The Ujeevanathar temple is situated at Uyyakondan Malai (Thirumalainallur), about 6 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) on the Vayalur Road in Tamil Nadu. The temple stands beautifully on a small hillock surrounded by greenery and sacred ponds.
The Uyyakondan Thirumalai Sri Ujeevanathar Temple is an ancient Chola-era shrine, estimated to be over 1,200 to 1,300 years old. It is one among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by saint poets Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (Appar). Stone inscriptions in the temple record royal donations, land grants, and temple maintenance during the Chola and later Pandya periods.
The temple’s name “Uyyakondan” means “one who grants salvation”, showing the Lord’s power to save devotees from worldly troubles and grant them a new life.
According to the legend:
Once, Lord Shiva appeared as a Lingam on this hill to bless a devotee who prayed for salvation (Ujjeevanam means “revival of life” or “giving life again”). The devotee, who was suffering from deadly sins and illness, prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva, moved by his deep devotion, restored his life and granted him moksha (salvation).
From that day, the Lord was called Ujeevanathar – “The One Who Gives Life Again”. Goddess Anjanakshi Amman, meaning “the one with eyes like the Anjana fruit,” blesses devotees with good health, wealth and family harmony.
Another belief says:
Lord Shiva granted salvation to a king named Uyyakondan, who performed severe penance on this hill – hence the hill is called Uyyakondan Malai.
Architecture and Special Features
The temple is built in typical Chola architecture with beautiful stone carvings, a hilltop sanctum, and a mandapam at the base. Devotees must climb around 100 steps to reach the main shrine on the hill. The presiding deity, Ujeevanathar, is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingam.
The temple has sacred water bodies such as Ponnoli Odai, Gnanavavi and Kudamurutti Theertham which are believed to have healing powers. The temple also has shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas and Nataraja.
Special Significance
Worshipping Lord Ujeevanathar is believed to protect devotees from accidents, diseases and untimely death. The temple is a powerful place for health recovery and longevity prayers. Childless couples and those seeking relief from chronic ailments offer milk abhishekam and special pujas.
Devotees believe that a dip in the sacred Ponnoli Odai washes away sins and gives a “new life”.
Festivals Celebrated
The temple celebrates many important Shaivite festivals throughout the year:
Mahashivaratri – The grandest festival, celebrated with abhishekam, night-long bhajans and darshan till dawn.
Pradosham – Observed twice a month with special pujas and lamps around the Shiva Lingam.
Arudra Darshan (Thiruvathirai) – Celebrates Lord Nataraja’s cosmic dance.
Navaratri – Dedicated to Goddess Anjanakshi Amman.
Tamil New Year (Chithirai Month) – Marked by abhishekam and special poojas.
Karthigai Deepam – The hill glows with hundreds of lamps lit by devotees.
Aani Thirumanjanam – Ceremonial bathing of the deity with holy water.
Monthly Full Moon Day (Pournami) – Devotees perform girivalam (circumambulation of the hill).
Gallery of Ujeevanathar Temple
Transport Facilities
The temple is located about 4–5 km from Trichy city on Vayalur Road, is easily reachable by frequent town buses from Trichy Central Bus Stand and Chatram Bus Stand; pilgrims can take any local bus heading toward Vayalur/Vayaloor, get down near the Government Hospital or Uyyakondan Malai stop, and walk a short distance to the temple entrance, making public transport convenient and economical throughout the day, especially in the morning and evening hours.
Dress Code
Devotees can wear simple, modest and traditional attire in keeping with temple customs; men are encouraged to wear veshti/dhoti or trousers with a shirt, while women should prefer saree, salwar kameez or long skirts with dupatta. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, mini-skirts or revealing clothes, and dress respectfully to ensure smooth entry and a spiritually appropriate temple visit.
Parking Facilities
Limited parking space is available near the base of Uyyakondan Thirumalai Temple, mainly suitable for two-wheelers and a few cars; visitors are advised to park only in designated areas, avoid blocking the narrow approach road and follow local instructions. During festival days and peak hours, parking may be restricted, so using public transport or auto-rickshaws from Trichy city is recommended for convenience.
Temple Timings
Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
(Timings may vary during festival days)
Nearby Attractions
- Rockfort Temple
- Srirangam Temple
- Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswarar Temple
- Samayapuram Mariamman Temple
- Kaveri River banks
