Main Deity:
Swayambunathar
Goddess/Consort:
Brahma Sakthi
Sacred Tree (Sthala Virutcham):
Kadamba Tree
Theertham (Holy Water Source):
Theppakulam (Temple Tank)
Puranic Name:
Veeraivala Nadu
Location:
Uvari
District:
Tirunelveli
State:
Tamil Nadu
Festivals:
- Vaikasi Visakam (3 days): During this event, around 300,000 devotees gather to witness the Lord’s darshan for Makara Rasi (Capricorn).
- Thai Poosam (1 day): Thousands of devotees gather every last Friday of the Tamil month.
- Other festivals include Vaikasi Visakam, Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Aadi Amavasai, Thai Amavasai, Thiruvathirai, Karthigai Deepam, and more.
- Special poojas and abhishekam (sacred bathing) ceremonies are conducted on Pournami (Full Moon), Karthigai, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Tamil New Year’s Day, Thai Poosam, Pradosham, Deepavali, Pongal, and other special days.
Special Significance:
- Lord Shiva resides here as a Swayambu (self-manifested) deity.
- During the Tamil month of Margazhi, the sun’s rays directly fall on the deity at 7:00 AM throughout the month.
- Near the seashore, there are four natural freshwater springs with pure water — a remarkable wonder.
- The sacred abhishekam water used for worship is drawn from these springs, adding to the temple’s uniqueness.
Temple Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Address:
Arulmigu Swayambulingaswami Temple,
Uvari – 628 658,
Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
General Information:
The temple is located in the scenic coastal village of Uvari, surrounded by palm trees, coconut trees, and banana plantations, adding to its natural beauty.
Prayers:
- Devotees believe that bathing in the sea for 41 days and praying to Swayambulinganathar cures any illness.
- Individuals suffering from paralysis, hunchbacks, blindness, mental disorders, and those affected by black magic or evil spirits are believed to find relief through prayers here.
- People seeking marriage blessings, childbirth, or family prosperity visit this temple regularly and believe their wishes are fulfilled.
- Those troubled by mental unrest are said to find peace of mind after visiting the temple.
Offerings (Nerthikadan):
- Carrying 11 or 41 bundles of coastal sand and placing them near the deity is considered a special prayer practice here.
- Devotees also perform Nagaram Adithal (ritualistic snake-worship practice).
Temple Significance:
- The deity here is one of Lord Shiva’s 25 divine forms, specifically as Lingodbhavar (a form where Shiva emerges from a pillar of fire).
- Surya Abhishekam: A rare and unique occurrence where the sun’s rays fall directly on the Swayambu Lingam for 30 consecutive days during the Margazhi month. Unlike other temples where this phenomenon lasts for only a day or two, this rare event occurs here throughout the entire month.
Historical Significance:
- The temple’s origins trace back to a local incident: A milkman passing through the area stumbled repeatedly near a Kadamba tree. Curious, he cut the tree’s root, which unexpectedly began to bleed.
- The voice of Lord Shiva was then heard, declaring his presence and instructing the villagers to build a temple. Following this divine message, a shrine was built using palm leaves, which later expanded into a grand temple.
- Devotees believe that worshipping here can cure ailments such as hunchback, leprosy, and other severe illnesses.
‘Swayambu’ means “self-manifested,” and hence the deity is called Swayambulinganathar, while the Goddess is known as Brahma Sakthi.
Unique Feature:
The Swayambu Lingam is believed to have emerged naturally. The sun’s rays fall directly on the deity for 30 continuous days during the Tamil month of Margazhi at 7:00 AM.
Additionally, four natural freshwater springs along the seashore serve as the sacred abhishekam water source — a miraculous feature unique to this temple.
Visitors leave this temple feeling spiritually uplifted and mentally refreshed. The temple’s coastal location and natural surroundings make it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.