Sankarankovil Sri Sankara Narayanan Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Sankarankovil Sri Sankara Narayanan Temple, Sankarankovil Tirunelveli District- 627 756 Phone: +91 – 4636 – 222 265 Mobile: +91 – 94862 40200

Diety

Sri Sankara Narayanan Amman: Gomathi

Introduction

The Sankara Narayanan Temple in Sankarankovil, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, is a unique and ancient temple dedicated to a fusion of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, known as Sankara Narayanan. Sankarankovil Town is situated in the Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance: The Sankara Narayanan Temple was constructed in the 11th century by the Pandya king Ukkirapandia. The temple is known for its unique representation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in the same sanctum sanctorum, symbolizing the unity between Saivism and Vaishnavism.

Fusion of Two Faiths: The temple represents a fusion of two faiths, Saivism and Vaishnavism, and its architecture and deity depictions reflect this blending of two major sects within Hinduism.

Pancha Bhoota Sthala: Sankarankovil represents the “Land Element” (Prithvi or Nilam) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas (temples representing the five prime elements of nature) in the South Pandya region. The other four elements are represented by temples in Nallur (Agni or Fire), Tharukapuram (Neer or Water), Thenmalai (Vayu or Air), and Devathaanam (Akash or Sky).

Adi Tapas Festival: The temple is famous for the Adi Tapas Festival. The festival’s origin is associated with a story about Serpent King Naga and his encounter with Goddess Parvathi. During the festival, devotees participate in various rituals and celebrations. It is believed that Lord Shiva gave darshan to Mother Parvathi in the form of Sankaranarayana during this festival.

Beliefs

Devotees facing problems due to the presence of poisonous creatures in their houses as lizards, scorpions and snakes offer silver pieces embossed with the images of such creatures for solution. Devotees pray here to develop the quality of love for all promoting unity and to be simple and austere in nature. Devotees offer abishek, vastras and Nivedhanas to Lord Sankaranarayana and Mother Gomathi. The Puthu Maan or ant hill sand is offered as Prasad for the devotees. It is believed that consuming a pinch of the sand Prasad will help to cure a lot of diseases.

Special Features

Deities and Features:

The main deities in the temple are Lord Shiva as Vanmeeganathar in the southern portion and Goddess Parvathi as Gomathi Amman in the northern portion, each with separate sanctums.
Between these two deities is the unique Sankara Narayanan, a fusion of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The temple’s architecture has been designed so that the rays of the sun fall on the icon of Lord Sankaralingam for three days in March and September.
The temple offers special pujas for those seeking relief from toothaches and Rahu and Ketu’s ill effects, represented by snake planets.
There is a shrine for Lord Sarpa Vinayaka (Vinayaka with a serpent in hand) where devotees with adverse effects of the serpent planet Rahu pray during Rahu Kalam time (4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) on Sundays.
The temple also features a shrine for Lord Yoga Narasimha.

Legend of Ugra Pandyan: According to local legends, a divine being known as “Manikkeerivan,” who was cursed by Goddess Parvathi, discovered a Shivalingam near a snake pit in the Purasakeshara forest. This discovery led to the construction of the temple and the founding of the city of Sankarankovil.

Temple Architecture: The temple’s architectural highlights include a 125-foot Rajagopuram with nine tiers, and the top of the gopuram has a Kumba kalasam with a height of 7 feet 4 inches. The temple also houses three important sanctums within its premises, dedicated to Lord Siva, Goddess Gomathi Amman, and Sankara Narayanan.

Naga Sunai: Inside the temple complex, there is a sacred tank called Nagasunai, which was dug by the serpent kings Paduman and Sangan. Devotees who bathe in this holy tank, apply ant-hill earth on their bodies, and offer prayers to the presiding deities are believed to receive permanent relief from dreadful diseases.

Sthala Vriksham: The sacred tree of the temple is the Punnai (Calophyllum inophyllum) tree, which is found in the Western Prakaram of the temple.

Festivals

The major festivals celebrated in this temple; • Chithirai Brahmotsavam (10 days) (April) • Adi Thapasu festival (12 days) (August) • Aippasi Thirukalyanam festival (10 days) (October) • Theppam floating festival – Thai last Friday (February) • September/October Navarathri Festival 10 Days • October Kanthasasthi Festival 7 Days • December/January Thiruvempavai Festival 11 Days • February Theppam Floating Festival (Thai Last Friday)