Sri Vallipur Alwar Temple, Thunnalai – Jaffna
Located near Point Pedro in the Jaffna District of Northern Sri Lanka, the Sri Vallipur Alwar Temple is a sacred Vishnu temple with deep spiritual and historical significance.
Also known as “Vallipur Azhwar Temple”, it is one of the rarest temples in Sri Lanka that is simultaneously a Divya Desam, Murthi Sthalam, and Theertha Sthalam.
📜 Temple Legend
In ancient times, a devout woman named Valli Nachiyar lived in this region. Once, while traveling by boat, a fish leapt onto her lap and left behind a divine Sudarshana Chakra before diving back into the sea. Valli Nachiyar worshipped this chakra, and the temple was later built at that very site.
Unlike other Vishnu temples, the main deity here is the Sudarshana Chakra itself, making it a uniquely icon-less temple of profound reverence.
Believed to have been built in the 13th century, the temple has undergone several renovations, blending both ancient and modern elements throughout its architecture.
🛕 Rajagopuram Highlights
The majestic Rajagopuram (main tower) of the temple was laid in 1980. Standing 71 feet tall with 7 tiers, it was constructed in Dravidian architectural style by artisans from Tamil Nadu.
The gopuram features beautiful carvings of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman, Manmadha, Rathi, and Lord Krishna. Remarkably, it also includes sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi – a rare element in Vaishnavite temples.
🕊️ Mahatma Gandhi’s Visit
During his visit to Sri Lanka in November 1927, Mahatma Gandhi stayed in Jaffna from the 26th to 29th and gave a speech at this temple. To honor his visit, life-size statues and spinning wheel sculptures of Gandhi have been installed on the Rajagopuram.
🕰️ Darshan Timings
- Morning: 6.00 AM – 11.30 AM
- Evening: 4.30 PM – 7.30 PM
🎉 Special Festivals
- Vallipur Alwar’s Thirunakshatram (birth star festival)
- Vaikunta Ekadasi
📍 Location
Located in Vadamarachchi region, Jaffna District, near Point Pedro. The temple is easily accessible by buses and private vehicles.
