Shenbagavalli Poovananathar Temple

Overview

Shenbagavalli Amman Temple situated at the backside of Gandhi Stadium is the famous temple in Kovilpatti. The town was developed around this temple only. King Shenbaga Vendhan built the temple. Poovanathaswamy, a form of Lord Shiva is also an important deity along with Shenbagavalli Amman. This temple was patronized by several kings who ruled these areas. It is located at Iluppaiyurani, Thoothukudi Distrcit, Tamil Nadu.

About The Temple

As in Madurai, the importance goes to Goddess Shenbagavalli in this temple. There are two women securities (Dwarapalakis) in the shrine. While the Alankara (dressing) is done in accordance with form (standing or sitting) of the deity in all temples, in this temple the Alankara is done in a sitting form to the Goddess, though the original form is of a standing one. The place has the reputation that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here. As two snake leaders Chadugan and Paduman worshipped Lord Shiva here with Poovana flowers, the Lord is named Poovananathar.

Kala tree is the Thala Virutcham or holy tree of this temple and its theertham is Agasthiya Theertham. As the old name of Kovilpatti was Kovipuri, this temple was earlier also known as Kovipuri Temple. Shenbagavalli Poovananathar temple.

The presiding deities of this temple are Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva. Greater importance is given to the Goddess at this temple. The Goddess is 7 feet tall and presents a majestic sight to her devotees. Though the Goddess is in Standing Form she is given Alankara as if she is in sitting position.

Lord Shiva is worshiped as Poovanathar as he was worshiped by Paduman and Chadugan who were snake leaders by offering Poovana flowers. This temple had been constructed by Shenbagan a Vembakkottai King upon the advice of Lord Shiva and his friend Nandhi (bull). As the king has built and worshiped the Goddess here, the Goddess is called as Shenbagavalli or Goddess of Shenbagan.

Legend and Stories

Sage Agasthya killing the demons

Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvathi in a Grand ceremony which happened in the Himalayas. As there were many who attended the balance in the earth was getting affected due to which the Earth was tilting sinking in the Northern side. To set the balance Right Sage Agasthya travelled towards South. On his journey south, the sage destroyed Vilvalan and Vadhabi who were demons who were torturing the people. The sage had worshiped Lord Shiva here too to get relived of the sin of killing the demons. Agasthya spring was created by him as requested by Sages who resided on the hills of Ponmalai.

Builder of this Temple

One Vamanan belonging to Shivakuzhu was born as the king of Vembakkottai in the name of Shenbagan as ordered by Nandhi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva. He built the temple as advised by the Lord. As the temple is built by king Shenbagan, Mother is named Shenbagavalli. Later, the temple was renovated by Ullamudayan belonging the 10th century.

People worshipped Shiva in this Temple

The name, Poovananathar was derived from the worship of two snake leaders Thungan and Padhuman. It is said that Lord Vishnu had worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.

Festivals

10 day Vasantha Utsav (summer festival) during May-June, Goddess Bangle festival-Aadi Pooram in July-August, 10 day Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, 12day Wedding festival, Chithirai-theertham Tamil New Year festival in April-May are the important and main festivals in the temple, besides Deepavali, Pongal and Tamil and English new year days. The crowd in the temple would be huge on new moon, full moon days and on Prdosham days.

Pooja Timings

Thiruvanandhal Pooja 5.30 A.M
Vila Pooja 08.00 A.M
Uchikala Pooja 11.30 A.M
Sayaratchai Pooja 05.30 P.M
Ardhajama Pooja 08.30 P.M

Significance

For total cure of prolonged illness, to marry the desired person, children, progress in business, high farm yields, and people place their prayers at the feet of the Lord and Mother and it is firmly believed that prayers do not go in vain.

Thanks Giving

Besides usual abishek and pujas, devotees light lamps in Ambal shrine, offer vastras and perform milk and sandal abishek to the Lord with dhoties. They also feed the visitors to the temple

How To Reach Sri Shenbagavalli-Poovananathar Temple, Kovilpatti

Airport

The nearest airport is located at Thoothukudi and Madurai Airport.

Railways

The nearest railway station is Kovilpatti Junction, Railway pedestrian Cross way (only 4.0 km).This will connect all the places to India.

Road

Kovilpatti is 96 km from Madurai, 59 from Tirunelveli and 60 km from Thoothukudi. As the place is on the Madurai-Tirunelveli road, plenty of buses are available from both ends. Nearest Bus Stand is Kovilpatti Old Bus Stand, V.O.C. Nagar (only 1.0 km).This will connect all the places to Kovilpatti, Tuticorin etc.

Temple Address

Sri Shenbagavalli-Poovananathar Temple,
Iluppaiyurani, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi district,
Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 628501.