Sankara Narayanasamy Temple, Sankarankovil

Sankara Narayanaamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Sankarankovil, in state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temple was built by Ukkira Pandiyan in 10nd century CE.[1] Lord Shiva, known as ‘Sri Sankara Linga Swamy, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Gomathi Amman’.

Arulmigu Sankara Narayanaamy Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictTenkasi district
Deity
FestivalsCradle festival, Adithapasu festival, chithirai festival
Governing bodyHindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department
Location
LocationSankarankovil
StateTamil Nadu
Shown within Tamil Nadu
Sankara Narayanasamy Temple, Sankarankovil (India)
Geographic coordinates9.16°N 77.55°E / 9.16; 77.55
Architecture
TypeDravidian architecture
Elevation143 m (469 ft)
Website
Official website

History

According to the legends, a Naga king called ‘Sangan’ who was much devoted to lord Shiva and ‘Paduman’ another king much devoted to Vishnu. Both of them always used to fight about which god is great between Shiva and Vishnu. They approached Goddess Parvathi. In order to make them understand the fact that both Shiva and Vishnu were equal, Parvathi observed penance and appealed to them to show the word with the unified appearance of both. As a result Shiva and Vishnu appeared as ‘Sankara Narayanan’ (Sankara represents Shiva and Narayanan represents Vishnu). Acceding to the wish of Pravati, Lord Shiva appeared as Sankara Lingam. The two Naga kings worshipped Sankara Lingam for long. As years passed by the lingam was covered by anthill. The Naga kings were inside. A devotee attempted to raze down the anthill and while doing so he accidentally cut the tail of the snake. Blood spurted out. The devotee was alarmed and peeped into the anthill and found the lingam there.[2]

Architecture

Later the Pandya king, Ukkra Pandiyan built a temple and named the town as "Sankara Narayanar Kovil".[3][4]

Temple Car Festival

The temple car festival is held in the month of Chithirai.The temple also emerged prosperous during the reign of Tenkasi Pandyas.[5][6][7]

Culture

A snake pit found inthe prakaram located around the Amman Sannidhi inside the temple known as "Vanmikam". It is believed that the sand extracted from the snake pit will cure all diseases.[8]

Aadithapasu Festival

Aadithapasu Festival is held in the month of Ashadha involving the two gods Sankara Lingam and Narayanaamy. The ritual of the godess Gomathi Amman posing in single foot is alos followed.[9][10]

Darshan timings

The temple is open on all days. The darshan timings are as below:

  • Morning : 05:30 to 12:30 IST
  • Evening : 16:00 to 21:00 IST

References
  1. "History of Pandyan architecture and arts". News18 Tamil. 4 April 2022.
  2. "Sankarankovil-The History". 19 August 2021.
  3. "Sankarankovil-The temple of Shiva and Vishnu". 27 October 2021.
  4. "Sankarankovil-The Car Festival". 23 July 2021.
  5. "Sankarankovil-The Car Festival". 23 July 2021.
  6. "Sankarankovil Car Festival". Maalaimalar Tamil. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  7. "Sankarankovil Car Festival as Chithirai Festival". Tamilnadu Online University. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  8. "Snake Pit in Sankarankovil". Tamilnadu Online University. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  9. "Sankarankovil - Aadithapasu festival". Oneindia Tamil. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  10. "Sankarankovil - History of Aadithapasu festival". TOneindia Tamil. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
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