Cultural placess - Thenmarachchi Region
Sivapoomi Thiruvasaga Aranmanai
( Religious Place )
Location : Navatkuli
The Sivapoomi Thiruvasagam Aranmanai is situated in Navatkuli, Jaffna along A9 road in a 10-acre land. The prime deity is Dakshinamurthy this temple was constructed in 2018 by Dr. Aruthirumurugan and his trustee through their hardworking. It reminds us of Chiddambaram temple in India where Manicka vasagar`s Thiruvasagam and Thirukovayar are engraved in rock stones The full Tiruvasakam is carved in 12 languages on granite walls and displayed around a hall which circles a Dakshinamurti shrine. Around are 108 perfectly carved Sivalingams and corresponding hanging bells. Agasthiyar and Manickavasagar vikerakams have been constructed who stands besides an immense Shivalingam on a rock Chariot of 21 feet height surrounded by cooling water. This palace is not only house the Thiruvasagam but also is a library of hundreds of booksand Articles on Thhiruvasagam. The Tiruvasakam Palace remains the power of divinity in Jaffna.
Sivapoomi Museum
( Cultural center )
Location : Navatkuli
The Sivapoomi Museum is situated in Navatkuli, Jaffna along A9 road in 120 perches of land. Mrs. A. Kayilasapillai, Ms. Vaithilingam, Dr. Kandappillai Parthiban and Dr. Nirmalan Mahesan assisted in the construction of the three-story building of the Museum. It was established on the 25th of January 2020 by Dr. Aru Thirumurugan. The purpose of the Museum is to collect objects and materials of the cultural, religious, historical importance of Sri Lanka and preserve them, and sharing of authentic cultural and natural heritage to public. The ground floor features objects related to the heritage of Tamils and Tamil culture of Sri Lanka. These include household brass utensils, food carriers, Hindu temple oil lamps, various antique coins, vintage clocks, and other objects. The first-floor features photos of Tamil scholars, pandits, philosophers, and founders of educational establishments, as well as footage of religious and cultural events that occurred historically in Jaffna and its surrounding area. An estimated 2800 photos of Jaffna`s historical landmarks are displayed on the first floor of the museum. The second floor contains an exhibition of fine art portrayals of Sri Lankan Tamil culture and heritage, created by Jaffna University students and other famous artists around the island.
Neithal Beach city
( Water sports center )
Location : Navatkuli
Neithal Beach city
Pantrithalachchi Kannakai Amman Temple
( Religious place )
Location : Madduvil
Pantrithalaichchi Amman temple is situated in Madduvil North of Chavakachcheri division. The presiding deity is Goddess Amman. This temple is popular for “Pankunithinkal” festival and it is celebrated during every Mondays in the Month of March. During these Mondays, thousands of devotees from many parts of Jaffna always come early morning and bathe in the temple`s holy pond and prepare rice by boiling it in milk and raw cane sugar and some sweets Mothakam and Vadai. Then These prepared items are dedicated to Goddess Amman. These activities have been followed by devotees traditionally for long time. Earlier, people from all parts of Jaffna come to this temple by bull cart. The Annual High Festivals commence in December, on the first day of Thiruvambavai day and terminates on the 10th day. Special poojas are held on Vaikasi Visakam day (in May), Aadi Pooram day (in July), Navarathiri (nine days in the month of September). The Chakra Pooja is performed on the full moon day of each month.
Church of the American Ceylon Mission
( Religious place )
Location : Nunavil
The church of the American Ceylon mission is located in the A-9 road of Nunavil West. American missionaries came to Sri Lanka in 1816. This church was started in 1896 by the American missionaries at the same year. One of the American mission schools was started in the Madduvil south which is Functioned till now. The first pastor of this Nunavil church was Rev, S.T Abraham who was an American. For the last hundred and twenty-seven years (127 years) the church is being held by its members. Now there forty five people worship in this church.
Nunavil Matam & Chumaithanki
( Historical building/Monument )
Location : Nunavil
Matam is an important structure of Jaffna Tamils since the ancient period. Matam was constructed where around the trading centers, roadside, places where people got together for various purposes. Ordinary people, devotees, traders who travelled long distance on foot or by bullock carts, places needed to take rest from hot or at night and keep their belongings safety. Chumaithanki is an associated aspect with Matam, it is a stone erected for the people who walk long distance with burden to rest their burden on the stone and cool their heels off. It is always constructed along the roads and streets for the people to ease the stress and strain of their heads while carrying heavy articles. Nunavil Matam and Chumaithanki were constructed along the A9 road in early period. They are our cultural identities.
Varivana Nathar Sivan Temple
( Religious place )
Location : Chavakachcheri
Varivana Nathar Sivan Temple is Lord Siva`s temple which is situated in Chavakachcheri to the west of the town on the road stretching from the Rest House junction to the railway station. It is oldest temple and the prime deity is Lord Siva called as “Sri Santhirasegara Varivananathar” and his consort Goddess is “Sri Amirthabashini Ambal”. The Annual Festival is celebrated for 10 days in month of February. Car festival is celebrated on final day (10th day and water cutting is also celebrated on 11 th day in the lotus pond on the west of the temple. Many ritual events and poojas are regularly conducted in this temple.
The Jaffna Diocese of the Church of the South India
( Religious place )
Location : Chavakachcheri
It is one of the America mission church, is situated in the Chavakachcheri town and was initiated in 1834 by the America missionary devotees. American missionaries came to Sri Lanka in 1816. They had started their first services in the Valikamam.W. Morishan, Cheesman, Joshep,John and Maraya all these had involved to strengthen the services. This church was constructed by the Dutch but not maintained well. Earlier this church was situated in the Chavakachcheri Driberk College`s premises. When REV. Dr. John Skadar(started first medical missionary in the world) it was transferred to Chavakachcheri, he started evangelistic work including worship activities of this church. The church was repaired and changed for spiritual activities by America mission devotees in 1891.Later this church and associated house was handed over to teachers `training college in 1932. In 1933, the foundation for new church was laid by REV. S.R Kikkok then worship activities were started during 1947 period after partly completion of the work. Then this church was completed in 1951. In 1950,old church was destroyed and its stones were used to construct the Navamani Theater. Currently this theater is not found.
Sanguppiddy Bridge
( Physical Infrastructure )
Location : Kerativu
The Sangupiddy Bridge is situated at Pooneryn - Jaffna boundary and crossing over the Jaffna lagoon. This bridge connects Jaffna peninsula to Kilinochchi district. This bridge is two hundred and eighty-eight meter along with two lanes for transportation. This is one of the second land access routes to the Jaffna Peninsula. The structural design of this bridge is quite different. It is curvature shape looks similar to the fly over bridge Due to this curvature, fishing boats can move under the bridge without any disturbance. This bridge connecting A-32 road from Mannar to Jaffna across the lagoon is the shortest land route to Jaffna from Colombo. The surrounding area of the bridge was constructed to promote recreational activities such as photography, walking, recreational boating and fishing.
Sri Ilanchiyaranyam Manduvil Amman (Solai amman) Temple
( Religious place )
Location : Meesalai
Solai Amman temple is also one of the famous Amman Temples in the Thenmarachchi Region. This is an ancient kovil and presiding deity is Goddess Amman and it is located on the Dutch road stretching from Chavakachcheri junction. This Amman kovil is surrounded by large shady trees and it looks like a temple within a garden which gives more attraction. This is the reason for calling this temple as Soolai Amman. The Soolai means in Tamil, the trees in a park are densely distributed. The Annual Grand Festival of this temple is celebrated for ten days in the month of June. Special ceremonies like Ketharagowri festival, Navarathiri and Vijayathasamy are also celebrated in this temple. Special festival offers Pongal (Specially cooked rice) is held annually on `Vissagam” (Full moon day) in the month of May.
Siddiveram Kannakai Amman Temple
( Religious place )
Location : Varani
The presiding deity of Siddiveram Kannakai Amman Temple is Goddess Amman which is found in the midst of old trees near the village of Varani on the Point Pedro- Kodikamam main road. The Annual High Festival is a popular festival in Thenmarachchi region and it is held for 14 days commencing from Vaikasi Vishakam in the month of May. It is believed that there are some special days and poojas for Goddess Amman. Especially Pangunithinkal (Mondays in the month of March), Aadi Pooram (in the Month of July), Varaluxmi Viratham (in the month of August), Navarathiri poojas (9days, in September), Ketharagowri Viratham(21days,in October) and Karthigai Thinkal in November are important events in year. Special poojas are conducted during these days. This temple is trusted temple of people of the Thenmarachchi region.
St.Nicholas Church
( Religious place )
Location : Mirusuvil
The Sangupiddy Bridge is situated at Pooneryn and Jaffna boundary and crossed the Jaffna lagoon. This bridge connects Jaffna peninsula to Kilinochchi district. This bridge is two hundred and eighty-eight meter along with two lanes for transportation. This is one of the second land access routes to the Jaffna Peninsula. The structural design of this bridge is quite different. It is curvature shape looks similar to the fly over bridge Due to this curvature, fishing boats can move under the bridge without any disturbance. This bridge connecting A-32 road from Mannar to Jaffna across the lagoon is the shortest land route to Jaffna from Colombo. The surrounding area of the bridge was constructed to promote recreational activities such as photography, walking, recreational boating and fishing.
