Sri Sankaranar Temple

Overview

Sri Sankaranar Temple (also known as Sokkanathar Temple) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Parthibanur, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.

About The Temple

The name Sankaranar appears to have been derived from a debate between Lord Shiva and Poet Nakkeerar in Madurai over a verse authored by Lord. When the debate reached a heated stage on community identity, Nakkeerar said that he belonged to a community engaged in cutting conches and that the Lord had no claim attaching Him to one such. Those were the days when community identity was a mark of respect. The poet addressed the Lord Sankaranar, hence the name of the Lord here. Furious Shiva cast a look on the poet reducing him to ashes. At the request of the king and other poets, Lord looked at Nakkeerar mercifully and restored him to life. The poet too realized that he was arguing with Lord Himself and sought His Pardon. Lord Sankaranar in the temples graces the devotees seated on a square platform-peeta in the sanctum sanctorum.

Those distressed and confused pray to Lord in the temple. Mother Ambica shrine is at the right of the Lord gracing the devotees in the form Mother Meenakshi in Madurai. The sthala vruksha-sacred tree Mavalinga Maram is in the complex. As Arjuna also known as Parthan worshipped here, the place was named Parthanur which later changed as Parthipanur. The temple is in a bad state now. It is just with a mandap and shrines of Lord and Mother.

Legend and Stories

As peace efforts between the Pandavas and Kauravas failed, war between the parties became unavoidable. Both sides had great and reputed heroes and commanders known for their skill in the war craft. Sage Vyasa advised Arjuna that he could win only if he got the Pasupatha missile from Lord Shiva to defeat Dronacharya, a dreaded archer on the other side. Arjuna set out on a penance on Lord Shiva. Knowing this, Duryodhana sent a demon Mookasura to kill Arjuna. The demon came to the spot of penance in the guise of a wild pig. Arjuna shot an arrow at the animal. Meantime, Lord Shiva who came there as a hunter to bless the Pandava also shot an arrow on the demon pig. Both arrows were shot at the animal simultaneously. Arjuna and the hunter (Shiva) fought among themselves to claim the animal. After a short encounter, Lord Shiva smilingly showed Arjuna who He was. Arjuna fell at the feet of the Lord and begged His pardon. Lord Shiva blessed him with the Pasupatha missile that decided the war in favour of the Pandavas.

Arjuna then travelled to many places worshipping Lord Shiva. He found a Swayambulinga here and worshipped. A devotee later built this temple as directed by the Lord in his dream.

Festivals

Tirukarthikai in November-December; Shivrathri in February-March and Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Those with distressed mind pray to Lord Shiva and those facing delays in wedding and other planetary problems pray to Mother.

Thanks Giving

Realizing their wishes, devotees arrange special Alankaras to Lord and Mother, perform abishek and archanas. They also contribute for the renovation of the temple.

How To Reach

Airport

The nearest airport is at Madurai.

Railways

The nearest railway station is at Parthipanur.

Road

Parthipanur is 56 kms far from Madurai on the Ramanathapuram road. It is just a ten minutes’ walk to the temple from the bus stand.

Temple Address

Sri Sankaranar Temple,
Parthibanur, Ramanathapuram District,
Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 623608.