Thirumoolanadar Sambavar Vadakarai

Saivite Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Thirumoolanadar, facing east

Goddess

Madhuravani Ambal, facing east

Other Deities

Suryan, Adhikaranandi, Vinayaka, Juradevar, Nagakanni, Perumal, Visweswarar, Sapthamadhar, Vinayaka, Arasaleswarar, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Subramanya, Saneeswarar, Bhairava, Sastha. Sanctum Niches – Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswara. Goddess Sanctum – Vinayaka, Chandikeswari.

Thirumoolanadar Sambavar Vadakarai is an east-facing temple situated on the banks of the Hanuman Nadhi which flows on its three sides – west, north, and east. This river joins Tamiraparani near Seevalaperi. Thirumoolanadar Sambavar Vadakarai has 2 Prakarams and the sanctums of the god and goddess are separate with separate entrances in front. The sanctums share a large Maha Mantapam in front. Both have Ardha Mantapams and Antralay before the sanctum sanctorum. The main deity is a Swayambu, self occurring. Thirumoolanadar Sambavar Vadakarai temple is connected to the administration of the Suchindram temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Hanuman Nadhi (river) flowing in front.

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Thirumoolanadar Sambavar Vadakarai has many inscriptions around the outer wall of the Sanctum Sanctorum. The temple was built by Pandya Kings. The village was part of the Travancore State.

Legend

Sambavar is an ancient caste of Saivite priests who were custodians of the Thirumoolanadar Sambavar Vadakarai temple also.

Directions

Thirumoolanadar Sambavar Vadakarai is about 13 kilometers northeast of Tenkasi and can be reached via Ayikudi. Down the river is another Shiva Temple and a Cave shrine.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest for food and stay is Tenkasi.

Saivite Temples

Thirumoolanadar Sambavar, Vadakarai