Kankesanthurai

Kankesanthurai (Tamil: காங்கேசன்துறை, romanized: kāṅgēsanduṟai काङ्गेसन्दुऱै, lit. Port Kankesan), commonly referred to as KKS, is a port suburb, fishing division, and resort hub located in the Jaffna District of Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Once designated as an electoral district, Kankesanthurai is known for its scenic Kankesanthurai beach, the Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple (a Pancha Ishwaram), and the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple.

Kankesanthurai காங்கேசன்துறை කන්කසන්තුරේ
Town
Coordinates: 9°48′55″N 80°02′40″E
Country	Sri Lanka
Province	Northern
District	Jaffna
DS Division	Valikamam North

The harbour at Kankesanthurai has historically served as an arrival and departure point for pilgrims since classical antiquity, and it is named after the Sri Lankan Tamil deity Murukan. The suburb features numerous fishing villages and is administered by Grama Niladhari (village officers). Kankesanthurai is situated in the northern part of Valikamam, one of the three ancient habitation regions on the Jaffna peninsula, located on the peninsula's northern coast, approximately 19.2 kilometres from Jaffna city, 136 kilometres from Mannar, and 248 kilometres from Trincomalee.

Kankesanthurai is a well-known tourist spot, celebrated for its temples, picturesque sandy beaches lined with palm trees, and the famous Keerimalai Springs. Other notable attractions in the suburb include its natural harbour, as well as the historic fort and lighthouse.

Etymology

In the 8th century, the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple underwent renovations led by the Chola-Pandyan princess Mathurapuraveeravalli. During this time, the statue of Kankesan (Murugan) was transported through the port of Gayathurai, which was subsequently renamed Kankesanthurai in his honour. In Tamil, the term thurai translates to '"port.

Historical sites

The Naguleswaram Temple is a renowned Hindu shrine located in Kankesanthurai. As one of the oldest temples in the area, it stands as the northernmost of the Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered by Hindus globally since ancient times. The nearby Keerimalai Springs are believed to possess healing properties. To the south of the harbour lies the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple.

The freshwater at Keerimalai Springs comes from underground sources. The festival days of "Maasi Magam" and “Aadi Amaavaasai,” the latter occurring during the Tamil month of “Aadi” (mid-July to mid-August), attract Hindu pilgrims to the town for ancestral rituals and a sacred dip in the springs. These ceremonies are predominantly performed by men, and Keerimalai is especially noted for this celebration.

Kankesanthurai Fort was a small structure erected by the Dutch in the area. However, it was destroyed at some point, leaving no visible remnants. Unlike other Dutch forts in Sri Lanka, there are scant maps and limited information available about this fort.

The Kankesanthurai Lighthouse, constructed in 1893, stands at 22 meters (72 feet) tall with its octagonal masonry tower featuring a lantern and gallery. Situated within the Sri Lankan military's Valikamam North High Security Zone and adjacent to a naval base, the lighthouse suffered significant damage during the Sri Lankan Civil War and is currently inactive.

Kankesanthurai Beach is celebrated as one of the top two beaches in the Northern Province. This family-friendly sandy shore, adorned with palm trees and clear waters, remains uncrowded and natural, offering picturesque views of local fishing activities at the harbour, medieval architecture, and the lighthouse.

read also

• List of ports in Sri Lanka
• Railway stations in Sri Lanka