CONCEPT OF SANKARA NARAYANA
Lord Shankaranarayana is a combined deity form of Shiva (Shankara)
on the right with Nandi, and Vishnu (Narayana) on the left with Garuda.
Shankaranarayana is also called Harihara – Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva).
Lord Shankaranarayana is thus worshipped by both Vaishnavites and
Shaivities as a form of the Supreme God, as well as being a figure of
worship for other Hindu traditions in general. Harihara is also sometimes
used as a philosophical term to denote the unity of Vishnu and Shiva as
different aspects of the same Supreme God.
Due to the diverse nature of Hinduism there are a wide variety of
beliefs and traditions associated to both Vishnu and Shiva. In Vaishanvisim
Vishnu (including his associated incarnations) is the Supreme God, and in
Shaivism Shiva (including his different incarnations) is the Supreme God.
There was a period when the followers of Shiva and Vishnu were competing to
establish their God as the sole Supreme God. The worship of
Shankaranarayana evolved as a compromise between these two groups. Today
these two Supreme Gods occupy equally important positions in the Hindu
Trinity, with Brahma. Lord Shiva’s incarnation as Ardhanarishvara – half
Shiva and half Parvathy depicts that the male and female are manifestations
of the same Supreme God. Similarly Lord Shankaranarayana shows that Vishnu
and Shiva are manifestations of the same Supreme God. The Advaita
Siddhantha regard the Supreme God as being ultimately formless and thus see
both Vishnu and Shiva as different facets of the one formless Brahman.
According to Swami Sivananda, Shiva and Vishnu are one and the
same entity. They are essentially one and the same. They are the names
given to the different aspects of the all-pervading Supreme Soul or the
Absolute.
“Shivasya hridayam vishnur:
Vishnoscha hridayam shivah:”
Vishnu is the heart of Shiva and likewise Shiva is the heart of Vishnu. The
famous Shloka
“Shivaya Vishnu rupaya
Vishnave Shiva rupine”
Also tells that Shiva and Vishnu are the same.
“Shankaranarayana” is considered as one of the seven holy places created by
Bhagwan Parshuram. This is one of the rare temples where we can see the
sangam (confluence) of Shankara (Lord Shiva) and Narayana (Lord Vishnu).
Shankaranarayana village, named after the temple, is located in the valley
of mountain ranges close to the Sahyadris. It is located in Udupi District,
Karnataka, and 25KM from the Arabian Sea.The 7 holy places namely
Subrahmanya, Udupi, Kumbhakaashi, Koteshwara, Shankaranarayana, Kolluru and
Gokarna together constitute Parashurama Kshetra. These holy places are
compared with seven holy places in Rama Kshetra, namely, Ayodhya, Mathura,
Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avanthika and Puri.
Udbhaav Murthy – Shankaranarayana Temple
Nandavara Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Temple
The main deity of Shankaranarayana Temple is in the form of Udbhaav Linga.
The naturally formed lingam of Lord Shankara and Lord Narayana is one feet
below the ground, inside the Garbhagudi. The devotees can only see the
mirror image of the lingam. The Shankara Linga is on the right (left as
seen by the devotees) and Narayana Linga on the left. While Shankara Lingam
is in round shape, whereas Narayana Linga is a flat one with foot prints of
holy cow in it. Devotees believe that these were foot prints of Kamadhenu
(holy cow) which had stood here for dripping milk on the Shankara Linga.
There is water around Udbhaav Linga at any time of the year. This holy
water is called Suddhamrita Theertha
Koti Theertha
Koti theertha is located in front of the temple. Devotees coming to this
temple first make prokshana of this theertha and then make darshan of Lord
Shankaranarayana. The stone enclosure and the surrounding coconut and
arecanut groves enhance the beauty of the pond. The pond has rich spiritual
bearing. Rituals such as Pitratarpana and Theerthasnana are held at this
pond. Koti theertha stands out as most beautiful and vast of all the twenty
one ponds found around this place.
Krodagiri Devaru
Shankaranarayana is also known as Kroda after Kroda Maharshi. In the 24th
Chapter of Pushkara Kaanda in Padma Purana, one can find a beautiful
description of Krodha Shankaranarayana. According to this, the demons
Kharasura and Rattasura were ill-treating common people. Kroda Maharshi
meditated Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu together and prayed them come in the
form of Lord Shankaranarayana. Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, pleased with the
meditation of Krodha Maharshi, came to this place as Shankaranarayana and
killed Kharasura and Rattasura. The hill beside the Shankaranarayana
Temple, atop which Krodha Maharshi meditated Lord Shankaranarayana, is
named as Kroda Giri. The idol of Lord Shankaranarayana along with goddess
Gowri and goddess Lakshmi are at the top of Kroda Giri.The Guhe (Cave) in
which Kroda used meditate atop the Kroda Giri Parvatha (Hill). This is 6
foot wide cave with a 2-feet wide entrance. “Shiva is a form of Vishnu and
Vishnu a form of Shiva. Shiva dwells in the heart of Vishnu while Vishnu in
the heart of Shiva.”
ये अपि अन्य देवता भक्ताः यजन्ते श्रध्दयान्विताः
ते अपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम – Bhagavad Gita (Ch. 9, 23)
Krishna tells Arjuna that even those who are the devotees (bhaktas) of
other devatas (Anya devata) and who worship them with great devotion they
too are worshipping Him – even if it is considered to be avidhipoorvakam
(i.e. following a different “Vidhi”, or Pooja rituals). Krishna is saying,
“Pray to me directly. But, if the devotee finds attachment to other
deities, that is OK. They too worship me.” Narada, coming under Vishnu
Maya, gives shaapam to Vishnu, Narada says “Svami! Please forgive me. I,
coming under influence of Your Maya, got Ahankaara and did your ninda.
Please tell me what can save me from this ghora-paapam”. Vishnu says: “O
Priya Narada! You go and do paaraayana of Shankara Shatanaamams. Then you
will get Shanti. Shiva is whom I respect the most. Even by mistake don’t
forget this. One who doesn’t have Shiva-Anugraha cannot be My Bhakta.
Believe this. Then My Maya won’t affect you.”
One day, when Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu were together in vihaaram,
Lakshmi sees Uchhaishravas, her brother, the horse of Revanta who is the
son of Surya. Engrossed in seeing her brother, she does not reply to the
repeated calls of Vishnu. Seeing her attraction, Vishnu gives her shaapam
to go to Bhulokam in the form of a horse and come back to Vaikuntam only
after getting a son equal to Himself! She comes to Bhuloka to experience
the shaapam and realizing that none other than her brother, Shiva can help
her calm Vishnu, she immediately does a tapas for Him and Shiva appears to
save her soodari. Lakshmi says “You and Vishnu are both same, the
Paramaatmaa. Please help me!” Shiva says “Soodari! How do you know that we
both are same? All learned people know that. Who told you?” Lakshmi says,
“Once MahaVishnu Himself told me this. Seeing Him in deep Daiva-dhyaanam, I
asked Him “During Samudra Manthanam, I thought you were the greatest of all
and hence chose you. Devaadideva! Who is better than you that you are in
dhyana of Him?” MahaVishnu replied “I am doing Shankara-dhyana. He is
Eshwara. He is the same as me. All learned people know that. If someone is
my devotee but still hates Shiva, he will fall into naraka”. Saying this,
she asks Shiva to persuade Vishnu to bless her with a child. Shiva sends
Chitrarupa as a duta to convince Vishnu. Vishnu immediately accepts and
comes to Bhuloka and blesses Lakshmi with Ekaveera, who is equal to Vishnu
Himself.
Shankaranarayana - The Combined for Lord Shiva and Vishnu The
Devtas had looked upon the earth, and were horrified by the terrible state
it was in- everywhere there was greed, war and unhappiness. Vice and sin
ran rampant among people. Confused as to how things could have become like
this, they approached Vishnu to seek answers. Vishnu said to them as they
assembled, “Let us go to Shankar, for He is wise!” Vishnu led the demigods
up the icy slopes of Mount Kailash, but saw no one there. Amidst the rocks
and snow, there was no sign of Shiva or Parvati, or even Nandi. The baffled
gods searched for a sign of Shiva until Vishnu came to them and said, “My
beloved, your selfishness has made you blind, for Hara is here! You must
purify yourselves- bathe in milk, sing the Satarudriya hymn, and take only
hot milk for 3 days, and your eyes will be opened.” They followed his
instructions, but after 3 days they still could see no sign of Shiva. They
cried out, “O Jagannath, Lord of the World, where can we find Shankar?” At
that, Vishnu pointed to his chest. “He is in me, as I am in him. Can’t you
see that?” As he spoke, he revealed his lotus heart, and as the petals
opened, the sacred Shiva Lingam could be seen in the middle. The gods
fervently worshipped the lingam, bathing it in milk, covering it with
vermillion and sandal paste, offering flowers and chanting the 1008 names
of Shiva. But through this, they were still disturbed- How could Hari and
Hara be one and the same? Vishnu had light, Sattvic qualities, while Shiva
had dark, tamasic qualities. They were so different! But knowing their
thoughts, Vishnu took on the form of Shiva. The gods could no longer tell
the difference between the trident-bearing, three eyed god, or the conch
bearing lord. And so, realizing finally that Vishnu and Shiva were one and
the same, they bowed in devotion and worshipped Sri Hari Hara.
Chapter 24 - The vow (vrata) of Aṅgāraka Caturthī Padma puranam
Section 1 - Sṛṣṭi-khaṇḍa (section on creation)
Brahmā said:
1. O revered sir, tell me (about) that (vow) which causes blessing (i.e.
divine favour) to a man as well as a woman, and by (the observance of)
which there will be no grief, disease, fear or sorrow.
Śaṅkara said:
2-3. On the second day of the dark half of Śrāvaṇa, Madhusūdana always
lives with his wife in the milky ocean. A man would get (i.e. fulfil) all
his desires by worshipping Govinda on that (day). He should give the
present of a cow, gold etc. as was done in seven hundred Kalpas.
5-10. On that day, having worshipped Viṣṇu according to the proper
procedure with the following sacred texts he should have the sound of
singing and musical instruments: “O Śrīvatsadhārin, O Śrīkānta, O Śrīpati,
O Śrīdhara, O Avyaya (the immutable one), may not my stage of a
householder, which grants righteousness, worldly prosperity and desire of
sensual enjoyments, perish. O Puruṣottama, may my fires, my deities not
perish. May my manes not perish, due to the discord between husband and
wife. As god Hari is never separated from Lakṣmī, in the same way let my
relation with the wife be not severed. O Varada (granter of boons), O
Madhusādana, as your bed is not unoccupied by Lakṣmī, in the same way may
my bed also remain occupied.” A person (who is economically) weak, (should
use) the bell, as it contains (the sounds of) all musical instruments.
Brahmā said:
20b-21a. How can there be (i.e. how can one have) good health, prosperity,
intellect and firmness in religious practices? How also can there be (i.e.
can one have) perfect devotion for Viṣṇu?
Formerly when the trident-holder (i.e. Śiva) was angry (and ready) for
destroying Dakṣa, a drop of perspiration produced on the forehead of him of
a fearful face, dropped down.
27b-28. That (drop) having broken asunder the seven nether regions consumed
the seven oceans. He was having many faces and eyes and terrible like
bright fire. Being endowed with hands and feet, he was known as Vīrabhadra.
29-33. He who had destroyed (Dakṣa’s) sacrifice, and had submerged the
beings was prevented from burning the three worlds by Śiva (who said:) ‘O
Vīrabhadra, you have destroyed Dakṣa’s sacrifice; now desist from this act
of burning the (three) worlds. By giving peace (to all) be the foremost
among all the planets. Purified in mind people will worship you, (and) O
son of the earth, you will be known as Aṅgāraka. Your form will be
matchless in the world of gods. Those men, who will worship you on the
fourth day (of the month), will have unending beauty, (good) health and
prosperity.’
34. O King, thus addressed, he who took any form at his will, became calm,
and at that very moment turned into a planet.
52b-53a. ‘O illustrious son of the earth, O you born of the sweat of the
trident-holder (i.e. Śiva), I, desiring a (handsome) form, am seeking your
refuge; accept my respectful offering; my salutation to you.’
53b-54. Having offered a respectful offering with sandal-water to the
accompaniment of this sacred text he should then honour the brāhmaṇa with
flowers, garments etc. To the accompaniment of the same sacred text he
should give (the representation of) Bhauma along with a pair of a cow and a
bull.
58-61. A devotee of Viṣṇu or Śiva endowed with good form and fortune in
every existence would become the king of the seven islands. For seven
Kalpas he is honoured in the world of Rudra. Therefore O lord of demons,
you too observe the full vow (i.e. observe it fully). O king, you too
observe all this, since those well-versed in the Vedas describe it to be
inexhaustible. The lord bestows everything on him who listens to its
account with a concentrated mind.”
rūpasaubhāgyasaṃpannaḥ pumānjanmani janmani |
viṣṇau vātha śive bhaktaḥ saptadvīpādhipo bhavet || 58 ||
saptakalpasahasrāṇi rudraloke mahīyate |
tasmātvamapi daityeṃdra vratametatsamācara || 59 || {Sivananda lecture]
NB spread of Sankara Narayana cult from Karnataka AS there is Sankara
Narayana village in Karnataka, so there is Sankarankovil in Tamil nadu
where Sankara Narayana temple is so famous.
K Rajaram IRS 81025
On Wed, 8 Oct 2025 at 08:23, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
[email protected]> wrote:
> *SANKARANARAYANA TEMPLE, VENKTANGU, *
> *TRICHUR DISTRICT, KERALA*
>
> Introduction
>
> A prominent Sankaranarayana temple near Trichur is the Sree
> Sankaranarayana Moorthy Temple in *Venkitangu,* which is located within
> the Toyakkavu area of the Thrissur district. This temple is dedicated to
> the deity Sankaranarayana, a form that embodies both Lord Shiva (Sankara)
> and Lord Vishnu (Narayana) as one. The temple, also known as *Venkitangu
> Valiyambalam*, is located at Venkitangu in Thrissur district, Kerala
>
> Key Details:
>
> Temple Name: Sree Sankaranarayana Moorthy Temple
>
> Location: Venkitangu, near Toyakkavu, in the Thrissur district
>
> Deity: Sankaranarayana (a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu)
>
> *Significance: The temple is sacred to Saivites and followers of the
> belief that Shiva and Vishnu are a single deity.*
>
> Legend
>
> The legend of the Sree Sankaranarayana Moorthy Temple in Venkitangu states
> that the temple's presiding deity is the combined form of Lord Shiva and
> Lord Vishnu, a manifestation of Shankaranarayana, who appeared together to
> grant a joint darshan to the distressed sage Kroda Maharshi to defeat the
> demons Kharasura and Rattasura.
>
> Legendary Origins
>
> Kroda Maharshi's Penance: The sage Kroda Maharshi performed severe penance
> to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu to conquer the demons Kharasura and Rattasura.
>
> Shankaranarayana's Appearance: Satisfied with the sage's devotion, both
> Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu appeared together at this holy spot as
> Shankaranarayana.
>
> Conquering the Demons: The combined form of Shankaranarayana then
> vanquished the demons, freeing the world from their menace.
>
> Temple Significance
>
> The deity in the temple represents the unity of Shiva and Vishnu,
> emphasizing their oneness.
>
> The temple is known as a sacred place for both Saivites and those who
> believe that Shiva and Vishnu are the same.
>
> History
>
> Venkitangu Sri Sankaranarayana Murthi Temple is an ancient temple
> constructed *in 6-7th century - equal and straight in the same lattitude
> of Thrissur Sri Vadakkumnatha Temple, facing Sri Vadakkumnathan to East. *
>
> It is said to be faced with a lot of destruction during Tippu's tyranny,
> It was reconstructed during 14th century and the remain intact.
>
> The Sri Kovil and other structures are still remaining with the ancient
> pride.
>
> Architecture
>
> The architecture of the Sankaranarayana Swamy Temple in Venkitangu,
> Kerala, features a distinct style characterized by its use of wood and
> stone, with a focus on simplicity and intricate work on wooden elements.
>
> The temple structure typically includes components like the garbhagriha
> (sanctum), mandapa (pillared hall), and shikhara/vimana (tower), common to
> Kerala temple architecture.
>
> Key Characteristics of Kerala Temple Architecture
>
> Materials: A significant characteristic of temples in Kerala is their
> extensive use of wood, stone, and metals, with a strong emphasis on wood
> for structural and decorative elements.
>
> Design: The architecture often exhibits a unique simplicity, setting it
> apart from other regions of India.
>
> Components: Typical components include:
>
> Garbhagriha: The central sanctum where the deity is housed.
>
> Mandapa: A pillared hall or pavilion.
>
> Shikhara/Vimana: The tower or superstructure above the sanctum.
>
> Cultural Context: Temple architecture in Kerala integrates religious
> symbolism and craftsmanship into its design.
>
> Distinctive Elements: While the overall style is of Kerala, the temple's
> specific design details, like a two-tier vimana and an octagonal shikhara,
> are mentioned in one source.
>
>
>
> Deities
>
> The main deity worshipped in the temple is Shankaranarayana. The murti is
> nearly 5 feet tall including the peetam. The darshanam of Venkitangu
> Sree Shankaranarayana is towards west.
>
> Sub deities
>
> The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are *Ganapathi, Vyasa Rishi and
> Goddess Saraswati.*
>
>
>
> Daily pooja schedule
>
> Morning Opening (Nada Thurakkal): The day begins at 5:45 AM when the
> temple doors are opened for the first darshan.
>
> Malar Nivedyam: The first ritual, where puffed rice is offered to the
> deity, is performed at 6:30 AM.
>
> Usha Nivedyam: The morning food offering to the deity takes place at 8:00
> AM.
>
> Ucha Pooja: The midday worship is conducted at 9:00 AM.
>
> Morning Closing: After the midday pooja, the temple closes at 9:30 AM.
>
> Evening Opening: The temple reopens for evening darshan at 5:45 PM.
>
> Deeparadhana: The evening lamp worship is performed at 6:30 PM.
>
> Athazha Pooja: The final pooja and food offering of the day is at 7:00 PM.
>
> Temple Closing: The temple closes for the night at 7:30 PM.
>
> Offerings
>
> Traditional Offerings: In addition to the daily schedule, devotees can
> make various offerings and perform other poojas. Common offerings at the
> temple include:
>
> Rudrabhishekam,Trimaduram,Payasam,Dhaara
>
> Mrithyunjaya Homam,Ganapathy Homam,Archana
>
> Significance: The idol represents the combined form of Lord Shiva
> (Sankara) and Lord Vishnu (Narayana), and poojas are performed to both
> deities.
>
> Specialty
>
> It is said that during ancient times the temple was a Mahakshetram. The
> walls of gopuram and compound walls are the only remnants of the
> Mahakshetram.
>
> As per history, the temple was a Veda Pathashala. *Kokasandesham
> belonging to 14th century CE mentions* Venkitangu Sree Shankaranarayana
> temple. The shrine is also mentioned in Chatakasandesham.
>
> Temple pond
>
> A 4-acre temple pond known as Melukulam is part of the temple.
>
> Festivals
>
> As per local history, the temple used to conduct a festival with
> kodiyettam or flag hoisting performed on Medam 10.
>
> The temple is also associated with the famous Arattupuzha Pooram, a
> large-scale temple festival held annually on the Pooram day in the
> Malayalam calendar month of Medam.
>
> Arattupuzha Pooram
>
> Timing: Celebrated annually on the Pooram day of the Malayalam calendar
> month of Medam.
>
> Significance: It is one of the largest Poorams in India, known for its
> grand display of percussion ensembles, elephant processions, and vibrant
> cultural programs.
>
> Activities: The festival includes a ceremonial gathering of deities from
> various temples in and around the region
>
> Devotees come to the temple for
>
> This temple is famous for removal of all bad luck and to lead a prosperous
> married life.
>
>
>
> Vavu Bali
>
> Vavu Bali rites were also performed in this Venkitangu Sree
> Sankaranarayana Temple.
>
> Management
>
> In olden days, the temple was managed by Kanippayyur, Chittoor, Emprathu,
> Ullannoor, Vadavarkottu, Nediyaparambu, Manthitta, Edappally and Kuroor
> Manas.
>
> Currently, the temple is managed by a committee formed by villagers.
>
> Address:
>
> Sree Sankaranarayana Moorthy Temple(Valiyambalam), Venkitangu, Kerala
> 680510, Toyakkavu-680513.
>
>
>
> *Compiled and posted by R. Gopalakrishnan 10-08-2025.*
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Thatha_Patty" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to [email protected].
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/2002429531.341885.1759891873559%40mail.yahoo.com
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/2002429531.341885.1759891873559%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>
> .
>
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Thatha_Patty" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
To view this discussion visit
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZoqDqk%3D8Gssd7YnOn44gpRc-ZuPy6bENbpHnaOSxFdsScQ%40mail.gmail.com.
