Springs pond Jaffna

Keerimalai or Keerimale jot spring is a natural spring located near coastal belt of Palaly 50 FT above the mean sea level. A bathing tank was constructed adjacent this pool and only the walls separate the waters of the spring and the sea. The water is not hot. It is believed this underwater water resources are connected with Nilavarai bottomless Well which located approximately 10 KM away from Keerimalai hot spring. Hindu believe the water of Keerimalai hot spring is having a healing power. As per the geological analysis, this water enriched with high mineral properties. 

Relationship with Ramayana Yatra in Lanka Pura 

As per the Hindu legends, King Rama visited this place and bathed to get rid of dosham after killing King Ravana who abducted Princess Sita Devi. Therefore Keeramalai Naguleswaram temple is one of the Ramayana related sites of Sri Lanka.

History of Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple  

Keeri in Tamil and nagula in Sanskrit referred as Mongoose. Keeri – Malai in Tamil means “Mongoose Hill”. The Naguleswaram Temple is located next to the Keerimalai hot spring. According to Hindu legends, sage Nagula Muni, shrunk by age and austerity while meditating at a cave in Keerimalai was likened to mongooses that frequented the area. The sage bathed in the springs and was cured of his mongoose shaped face and he decided to construct the Kovil as a gratitude. This sage cursed with a face likened to a mongoose. This became known as the Thirutambaleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai and also the Naguleswaram Kovil of Keerimalai alluding to the sage.
Another folklore stated that, Pandiyan Princess called Maruthapura Veeravalli constructed the Hindu Kovil at Keerimale when she was cured of her horse shaped head after bathing at Keerimale.