Sankarankoil

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?Sankarankoil Tamil Nadu • India
Sankarankoil
Coordinates: 9°10′N 77°33′E / 9.16, 77.55
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 52 m (171 ft)
District(s)	Tirunelveli
Population	53,613 (2001)
Website: www.sankarankoil.com

Coordinates: 9°10′N 77°33′E / 9.16, 77.55 Sankarankoil (Tamil: சங்கரன்கோவில்) is a city and a municipality in the Tirunelveli district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

1 The Temple
2 Legend
3 Demographics
4 Festivals
5 Picnic Spots
6 References
7 External links

[edit] The Temple

Sankarankoil is home to the famous Sankara Narayanan temple. It is situated at Tirunelveli District and 56km away from Thirunelveli City. Sankarankoil is the second largest town in the district.

[edit] Legend

Like every other temple, Sankarankoil 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 900 years ago and finished by Pulidevan, son of Ukira Pandian. 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 Gomathi Ambal.

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.

In recent years Sanakarnkoil has gained notoriety for communal clashes between sub-sects within the hindu community resulting in public property damage and inconvienience to people. It may be noted that such acts of violence has become very frequent in and around Sankarankoil.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census^[1], Sankarankoil had a population of 53,613.
Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%.
Sankarankoil has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 60%.
In Sankarankoil, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Education in Sanakarankoil is not very popular due the the sub-standard level of educational institutions made available for the locals.

[edit] Festivals

Chithhirai Bramotsava ( 10 days ) Every April
Adi thapasu festival ( 12 days ) August
Iyppasi Thirukkalyanam festival ( 10 days ) October
Theppam floating festival - Thai last Friday ( Every February )

[edit] Picnic Spots

There are many picnic spots in and around Sankarankoil. They are the Kalugumalai and Manappadu.

For the devotees: at Tirunelveli are the Sri Nellayappar and Gandhimathi temples, at Courtallam is the Sri Kutralanathaswamy temple, at Sankarankoil is the Sri Sankaranarayanaswamy temple, at Tenkasi - the Sri Kasiviswanathaswamy temple, at Kalugumalai - the Sri Kalugachalamoorthy temple, at Veerakeralam - Sri Navaneethakrishnan temple and at Srivilliputhur - Andal Temple.

Sri Nellayappar and Gandhimathi temple of Thirunelveli is one of the biggest and famous temples in the state.