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Nagapooshani Amman Kovil

Entrance to the Kovil from the Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple

Nagapooshani Amman Temple on the island of Nainativu is a very ancient Hindu temple. It is believed that this temple was originally erected many millennia before by the Nagas who were a pre-historic race of people of Sri Lanka. The temple was originally erected and dedicated for the worship of the Serpent God called "Nayinar" by the Nagas. In the Nainativu temple, the object of worship in the sanctum sanctorum is a stone figure of a five-headed cobra. The festival of the Sri Nagapooshani Amman Kovil is generally held in the Tamil month of Aani (June/July) each year for fifteen days.

During the festive season, many childless couples come on pilgrimages to the Kovil to receive the blessings of the Nagapooshani Amman, the patron Mother Goddess of the Kovil. The devotees, whose wishes are bestowed, too come with their new born babies to fulfil their vows. As such, the Sri Nagapooshani Amman Kovil becomes a place of high activity during the festive season.

Nainativu is a unique islet which houses the religious places belonging to all main religions practised in Sri Lanka, namely Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The famous Buddhist temple, “ Nagadeepa Vihara ”, is also located on the same island in close proximity to the Sri Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, symbolising religious coexistence among peace loving citizens in the country irrespective of their ethnic differences.

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Jetty on the Island.	Jetty on the Island.

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