Selva Sanidhi Murugan Temple | Jaffna

About this Attraction

The Pada Yatra—or the Foot Journey—remains one of the most humbling and spiritually enriching experiences I've ever had. It is an awe-inspiring pilgrimage that transcends physical endurance and delves into a deep sense of devotion, unity, and connection with the divine. This journey spans from the Selva Sanidhi Murugan Temple in the north of Sri Lanka to the iconic Kataragama Temple in the south. Walking for weeks alongside countless devotees was both physically challenging and spiritually rewarding.

The Journey Begins: Selva Sanidhi Murugan Temple

The journey began at the Selva Sanidhi Murugan Temple in Thondaimanaru, nestled near a unique confluence of freshwater and the sea. This sacred location, known for its tîrtham, sthalam, and mūrti, is steeped in history and spirituality. Walking into the temple complex, I was enveloped by a profound sense of calm. The energy of devotion from others made the air feel alive.

Tracing History and Legacy

As I stepped onto the grounds of this sacred site, I couldn't help but reflect on the temple's fascinating history. Built during the reign of Kulatunka Colan, its initial purpose was to serve the settlers of the Thondaimanaru region. Guided by the unwavering devotion of Kadirkamar, the temple survived periods of destruction and foreign invasions, only to be revived as a beacon of spiritual solace. Learning about Kadirkamar's pilgrimage to Katirkamam and his return with the sacred silver Vel was an inspiring story of faith triumphing over adversity.

A Sacred Foot Journey Through Sri Lanka

Leaving the serene temple, I joined fellow devotees as we began our trek southward. The pilgrimage took us through some of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking and challenging landscapes, including dense forests, bustling towns, and coastal villages. Walking through Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and eventually the wild, untamed Yala National Park, the journey was extraordinary.

The most surreal part of the route was walking through Yala National Park, a stretch usually off-limits to foot traffic except for pilgrims during this sacred event. The park's raw beauty, punctuated by seeing elephants, peacocks, and even leopards in the distance, was a humbling reminder of the connection between nature and spirituality.

Selva Sanidhi: A Place of Divine Comfort

At every stop, the spiritual roots of the journey became clearer. The Selva Sanidhi Murugan Temple, though modest compared to other temples, held an aura that resonated deeply within me. Worshippers were drawn to its sacredness and its history of inclusivity, where people of all backgrounds came together in shared devotion.

The silver Vel, bestowed upon Kadirkamar, was a highlight of the temple, embodying Murugan's divine energy and the unwavering faith of the devotees who continued to preserve this sacred tradition. The rituals performed at the temple exuded a sense of timelessness, linking the present to the centuries of worship that came before.

Final Thoughts

While physically demanding, the Pada Yatra is not merely a journey of the body but one of the soul. The sights, the stories of resilience, and the spiritual essence of the Selva Sanidhi Murugan Temple all intertwined to make this a pilgrimage I will cherish forever. It reminded me of the power of faith to transcend time, adversity, and boundaries, bringing people together in a shared quest for divine blessings and inner peace.

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