Uvari Swayambulinga Swami Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Uvari Swayambulinga Swami Temple, Thirunelveli

Uvari, Radhapuram Taluk,

Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu – 627 111

Phone: +91 4637 277382

Moolavar

Swayambulinga Swami

Amman

Brahmma Shakti

Introduction

The Swayambulinga Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Uvari Village, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Swayambu Nathar, and the Goddess is Brahmma Shakti. The Kadamba tree serves as the temple’s Sthala Vriksham. This serene temple is nestled along the coast, surrounded by coconut and palm trees, offering a tranquil environment. Historically, the region was known as Veerai Valanadu.

Location & Accessibility:
Uvari is situated on the Tiruchendur-Kanyakumari route.

• Nearest Railway Station: Nanguneri
• Nearest Airports: Thiruvananthapuram, Thoothukudi, and Madurai

Puranic Significance

The temple’s origin is linked to a miraculous incident involving a milk vendor from Kootapanai. While passing through Uvari, he struck the root of a Kadamba tree, which began to bleed. A divine voice instructed him to build a temple at the spot. Initially, the temple was constructed with palm leaves and gradually expanded to its current grandeur.

Devotees believe the temple has miraculous powers to cure illnesses and provide spiritual solace.

Beliefs and Benefits

• Healing Powers: Devotees who bathe in the sea for 41 days and pray to Lord Swayambu Nathar report cures for various ailments, including physical disabilities, mental health issues, and relief from evil spirits.
• Blessings:
  • Couples seek child blessings and marriage alliances.
  • Those seeking mental peace find the temple a haven of tranquility.
• Devotional Commitments:
  • Carrying 11 or 41 baskets of sea sand to the temple.
  • Placing Nagar idols in the temple.

Special Features

1. Age: The temple is believed to be over 1200 years old.
2. Unique Natural Phenomena:
   • Sun rays fall on the deity throughout the Margazhi month (December–January), a rare occurrence.
   • The temple is cooled by natural sea breezes, a gift from nature.
3. Sacred Springs: Four freshwater springs near the shore are believed to be abisheka theertha (holy water) of Lord Shiva.
4. Swayambumurthy: Lord Shiva manifests here as a self-formed (Swayambu) deity.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several vibrant festivals attracting devotees from across the region:

• Vaikasi Visakam (May–June): A grand 3-day festival where Lord grants darshan to the Makara fish, drawing over 3 lakh devotees.
• Margazhi Thiruvadirai (December–January): Special pujas are conducted during this auspicious month.
• Thai Poosam (January–February): A significant event in the Tamil calendar.
• Panguni Uthiram (March–April): A sacred day associated with divine weddings.
• Monthly Observances:
  • Special pujas on new moon days in Adi (July–August) and Thai (January–February).
  • Full moon days, Pradosha days, Vinayaka Chaturthi, and the first day of every Tamil month.
• Other Major Festivals: Deepavali, Pongal, and Karthikai Deepam in November–December.

Century/Period

1200 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Uvari

Nearest Railway Station

Thirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram, Thoothukudi and Madurai.

Location on Map

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