Sri Subramuniya Temple & Ashram / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple in Alaveddy, Jaffna, Sri Lanka : A Living Tribute to Four Extraordinary Hindu Spiritual Lineage Gurus — Swami Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Swami Kadaitswami, Swami Chellapaswami, Swami Yogaswami | Complete Visitor Guide, History, Visit Timings, Contact Details (Updated)
– experiencing the profound energy of hindu gurus
Sri Subramuniya Temple in Alaveddy, Jaffna, Sri Lanka is a sacred Sri Pasupatheeswarar Lord Shiva temple which represents a beautiful architecture and a living tribute to an extraordinary lineage of four spiritual masters and a beacon of spiritual practice in the Tamil Hindu diaspora. During my visits to this sacred Jaffna temple, I experienced firsthand the profound energy that permeates this sanctuary. 
Sri Subramuniya Temple / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple and Its Sacred Presence
The Sri Subramuniya Temple / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple in Alaveddy is a marvel of spiritual intention and architectural simplicity. The structure is a square building with four entry doorways, representing accessibility and welcome from all directions.
At its sacred center stands a beautifully installed Siva Lingam, the manifestation of the infinite, unchanging consciousness of Lord Shiva. A serene veranda surrounds the entire structure, creating a space for circumambulation and quiet reflection.
Another remarkable is the presence of a magnificent Nadi statue outside its sanctum. This powerful sculpture represents the sacred feminine energy and complements the Siva Lingam perfectly, embodying the complementary forces of masculine and feminine divinity.
The Nadi statue is impressively large and carved with exquisite detail, drawing the eye and the heart of every devotee who enters. Standing before these two sacred representations—the Lingam and the Nadi—creates a profound sense of cosmic balance and completion.
The Alaveddy temple also houses sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan and Lord Ganesha, honoring the divine family of Lord Siva. This shrine draws devotees seeking strength, protection, and spiritual guidance on their path.
The presence of these beloved deities alongside the central Siva Lingam creates a complete expression of Hindu cosmology—honoring the supreme consciousness of Lord Shiva while acknowledging the multifaceted expressions of the divine that guide and protect all seekers.
Spiritual Parampara – Lineage Gurus
Sacred murtis of each spiritual master are positioned at the four cardinal corners of the shrine room, creating a protective circle of enlightened consciousness around the sanctum.
These divine representations of the Hindu spiritual parampara gurus—Swami Kadaitswami, Swami Chellapaswami, Swami Yogaswami, and Swami Shivaya Subramuniyayaswami—stand as eternal guides and guardians, their spiritual presence blessing all who enter and establishing the Jaffna temple as a living connection to this unbroken lineage of realized teachers.
Swami Satguru Sri Sivaya Subramuniyayaswami
Satguru Sri Sivaya Subramuniyayaswami (affectionately known as Gurudeva) was initiated by the great Yogaswami in 1949 and became the lineage’s most globally influential teacher. Born with an exceptional spiritual nature, Gurudeva traveled the world establishing temples and spiritual institutions on six continents, creating a network of more than fifty independent temples worldwide. Yet despite his international prominence, he remained deeply rooted in his Jaffna heritage and maintained the highest reverence for his guru, Yogaswami. Gurudeva founded the Sri Subramuniyaya Ashram in Alaveddy as a spiritual center, established the Sri Subramuniyaya Kottam in Kopay for religious education, and created a seven-acre monastery in Mauritius with the Spiritual Park at Pointe de Lascars. His vision was to serve the growing Hindu diaspora while preserving authentic Saivite traditions. Gurudeva’s compassionate leadership and innovative approach to spiritual community-building allowed him to reach millions while maintaining the sanctity and depth of the ancient teachings.
Swami Sri Kadaitswami
Sri Kadaitswami was the visionary founder of this sacred lineage, establishing the spiritual foundation upon which all subsequent teachers would build. As the original Satguru, Kadaitswami possessed profound mystical insight and dedicated his life to serving the Hindu community of Jaffna. His teachings emphasized direct experience of the divine and the importance of spiritual discipline. Through his guidance, he initiated a succession of masters committed to preserving and advancing Tamil Hindu spirituality. His legacy remains the cornerstone of the entire guru parampara, and his wisdom continues to influence devotees across generations.
Swami Sri Chellapaswami
Sri Chellapaswami inherited the spiritual responsibility as Kadaitswami’s successor and became a towering figure in his own right. Known for his deep compassion and accessibility, Chellapaswami made the spiritual path available to seekers of all backgrounds. He balanced rigorous spiritual practice with practical wisdom, understanding the needs of everyday devotees. His teachings emphasized both inner meditation and outer service to the community. Chellapaswami’s ability to connect mystical knowledge with human experience ensured the lineage remained vibrant and relevant, preventing the teachings from becoming abstract or removed from real life.
Swami Sri Siva Yogaswami
Sri Siva Yogaswami emerged as perhaps Jaffna’s most revered spiritual master and a great Jnana guru renowned throughout the Hindu world. Yogaswami possessed extraordinary spiritual attainment and was known for his piercing wisdom that could awaken seekers instantaneously. His spiritual powers were legendary—devotees spoke of his ability to perceive the innermost thoughts and guide souls toward liberation.
Beyond his mystical abilities, Yogaswami was a humble servant who lived simply and dedicated himself entirely to his students’ spiritual development. He attracted seekers from all over the world, and his presence alone was said to elevate consciousness. His teachings on the nature of the self and union with Siva became the philosophical bedrock for the lineage’s continued evolution.
Experiencing the Temple’s Spiritual Energy
What struck me most during my time at this Alaveddy Hindu temple was the overwhelming stillness and peace. This is one of the most meditative spaces I have encountered, where the powerful spiritual energy feels almost tangible. The combination of the ancient guru lineage murtis at the four corners, the sacred Siva Lingam at the center, and the majestic Nadi statue creates a vortex of spiritual consciousness. Whether you come to worship, meditate, or simply sit in silence, this temple offers a refuge for inner uplift and profound peace.
Supporting the Temple’s Spiritual and Social Mission
Gurudeva’s vision for this sacred space continues through the dedication of community members and the ongoing spiritual work of his successors. The Sri Subramunya Temple / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple in Alaveddy is far more than a place of worship—it is a beacon of spiritual and social service, actively uplifting the Jaffna community through religious education, cultural programs, and social initiatives.
It also as a living embodiment of the guru parampara—a tangible connection to centuries of enlightened masters. If you’re interested in supporting this noble project or planning a visit to this sacred Jaffna temple, you can reach out to Swami Rishi Thondunathan, who heads and coordinates the temple’s spiritual and social works and can arrange accommodations at the guest house for devotees from around the world.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sri Subramuniya Temple & Ashram / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple in Alaveddy, Jaffna
Address of Sri Subramuniya Temple & Ashram / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple in Alaveddy, Jaffna:
Sri Subramuniyaya Temple
Q2F6+4RF, Alaveddy, Sri Lanka
Temple Opening Timings:
Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Daily Pooja Time: Morning 9:00 AM
Donate to Subramuniyaya Temple Fund:
https://www.hheonline.org/funds/fund_35.html
Contact Person: Swami Rishi Thondunathan
Phone: +94779866328 / +94779866328
How to Visit Sri Subramuniya Temple & Ashram / Sri Pasupatheeswarar Templein Alaveddy, Jaffna
By Bus: Long-distance buses operate from Colombo to Jaffna Central Bus Station, with various comfort levels available—luxury, semi-luxury, express, and local buses. The journey takes 8-10 hours depending on traffic and stops, with costs ranging from LKR 500–1,500. Buses depart from Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal in Colombo. Once in Jaffna, take a local taxi to Alaveddy.
By Private Taxi or Car Hire: Hire a private taxi or chauffeur-driven car for door-to-door service from Colombo Airport. The journey takes 7-8 hours and costs LKR 15,000–35,000 (USD 75–150). English-speaking drivers are available, and you can make stops along the way at scenic locations.
Local Transport to Alaveddy: Once you reach Jaffna city, you can hire a local taxi or tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw) to reach Alaveddy village, which is located in the Jaffna district. The distance is relatively short, and locals can easily direct you to the Sri Subramuniya Temple in Alaveddy.
By Train: Take a direct train from Colombo Fort to Jaffna operated by Sri Lanka Railways. The journey takes 8-9 hours and costs LKR 500–2,000 depending on the class. First-class air-conditioned carriages offer more comfort. Three trains operate daily, and booking in advance is recommended. From Jaffna railway station, hire a local taxi to reach Alaveddy.
By Flight: Fly from Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) to Jaffna’s Palaly Airport (JAF) on domestic flights operated by SriLankan Airlines or FitsAir. The flight takes approximately 60 minutes and costs around LKR 8,000–15,000 (USD 40–75) one-way. Once you arrive in Jaffna, you can hire a local taxi or arrange transport to Alaveddy, which is about 30-45 minutes from the airport.
