Shenbagavalli Poovananathar Temple

Shenbagavalli Amman Temple is a famous temple in Kovilpatti in Tamilnadu.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.

 

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 Vriksha and the theertham is Agasthiya Theertham in 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.

 

This temple had been constructed by Shenbagan a Vembakkottai King upon the advice of Lord Shiva and his friend Nandi (bull). As the king has built and worshiped the Goddess here, the Goddess is called as Shenbagavalli or Goddess of Shenbagan.

 

Legend

 

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.

 

Sri Vamanan belonging to Shivakuzhu was born as the king of Vembakkottai in the name of Shenbagan as ordered by Nandi, 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.

 

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.

 

10 day Vasanta 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 Prsdosham days.

 

Significance

 

For total cure of prolonged illness, to marry the desired person, children, progress in business, high farm yields devotees place their prayers at the feet of the Lord and Mother and it is firmly believed that prayers are answered.