Kovilpatti Poovanathar Temple, Thoothukudi

Address

Kovilpatti,

Thoothukudi district,

Tamilnadu– 628501

Phone: +91 4632 2520248

Moolavar

Poovanathar

Amman

Senbagavalli

Introduction

Kovilpatti Poovanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Located in the Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi district, Tamilnadu. Here the Presiding deity is called as Poovanathar and Mother is called as Senbagavalli. The temple is located at a distance of 60 km from Thoothukudi. Madurai is on the Tirunelveli highway, so there are plenty of bus facilities for the temple.

Puranic Significance

During the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, at the direction of Lord Shiva, the revered sage Agathiyar humbly bowed and brought the holy waters from the northern river and placed them in the southern river, thereby making the world prosper. Due to the actions of the adversaries, Vaataapi and Ilvala, who were blocked on their path, the divine nectar emerged. The sage Agathiyar accepted the sacred water and continued his journey. The sage Vellimalai Munivar, paying homage to the request, retrieved the sacred water of Agathiyar and continued his journey. Lord Vishnu, due to the curse of Nandideva, was born as a prince in Vembaakottai and was named Senbaka Mannan. According to divine instructions, he established the Kovilpatti temple (Kovilpatti temple) and the temple for Poovanaadar. The temple, established by Senbaka Mannan, was later renamed as Ambal Senbaka Valli. It was reconstructed by Ulladamudaiyan (who lived around 1029 AD).

Special Features

Just as in Madurai, here too, importance is given mainly to Ambal. In the entrance hall of this temple, majestic Dwarapalakas (gatekeepers) are seen. The main deity is adorned just as the original idol is adorned in all temples. The unique feature here is that only Ambal stands, and hence the decoration is done accordingly. It boasts the grandeur of the rituals conducted by Rama Brahmam. The two serpent chiefs, Sathungan and Paduman, worshipped the Lord with floral offerings, earning him the name “Poovananathar.”

Belief

Devotees seek child boon, removal of obstacles in marriage talks and to achieve excellence in education. Abishek are performed for the Goddess with Vastras –clothing.

Festivals

The special festival for Ambal, known as Valaikappu Utsavam (Aadipooram), is celebrated during this period. Navaratri spans for ten days in Purattasi(Oct-Nov). The grand wedding festival (Thirukkalyanam) lasts for twelve days. Chithirai Teertham is celebrated on Tamil New Year’s Day (April). Apart from these significant festivals, the presence of devotees in temples is abundant during auspicious days like Pournami, Amavasya, and Pradosham. Thousands of devotees gather in temples on special occasions like Tamil and English New Year, Deepavali, and Pongal.