Sankarankovil Temple

Sankarankovil temple

The Sankaran kovil temple is located in the sankarankovil town of Thirunelveli district. Sankarankoil lies  56 kms away from Thirunelveli  city and the town got its name from the holy temple. The temple is also called as Sankaranarayanar koil.

History/Legend:

The Devan named Maanikkeeravan was cursed by Goddess Parvathi and had to work in a garden. Once he was clearing a snake pit and accidently a sanke’s tail was cut by him. Amazingly he found a Shiva Lingam next to the pit.

When the king UkkiraPandian was travelling to Madurai to worship Lord Somasundharar, he got to know about the ShivaLingam present in the Punnai forest ,by the gardender . Then, he took bath in the tank and felt the divinity, after which he built the Sankarankovil in the eleventh century. Further modifications to the temple was done by Seevalaramapandan in the twelth century.The Snake pit is called as Vanmeegam and hence the Lord Sankaranarayanar is also called as Vanmeeganadhar.

Some people also belief that, once the Saivites and Vashnavites in the locality were involved in a conflict to find whose god is powerful. Then, Lord Shiva appeared as Shankaranarayanan inorder to make his devotees understand that Hari and Shiva are the same. Hence the temple got its name.

Deities:

Arulmigu Sankara Narayana Swamy

Arulmigu Sankara Linga Swamy

Arulmigu Gomathi Amman

Temple specialities:

The temple pond called Nagasunai is believed to be dug by the serpent kings called Paduman and Sangam . It is belieed to have a miraculous power to cure any disease if one bathes in it.

The holy sand called ‘Putrumann’ present in this temple is also believed to heal the devotees.

The temple also  offers Annadhanam to around hundred devotees everyday in the afternoon.

Festivals:

Chithirai Brahmorsavam (10 days) during April/May

Aadi Thabasu festival(15 days) during July/August

Navarathri festival (10 days)during September/October

Kandhasasthi festival (7 days)during October

Aippasi Thirukalyana Vizha (12 days)during October

Thiruvempavai festival (11 days)during December/January

Theppam Floating festival(10 days) during February

Poojas :

Thiruvanandhal (6.00 am)

Vizha Pooja(6.30 am)

Sirukaala Santhi(8.30 am)

Kaala Santhi(10.30 am)

Uchikkaalam(12.30 pm)

Saaya Ratchai(5.30 pm)

Arthasaamam(9.00 pm)

Worship timings:

5.30 am to 12.15 pm

4.00 pm to 9.30 pm