Thoothukudi Sri Sankara Rameswarar Temple

Address

Sivan Kovil Street,
Thoothukudi district,

Tamil Nadu
Pin code – 628002

Moolavar

Sri Sankara Rameswarar

Amman

Bagampriyal Udanurai

Introduction

Sankara Rameswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva, is a popular religious center located in Thoothukudi. The pilgrims travelling to Thiruchendur, takes a dip at the holy tank called Vancha Pushkarani in this temple. This is where, it is believed, that Lord Siva defined Pranava-Mantra to Goddess Parvathi and this place is called as Thirumanthira Nagaram. The temple is one of the oldest structures (above 1000 years) in Thoothukudi. This temple is dedicated to Shiva as Sankara Rameswarar and Mother Shakti as Bagampriyal Udanurai The main festival Sankara Rameshvarar Temple is at month of Chitra (April – May)& Tamil New Year which is most famous among the Thoothukudi region.

Puranic Significance

Once Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi on the way to Lord Murugan’s marriage came here to have some rest. Meanwhile Goddess Parvathi asked about the Pranava Manthra Om to Lord Siva. When Lord Siva was teaching Goddess Uma the mantras & their meanings their serenity was disturbed by the rumbling of the waves & palm leaves. The noise created by the potter’s wheel was also disturbing. As Goddess wanted to continue her studies without any hindrance, she crushed them to stop making disturbing noise. This continues still now. So then on-words it is called as Thirumanthira Nagar. The Sankara Rameswarar was worshiped by Sage Kaasiyappar. Sage Gowthamar, Sage Barathvajar and Athiri are some more who worshipped here.
Sankara Rameswarar Name Reason
Once a king named Sankara Rama Pandian was longing for a child. He worshiped a lot. One day he said about this to Kaasiyappa Munivar. According to his says the king came here to Thirumanthira Nagar and after having a Holly dip in Vaanja Puskarani he prayed Lord Sivan which is near by the pond asking about his result to longing. A year after his wife gave birth to a boy child. With the joy of his son’s birth, the king ordered to build a new temple of this Lord Siva. After the completion of creating a temple he called Lord Siva with his name Sankara Rameswarar.

Beliefs

It is believed that if one bathes in the well called ‘Vanjapushkarani’ in this temple and worships the Lord, one will get a child. This circle is also described as a wonderful cure for childbearing.

Special Features

The temple is one of the oldest structures (above 1000 years) in Thoothukudi. People believe “Lord Shiva” and pray to him, they get rid of all their problems, after praying to this god. The famous about Sankara Rameshvarar Temple is “Prathosam Pooja” which is famous among the Thoothukudi region.
The Sankara Rameswarar Was Worshiped by Sage Kaasiyappar, Sage Gowthamar, Sage Barathvajar and Athiri are some more who worshipped here. As Sankara Rameswarar dissolved himself with the Lord, the Linga. So People favorite deity Sankara Rameswarar in the temple. Thoothukudi also was the place of residence of Eripathanayanar, Pugazh Chola Nayanar.