Shenbagavalli Poovananathar Temple, Kovilpatti,
Thoothukudi
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.
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 in Kovilpatti
is located at 9°10'22.4"N 77°52'09.0"E or 9.172899, 77.869161.
Mother
is named Shenbagavalli. Later, the temple was renovated by Ullamudayan
belonging the 10th century. Mother Shenbagavalli Ambal is 7 feet tall gracing her
devotees. Though Mother-goddess is in standing form, Alankarams (dressing) is
done as if in a sitting form.
Legends
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Greatness
of 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.
The
Temple
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Pooja
Timings
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Festivals
10 day
Vasantha Utsavam (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; Thiru Karthikai will be celebrated
for 10 days, Thiruppalli celebration during Margazhi, Thai Poosam, Maha
Shivarathri during Maasi 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 Pradosham days.
Prayers
For
total cure of prolonged illness, for wedlock of imagination, 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.
Besides
usual abishek and pujas, devotees light lamps in Ambal shrine, offer vastras
and perform milk and sandal abishek to the Lord with dhotis. They also feed the
visitors to the temple.
Contact
Sri
Shenbagavalli Poovananathar Temple,
Kovilpatti,
Tuticorin district,
Tamilnadu
– 628 501
Phone: 04632
- 220248 / 225258 / 2520248
Mobile: +91 98656 73929 /
94431 14765
Connectivity
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. Nearest
Railway Station is Kovilpatti Junction, Railway pedestrian Cross way (only 4.0
km).This will connect all the places to India. Nearest Airport is located at
Thoothukudi and Madurai.