Sivasailanathar Paramakalyani Amman Kovil, known widely as Sivasailam Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located in Sivasailam village, Tamil Nadu, about 3 miles from Alwarkurichi in Tenkasi District. This large temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is admired for its beautiful sculptures and ancient inscriptions. Set amidst the scenic surroundings of Velli Malai (Silver Hill), the Western Ghats, and Mulli Malai, it sits peacefully beside the Gadananathi River, forming one of the revered Vaippu Sthalams in Tamil Nadu.
The temple’s origins are tied to a legend about a landlord whose cows mysteriously refused to give milk one day, prompting him to send them away. The cows gathered on a hilltop and flooded a rock with their milk, leading to the miraculous appearance of a shivalingam, known today as Sivasailanathar. This lingam became the central deity of the temple, drawing devotees who cherish its divine origin and sacred presence.
In another tale, a Pandya king once visited the temple and was displeased when he received a garland with a hair from the temple priest. His anger was swiftly dispelled when Lord Sivasailanathar appeared in a vision, advising him to forgive the priest. The divine intervention assured the king of the priest's purity and devotion, leaving the king grateful and humbled before the shivalingam.
The Sivasailam Temple stands today not only as an architectural marvel but as a symbol of faith and divine intervention. Surrounded by natural beauty and filled with an aura of tranquility, it continues to be a place where devotees gather to seek blessings and celebrate the age-old tales that make it a revered spiritual landmark in Tamil Nadu.