Arulmigu Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Sankaranarayanarkoil is a town and a municipality in the Tenkasi district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Sankarankovil is home to the famous Sankara Narayanan temple. It is situated at Tenkasi district and 41 km away from Tenkasi City. Sankarankovil is the second largest town in the district. It is very famous for "Adi Thabasu" festival. In older times, the city was called as Sankaranayinar kovil. Even now it is called as Sankaran Kovil.

Like every other temple, Sankarankovil has its own interesting story. Once the devotees of Lord Hari (or Vishnu) and Lord Shiva quarreled with each other to determine whose god is powerful. Then Lord Shiva and vishnu appeared as Sankaranarayanar to make there devotees to understand that both Hari and Shiva are one and the same.

It was built by Ukkira Pandiyan AC 900. It houses the deity by the name Sankara Narayanan, which is half - Lord Shiva and the other half - Lord Vishnu.

The deities of this temple are Sri Sankareswarar, Sri Gomathi Amman and Sri Sankara Narayanar. Sankarankovil is also said to be home to the deity named Avudai Ambal-RR.

The general belief is that the Holy Sand "Puttrumann" (Puttru = Ant Hill, Mann = Sand) that one gets from this temple is capable of curing all the diseases. Devotees believe that Sankarankovil's Nagasunai (sacred tank) have been dug by serpent kings named Paduman and Sangam which has a miraculous power to heal those who bathe there. The Annadhanam scheme is being conducted in the temple when daily noon meals are being provided for around 100 devotees.

The Puthu Maan in the temple is taken as a holy sand which could cure lot of disease by all devotees.

It is believed that all devotees who pray to the goddess Gomathi amman have always found solace.

Once upon a time a "Devan" (Angel) called "Manikkeerivan" was cursed by Goddess Parvathi. Because of which, he had to come to earth and work as gardener in a beautiful garden. One day while he was clearing a snake pit, the snake tail was also cut. He found a Sivalingam next to the snake. He went and informed about this to his king Ukkira Pandiyan. The king considered it to be the god's wish to stay there and constructed the temple and a city around.

The snake pit (Ant Hill) is called "Vanmeekam" (Tamil: வன்மீகம்). Hence the deity Sri Sankaralingar is also called "Vanmeeganadhar" (Tamil: வன்மீகநாதர்).

Chithhirai Bramotsava ( 10 days ) Every April Adi Thapasu festival ( 12 days ) August Iyppasi Thirukkalyanam festival ( 10 days ) October Theppam floating festival -...

Ancient and famous temple of Lord Sankaranarayna swamy with the deities Lord Sankaralinga swamy, Lord Sankaranarayana swamy and Lord Gomathi amman along with other deities Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruka and Navagrahas. The experience in the ancient temple was truly amazing.

Complete review based on our trip on March 2024.

Parking 🌝🌑🌑🌑🌑: It's very difficult to find parking. We reached at 9:30 am. We somehow found a slot inside the arch in front of the temple. So congested to get the vehicle inside and out of the place. Outside the arch is a busy road, and there was heavy traffic. But to the back side of the temple, it looks like we may be able to park on the roadside as the traffic was comparatively less.

Food 🌝🌝🌑🌑🌑: Many sweetshops for snacks, but for getting breakfast, only a couple of options. We went to Saraswathy cafe near the temple, the food was ok. We had Dosa and chutney, which was good. They didn't have tea or coffee.

Toilet 🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑: one paid toilet facility, not at all recommended unless in case of emergency.

Darshan 🌝🌝🌝🌑🌑: Near the entrance of the temple, a big idol of Lord Ganesha is there. We can break coconut in front of the Lord and pray before going inside.

There are many sculptures and paintings all over the place that tell you the age of the temple. In every shrine, the left queue is free, and right is paid. You can get a ticket inside the temples just before darshan. The ticket costs Rs.30. The first shrine is of Lord Sankaralinga murthy, in which the Lord gives darshan in the form of Sivalinga. After the darshan, there are other deities in the area. After that, you can exit through the small door to the north side. The next shrine is of Lord Sankara Narayana swamy in which the lord gives darshan in two forms, half as Lord Sankara and the other half as Lord Narayana. After the darshan, exit through the main door in the east and go to the shrine of Lord Gomathi amman. After the Darshan of Gomathi amman, you can pray at the Shanmugha temple. Then, you can light ghee lamps, which are available in shops inside, or buy sesame seed lamps from outside the gopuram and light in front of the Navagrahas and pray.

Temple management: 🌝🌝🌑🌑🌑 They don't provide proper facilities for parking or toilet. Very few employees, it is difficult to get help. No instructions or the rates for the...

The Sankarankovil Temple, located in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who are worshipped together as Sankaranarayana or Harihara, representing the divine union of the two supreme deities. This ancient temple has a rich history, believed to have been built by King Ugra Pandyan in the 12th century AD. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone renovations and expansions, but its spiritual significance and architectural grandeur remain intact.

Key Features:

Sankaranarayana/Harihara: The presiding deity, symbolizing the unity of Shiva and Vishnu, reflecting the ultimate reality beyond duality and the harmony between preservation and destruction. Gomathi Amman: The temple's primary goddess, believed to be a manifestation of Adhi Shakthi, offering solace to devotees and protection from evil spirits. Punnaivanam: The sacred grove where Lord Shiva is said to have appeared as Sankaranarayana, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Vanmeekam: A sacred ant hill within the temple complex, believed to possess healing properties, with its sand or mud said to cure various diseases.

Temple Timings and Accessibility:

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM, 5 PM - 8 PM Nearest Airport: Tuticorin Airport, 96 km away Nearest Railway Station: Sankarankovil Railway Station, 2 km away

Festivals and Celebrations:

Adi Thapasu: A grand festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), commemorating the day Lord Shiva appeared as Sankaranarayana. Chithirai Bramotsava: A 10-day festival in April, showcasing the temple's rich cultural heritage. Panguni Uthiram: A festival marking the celestial union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Tips for Visitors:

Visit early morning or late afternoon for a serene experience. Stay hydrated and be mindful of photography restrictions. Utilize local transportation, such as auto-rickshaws or taxis, to...