Maa Bhuvaneswari Temple

Sri Bhuvaneswari Idol & Shrine – Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, Sri Lanka

Location

The Sri Bhuvaneswari Idol & Shrine is located within The Nagapooshani Amman Temple on nainativu island, a sacred pilgrimage destination in northern sri lanka.

  • Island: nainativu (also known as nagadeepa)
  • District: jaffna district
  • Province: northern province, sri lanka
  • Nearest city: jaffna (approx. 36 km away)
  • Coordinates: 9.6096° n, 79.8287° e

Historical And Spiritual Significance

The Nagapooshani Amman Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas outside mainland india. It is dedicated primarily to Maa Nagapooshani, A Manifestation Of Maa Parvati, but within the sanctified Temple complex, The Divine Form of Maa Bhuvaneswari is also worshipped in a distinct Shrine and Murti.

Maa Bhuvaneswari’s Presence

  • The Bhuvaneswari Shrine is part of the Pancha Devata worship tradition, where Maa Is Adored In Her Universal Sovereign Form, Ruling Over The Three Worlds.
  • Her Idol is finely adorned, often depicted with Four Arms Holding The Noose, Goad, And Offering Varada And Abhaya Mudras.
  • Devotees pray to Her for protection, inner wisdom, and liberation from fear and illusion.

This Temple has been a sacred site of Devi worship for over 1,000 years, with tamil shaiva and shakta saints referring to it in hymns and tantras.

Religious Importance

  • This Temple is also believed to be the site where Maa Parvati’s Anklet Fell, Making It One Of The Shakti Peethas in the broader Devi tradition.
  • The Maa Bhuvaneswari Shrine specifically attracts tantric practitioners, pilgrims seeking Blessings for worldly success and spiritual elevation, and devotees from sri lanka, india, and southeast asia.

Festivals And Rituals

  • Aadi amavasai: a grand festival honoring The Divine Feminine Powers, especially popular among tamil devotees.
  • Navaratri: daily Alankarams, yagnas, and parayanams dedicated to Maa Bhuvaneswari and Nagapooshani.
  • Chariot festival (ther thiruvizha): Maa is taken in procession around the island, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims.

How To Reach Nainativu

By train:

  • Take a train to jaffna railway station from colombo fort or other major cities.
  • From jaffna, reach kurikkaduwan jetty (kkd jetty) by taxi or bus (about 35 km).

By ferry:

  • From kurikkaduwan jetty, take a public or private ferry to nainativu island (15–20 minute ride).
  • Ferries operate from 8 am to 6 pm regularly.

By air:

  • Fly into jaffna international airport (palaly airport).
  • Taxis or auto-rickshaws can take you to the jetty, followed by ferry to the island.