Sankarankoil (Tamil: சங்கரன்கோவில்) is a city and a municipality in the Tirunelveli district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
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.
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 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.
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.
It is believed that all devotees who pray to the goddess Gomathi amman have always found solace.
Demographics
* As of 2001[update] 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.
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 )
