Uvari Swayambulinga Swami Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Uvari, Radhapuram Taluk,

Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu – 627 111

Phone: +91 4637 277382

Moolavar

Swayambulinga Swami

Amman

Brahmma Shakti

Introduction

Swayambulinga Swami Temple is dedicated to God Shiva located at Uvari Village in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Swayambu Nathar and Mother is called as Brahmma Shakti. Sthala Vriksham is Kadamba tree. Historically this place is called as Veerai Valanadu. Uvari is located on the Tiruchendur – Kanyakumari route. Nearest Railway Station is located Nanguneri. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram, Thoothukudi and Madurai.

Puranic Significance

A milk vendor from Kootapanai was hit at a particular spot on his way through Uvari to sell his milk. He cut the root of the Kadamba tree when it began to bleed. A voice told the milk vendor that he was there and asked him to build a temple. The milk vendor did so with palm leaves and in days that followed, the temple grew to the present size. Devotees are happy that any illness of any nature is cured by the Lord.

Beliefs

Whatever the disease, its nature and gravity vanishes, if the devotee bathes in the sea for 41 days and pray to Lord Swayamblinganatha. The problems of the disabled, blind, hunchbacks, mentally retarded, those possessed with witchcrafts and evil magic and devil spirits get cured. Lord also helps those seeking child boon and removal of obstacles in marriage alliances. This is the experience of the devotees of the temple since days of yore. For those seeking mental peace, the temple is the correct destination. The main prayer commitment is that people carry the sea sand in 11 or 41 baskets and put it near the temple. Some make Nagar idols and place them in the temple.

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be 1200 years old. The Uvari temple is situated in a pleasant environment surrounded by coconut and palm trees on the sea shore. Lord Shiva graces as a Swayambumurthy. Rays of Sun fall on the deity throughout Margazhi month – December – January. Though Sun worships Lord Shiva in various temples by his rays, the duration is for a few days only. This is the only temple where Sun rays fall on the Lord for the whole month. There are four springs near the sea shore, all with fine drinking water. It is noteworthy that the water is but the abisheka theertha of Lord. Also, this is the only temple in Uvari where Mother Nature directly treats the Lord with cool breeze.

Festivals

3 day Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Lord granting darshan to the Makara fish drawing a crowd of over 3 lakhs; Pujas on the last Fridays of each Tamil month; Thai Poosam in January-February; Panguni Uthiram in March-April, New moon days in Adi (July-August and Thai month, January-February; Margazhi Thiruvadirai in December-January; besides special pujas on full moon days, Karthikai in November-December; Vinayaka Chaturthi, first day of all Tamil months, Pradosha days (13th day either from new moon or full moon day); Deepavali; Pongal falling almost on January 14, are festival days in the temple attracting a large crowd.