Sankarankovil

Sankarankovil is a small town near Thirunelveli. It is located 33 Kms south of Rajapalayam and 56 Kms NorthWest of Thirunelveli and about 40 kms east of Western ghat Hills. The town is part of Tirunelveli  Kattabomman district. It is the capital of Sankarankoil taluk.

Sankarankovil is home to the famous Sankara Narayanan temple. It is situated at Tirunelveli District and 56 km away from Thirunelveli City. Sankarankoil 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 appeared as Sankaranarayanar to mark his devotees to understand that both Hari and Shiva are one and the same. So it is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. Hence this temple depicts the concept of Hari and Haran being one God.

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

Sankarankoil is also said to be home to the deity named Avudai Ambal-RR.

The general belief is that the Holy Sand "Puttrumann" that you get from this temple is capable of curing all the diseases. Devotees believe that Sankarankoil‘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.

Also Sankarankovil is Famous for its Mutton Biriyani...