Shenbagavalli Poovananathar Temple, Kovilpatti,
Thoothukudi - Legends
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.