Temple info -3802. Moolanathaswamy temple, Sambavarvadakarai, Tenkasi மூலநாதசுவாமி கோயில்,சாம்பவர்வடகரை,தென்காசி
Temple info -3802
கோயில் தகவல்-3802
Sri Moolanatha Swamy Temple (with Goddess Madhuravani), Sambavar Vadakarai
Located on the banks of the Hanuman River in the Sambavar Vadakarai *Agraharam* (traditional Brahmin settlement) is the Sri Moolanatha Swamy Shiva temple—accompanied by Goddess Madhuravani—which locals refer to as the "Periya Kovil" (Big Temple). The temple is associated with the legend of Jambavan worshipping Sri Moolanatha Swamy; do you recall the earlier mention that the town's name, Sambavar Vadakarai, stems from this connection?
This is a very ancient Shiva temple belonging to the Pandya region, dating back 1,200 years. Its *Sthala Vriksham* (sacred temple tree) is the *Vilvam* (Bael tree), and the *Theertham* (sacred water source) is the Hanuman River. Rituals and worship are conducted according to the *Shivagama* tradition. Ancient texts refer to this holy site by names such as Vindhai (or Vindhanur), Sambur Vadakarai, and Chaturvedimangalam.
There is a remarkable feature in this temple. Similar to the shrine at Thiruvidaimarudur—where a *Brahma-hatti* (a spiritual affliction resulting from the sin of killing a Brahmin) is said to lie in wait to seize those leaving the temple—there is a *Brahma-hatti* idol here known as "Sathiyan Thambiran." History records that King Arikesari Parakrama Pandya visited this temple, worshipped the *Swayambu* (self-manifested) Lingam of Sri Moolanatha Swamy, and was absolved of his *Brahma-hatti Dosham* (affliction).
Consequently, just as at Thiruvidaimarudur, no one exits through the same entrance used to enter the temple; there is a separate exit. A passage was specifically created for this purpose by breaking through the stone wall.
Sri Moolanathar, the *Swayambu* deity, is the Lord Shiva worshipped by Rama and Lakshmana. The Goddess is known as Madhuravani (also called Kanivai Mozhi Amman). This is a holy site praised in the *Pathigams* (hymns) of the saint-poet Sundarar.
Legend holds that Goddess Madhuravani performed penance at this site and attained the grace of Lord Moolanatha. This Sri Moolanathar shrine is one of the eight sacred Shiva sites, including Kasi. Many have attained blessings by worshipping Lord Shiva, who resides here as a *Swayambu Lingam* (self-manifested *Lingam*).
Let me share a story I heard regarding this temple. The King of Vindhan Kottai suffered from an incurable stomach ache. Due to some past action, he had incurred the *Brahma-hatti Dosham* (a grave karmic affliction resulting from the killing of a Brahmin). Whenever he entered the temple, the stomach pain would subside; however, the moment he stepped out, the pain would return.
The King was a devoted follower of Moolanathar and a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He prayed fervently, "Oh Lord, You alone must save me."
Lord Moolanathar appeared to him in a dream and said, "Devotee, the *Brahma-hatti dosham* (affliction incurred by killing a Brahmin) that has gripped you will be dispelled tomorrow. Untie your horses towards the south and come to worship Me. Demolish the threshold of the southern entrance to create an exit, and leave through it." The King did exactly as instructed; the *Brahma-hatti dosham* was removed, and he exited through the southern gate.
The *Brahma-hatti* entity, which had been waiting, implored Lord Moolanathar, asking, "Oh Lord, how am I to seize the King of Vindhankottai now that his affliction has been lifted?"
Lord Moolanathar replied, "The King's affliction has been remedied; you can no longer approach him. Moreover, you cannot go anywhere else. From now on, you shall reside at the entrance of My temple in a separate shrine, bearing the name 'Sathiyan Thambiran.' The first *puja* shall be offered to you, and only then to Me."
Since the villages surrounding this temple were once part of the Kingdom of Travancore, Malayalam names, language, and speech patterns remain prevalent in the local culture. This temple is the specific site where rituals and prayers to dispel *Brahma-hatti dosham* are conducted.
Having been cured of his illness and freed from the affliction, the King of Vindhankottai renovated and expanded the temple. He brought in Brahmin families to perform daily rituals and *pujas*, a tradition that continues to be observed with great devotion to this day.
Another interesting detail: at the Sambavar Vadakarai Moolanathar temple, the idol of Nataraja features faces on both the front and the back. The presence of a Buddha statue—formerly located at the front of the Moolanathar temple—indicates that Buddhists were active in this area in the past; that statue has since been moved to a research center.
The village of Sambavar Vadakarai was originally situated in the Vindhankottai area; an inscription marking this fact can still be found there today. At one time, the people living in the Vindhan Kottai region relocated with their families to the settlement known as Sambavar Agraharam—which still bears that name today. To ensure their prosperity, the Maharaja of Vindhan Kottai granted them villages; this is how the present-day Sambavar Vadakarai Agraharam came into existence.
The South Agraharam was the first to be established, and families of Vedic scholars and experts in the Shastras settled there.
It is said that a *Yagam* (ritual fire sacrifice) was performed there by Sankarandi Dikshitar about a hundred to a hundred and twenty years ago. As previously mentioned, since this village was under the rule of the Travancore Kingdom of Kerala, the local customs and speech reflected a blend of Tamil and Malayalam.
The Travancore royal administration granted land as endowments to the temple priests and workers, enabling them to live comfortably with income that exceeded their needs.
Every day at 7 PM, *Lalitha Sahasranama* *archana* (ritual chanting) and devotional songs were performed for the King of Travancore. The *Chithirai* festival was celebrated with great grandeur over nine days; the King would not partake in a meal until the temple chariot had returned to its base. All these practices ceased once this region came under Tamil Nadu's administrative control.
As the presiding deity appears in the form of a bridegroom, the temple is renowned for resolving marriage-related obstacles (*doshas*). Devotees from both within and outside the area worship the deity, Moola Nathar, to seek relief from burdens such as debt and illness. It is an ancient temple famous for ensuring the successful completion of endeavors. The temple complex has a total of three entrances. Among the shrines here, one is dedicated to the Lord (Swami), one to the Goddess (Ambal), and another was established by King Arikesari Parakrama Pandya to cleanse himself of the *Brahma-hatti Dosham* (the sin incurred by killing a Brahmin). There is a *Lingam* in the temple precinct known as 'Vilvalingam'.
Until November 1, 1951, the village of Sambavar Vadakarai served as a gateway to Kerala; evidence of this remains in the form of the conch emblem—a symbol of Kerala—found within the temple. It is said that a secret underground passage exists here, connecting the main temple (Moolanathar temple) to the Vindhan Kottai temple. An annual chariot procession takes place on the day of Chitra Pournami.
Special Festivals: Chitra Pournami, Chithirai Vishu, Navaratri, Aippasi Vishu, Thirukalyanam (Divine Wedding), Kanda Sashti, Thirukarthigai, and Margazhi Thiruvathirai.
Details of Daily Rituals (Three-time Puja):
Morning: 06:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Sayaratchai (Evening Puja): 06:00 PM
Arthajamam (Night Puja): 08:00 PM





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