Nagapooshani Nainativu
नागपूषणी अम्मन — नैनातिवु, श्रीलंका
One of the great Shakti Peethas — where the anklets of Sati are said to have fallen. The Mother abides as Nagapooshani Amman on the island of Nainativu (Nagadeepa) off the Jaffna coast, guarded by the Bhairava Nayinar.
Nagapooshani of Nagadeepa नागपूषणी
On the small island of Nainativu — ancient Nagadeepa, the land of the Nagas — off the Jaffna peninsula stands the temple of Nagapooshani Amman, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the anklets of Sati fell. Her towering, brightly painted gopurams rise straight from the sea, a beacon to pilgrims crossing by boat.
An island reached by sea
Pilgrims cross by ferry from the Jaffna coast to the island; the great rainbow-hued rajagopuram greets them as they land — one of the most striking arrivals of any Peeth.
Devi and the Nagas
Worshipped with Lord Nayinar (Shiva) as her Bhairava, Nagapooshani — “she adorned with serpents” — is the guardian Mother of this ancient Naga land, sacred also in Buddhist tradition.
Where the anklets fell कथा
As Vishnu's chakra divided the body of Sati, her anklets came to rest on this island of the southern sea, and the Mother took her seat there as Nagapooshani, guarded by Shiva as the Bhairava Nayinar.
The isle of Nagadeepa is woven into the oldest lore of the region — a meeting place of traditions — and the Amman's temple remains its living heart.
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
namas-tasyai namas-tasyai namas-tasyai namo namaḥ ॥
Seva at the sanctum पूजा
Nainativu is reached by ferry from the Jaffna coast; plan around boat timings. The temple grows especially busy during its annual festival. Confirm current schedules before travelling.
| Seva / Aarti | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning |
| Midday puja | Noon |
| Evening puja | Evening |
Offerings
Flowers, kumkum, coconut and sweets in the South Indian Amman tradition; pilgrims often visit the nearby Buddhist Nagadeepa shrine too.
The great festival
The temple's annual Mahotsavam over many days is the high season, drawing devotees from across Sri Lanka and the Tamil diaspora.
Festivals पर्व
Nagapooshani Amman Mahotsavam
The grand multi-day festival — the greatest gathering of the year on the island.
Navaratri
The nine nights of the Mother.
Aadi Amavasai & Fridays
The Tamil month of Aadi, especially sacred to the Amman.
Yatra guide यात्रा
✈️ By Air
Jaffna (Palaly) airport serves the peninsula; Colombo is the main international gateway.
⛴️ By Ferry
Reach Nainativu by boat from Kurikadduwan (KKD) jetty on the Jaffna coast.
🚗 By Road
Drive to the KKD jetty via Punkudutivu from Jaffna, then cross by ferry.
🗓️ Best time
The annual Mahotsavam and the drier months; always check ferry schedules.
🌏 Note
An overseas Peeth in Sri Lanka — plan travel, ferry timings and any documents ahead.