Uppur Veyil Ugandha Vinayaka Temple – Ramanathapuram
Address
Uppur Veyil Ugandha Vinayaka Temple – Ramanathapuram
Uppur, Ramanathapuram district,
Tamil Nadu 623525
Moolavar
Veyil Ugandha Vinayaka
Introduction
The Veyil Ugandha Vinayaka Temple, located in Uppur in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, the Elephant God. Uppur, also known as Uppur Chathiram or Lavanapuram (where “Lavanam” in Sanskrit means salt), is situated about 85 km from Rameswaram. It is believed that Lord Ram worshipped Lord Vinayaka here during his journey to Sri Lanka. A unique feature of this temple is that the rays of the sun fall on the deity in two different directions—on the southern side during Dakshinayana and on the northern side during Utharayana. The temple is approximately 15 km from Thondi, in Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram district, and is located on Sethu Beach Road. The nearest railway station is at Ramanathapuram, and the nearest airport is in Madurai.
Puranic Significance
The temple is steeped in legend, particularly relating to the Sun’s penance. According to one story, King Daksha conducted a Yagna, excluding Lord Shiva, to humiliate him. When Sati (Daksha’s daughter) entered the Yagna and was insulted by her father, she sacrificed herself. Lord Shiva, enraged, sent Veerabadra to destroy Daksha’s Yagna. Among the participants, the Sun (Surya) was also punished for attending. Seeking redemption for his wrongdoing, the Sun came to Earth and performed penance in various places, including near Vannimandhara Vanam and Devipuram, where he prayed to Lord Vinayaka. Pleased by the Sun’s devotion, Lord Vinayaka relieved him of his sins and granted that the Sun’s rays would fall on him whenever he worshiped. As the Sun’s rays fall on the idol of Vinayaka, the temple got its name Veyil Ugandha Vinayaka (“Veyil” means “Sun” in Tamil).
Different Names of the Place
This area is also known by several names:
- Suryapuri (the place where the Sun attained relief),
- Thavasiddhipuri (the place where powers were attained through penance),
- Pavavimochanapuram (the place where sins were removed),
- Vanni Mandhara Puram (due to the abundance of Vanni and Mandhara trees).
Rama Worshipping Vinayaka
The temple is also linked to Lord Rama. When Rama learned from Hanuman about the captivity of Sita, he traveled with his army through the Vanni forests along the eastern coast. During this journey, he stopped to worship Veyil Ugandha Vinayaka to seek blessings for success in his quest and to continue his journey towards Sethukarai.
Vinayaka Appearing in the Dream of a Priest
It is believed that the temple was constructed in 1905 by King Bhaskara Sethupathi. According to one legend, Lord Vinayaka appeared in a priest’s dream and instructed him to build a temple without a roof over the Sanctum Sanctorum so that he could always enjoy the sunlight. This design ensures that sunrays fall on the deity from the southern side during Dakshinayana (the southward path of the sun) and from the northern side during Utharayana (the northward path).
Beliefs
Devotees visit the temple to seek the Lord’s blessings for the removal of obstacles in marriage talks, for childless couples seeking a boon of children, and for academic excellence. Offerings such as Abhishekam (sacred anointing) and Vastra Seva (offering clothes) are commonly made by devotees.
Special Features
The temple was built by the Sethupathi kings after the Pandya dynasty. A distinctive feature of the temple is the alignment of the sun’s rays:
- The rays fall on the deity’s southern side during the Dakshinayana period (from July to January),
- The rays fall on the northern side during the Utharayana period (from January to July).
Festivals
The most important festival celebrated at the temple is Vinayaka Chaturthi, which is observed with great fervor. Devotees from nearby areas gather to celebrate the occasion and seek the blessings of Veyil Ugandha Vinayaka for success and prosperity.
References
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com
Century/Period
1000 Years Old
Managed By
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)
Nearest Bus Station
Uppur
Nearest Railway Station
Ramanathapuram
Nearest Airport
Madurai