Sankaranayinar Koil is a famous Shaivite temple, situated about 54 km from Tirunelveli, in the middle of
Tenkasi and
Srivilliputtur in
Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity here is Sri Sankaranayinarswami (
Lord Shiva).
The idol of Sankaranayinar is half Shankara (Lord Shiva) and half Narayana (Lord Vishnu). The right portion of the image is covered with sandal paste and has the emblem of Shiva while the left side is Vishnu has Sankhu and Sudarsana Chakra. Both are carved in one figure, depicting the oneness of 'Hari' and 'Hara'.
The magnificent Rajagopuram of the temple can be viewed from miles away. The temple has a Sphatika Shivling in the temple like those at Rameshwaram and Chidambaram. All abhisheks are offered to the Sphatika Linga. The temple has a sacred tank called Naga Sunai.
The Adi Tapas festival, held during the month of July for 10 days, is a major draw.
