The Ilangaithalvu Murugamoorthy Kovil reflects Hindu tradition and spiritual architecture

This magnificent Kovil, situated in Araly North Jaffna was rebuilt under the guidance of Thirukumar Nadesan, Custodian of the Kovil. The design according to Hindu tradition and Vasthu Shasthra was by architect Mallai Rajan Sthapati from India and his father; Perumal Sthapati was the sculptor of all statues.

The entire structure and interiors were redone anew completely. Once the preliminary masonary had been completed, the remaining work had been done by 15 Indian craftsmen. The Kovil was completed in five years. The position of the Kovil was changed so that it faced the North-East direction. Thereby at sunrise, the morning rays would fall on the main statue of Lord Murugan, and his consorts Valli and Deivanai within the sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha, which is a special feature of this Kovil. The Kovil has been built in a way to represent the five elements, where the centre is the universe

The Ilangaithalvu Murugamoorthy Kovil when illuminated at night glows majestically due to the monochromatic effect of dark and light yellow.
The 60ft and seven storey gopuram with hand sculptured figurines
Sculptor Perumal Sthapati
Architect Mallai Rajan
The yali pillars (mythical figures), kodimaram (flag pole) and ceiling with raasi katam (zodiac signs) exude great details of the kovil and lead to the inner sanctum
The main deities of the kovil – Lord Murugan with his consorts Goddesses Valli and Deivanai
The vahana (peacock), palibida (where devotees bequeath the main deity) are present in front of the kodimaram. Far behind to the right is the navagraha and to the left, a painting of Lord Murugan.
The main door is a replica of the door at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, India.
A special feature of this kovil is that the statues of all three deities in the inner sanctum are visible from outside. On either sides of the entrance to the inner sanctum are the Dwarapalakas (demi gods).
Thirukumar Nadesan, Custodian of the Kovil with his wife Nirupama Rajapaksa, son Thirukumar Ayanaka Nadesan and daughter Sanara Nadesan

The interior is such that silence pervades, yet during the pooja or when bells are rung or instruments such as the drums and nadeswaram are played, the sound reverberates thus creating spiritual or good vibrations to all those present. The ceiling has a simple elegance with the Raasi Kattam (zodiac signs) placed atop the flag pole, and beautiful single flower motifs are positioned throughout to create a peaceful ambience. The majestic Raja Gopuram is 60 feet in height and has seven storeys.
The massive wooden doors of the Kovil are a reproduction of the main door at the famous Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, in India. Narthenan Amarasingham and his uncle Paranjothi Varadarajah from Araly North, crafted this door within a period of one year.
As darkness falls warm lights illuminate the interior and exterior of the Kovil, creating a beautiful and majestic appearance.