Nallur Kandaswamy temple

 The original Kandaswamy Temple was founded in 948 A.D. According to the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, the temple was developed at the site in the 13th century by Buwanika Bahu, a minister to the King of Kotte. Sapumal Kumaraya, who ruled the Jaffna kingdom on behalf of the Kotte kingdom, is credited with building the third Nallur Kandaswamy temple. Nallur served as the capital of the Jaffna kings, with the royal palace situated very close to the temple. Nallur was built with four entrances with gates. There were two main roadways and four temples at the four gateways. The present rebuilt temple that exists now does not match their original locations, which instead are occupied by churches erected by the Portuguese. The center of the city was Muthirai Santhai, which was surrounded by a square fortification. There were courtly buildings for the kings, Brahmin priests, soldiers, and other service providers. The old Kandaswamy temple functioned as a defensive fort with high walls. In general, the city was laid out like a traditional temple town according to Hindu traditions. Cankilian Thoppu, the facade of the palace of King Cankili II, can still be found in Nallur.