Nainativu Island

About Nainativu Island

• It is located in the Palk Strait, the stretch of sea that separates Sri Lanka from southern India.
• It’s close to the famous island of Delft (also known as Neduntheevu).
• This tiny island is fairly close to the northern Sri Lankan city of Jaffna.
• It is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
• Historical significance: Historians note the island is mentioned in the ancient Tamil Sangam literature where it was mentioned as Manipallavam
• Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to the principal goddess of Tamil Hindus, Amman is located in this Island.
• She is identified with the famous Tamil deity Meenakshi from Madurai from mainland India.
• The Mahavamsa, which is literally the 'Great Chronicle', was composed by the Monk Mahanama in the 6th century A.D.
• According to the chronicle the Buddha came to this Island, literally meaning 'Serpent Island', on his second visit to Sri Lanka, five years after attaining enlightenment.

Q1) What is a strait?

It is a narrow waterway between two pieces of land that connects two large bodies of water. A strait is similar to a canal cutting through an isthmus (a narrow strip of land), but a strait is formed naturally and canals are built by people.

Source: With China out, Indian firm to build Sri Lanka power project