The Sankaraparani River originates on the western slope of Gingee Hill in Viluppuram District of the State of Tamil Nadu. It has two source, one in the Pakkammalai hills and one in the mountains of Melmalayanur. They join near Thenpalai village to form the main river. Sankaraparani is also known as Varahanadi or Gingee River.
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River courseEdit
River Sankaraparani, flows to the east. The Annamangalam surplus joins near Melacheri. Then the river turns south in eastern part of Singavaram village and then flows east again. Second tributary Nariyar Odai joins Sankaraparani near Uranithangal village.
Near Vallam village, the river turns southeast went to flow the ways of Rettanai, Nedimozhiyanur, towards veedur dam. The third tributary Thondiar joins near Vidur. The Vidur reservoir across Sankaraparani is situated just below.
From Vidur reservoir, Sankaraparani flows southeast. Pambaiyar tributary joins near Radhapuram. Then Sankaraparani enters Puducherry Union Territory at Manalipet. Pambai tributary joins Sankaraparani near Sellipet.
Then Guduvaiyar River, the last tributary joins near Boat House. At this point, Sankaraparani is also called Chunnambar. From here it flows for 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) before draining into Bay of Bengal at Paradise beach.
The total length of the river is 78.5 kilometres (48.8 mi). Of the total length, 34 kilometres (21 mi) flows in Puducherry.
TributariesEdit
Sankaraparani river has six tributaries namely
DistributaryEdit
The only distributary of Sankaraparani is Ariyankuppam River that branches near Thirukanchi.
History of a Flood in times bygoneEdit
There is a history that there was once great flooding of this river. The exact timing of the flood may need experts in history to tell us. However, the two proofs are: (1) The fossil park at Tiruvakkarai is about 1-2 km away from the river and located on a hillock. The ASI maintained park mentions that there was a great flood once that would have washed away all the logs of trees on the hillock which have been preserved as fossils since then.
(2) A visit to the Gangai Varaha Nadeeswarar Koil at ThiruKaanchi also gave us a similar history (Varalaru) fom the priests of the temple. That the village was once severely flooded and the temple was destroyed. The main deities were however saved and the temple rebuilt at the present location.
TemplesEdit
Ancient temples are located on the banks of Sankaraparani. Out of 22 Paadal Petra Sthalam in Nadu Naadu, four temples are located on the banks of Sankaraparani. Among the temples Gangai Varaga Natheeswarar Temple located at Thirukanchi in Puducherry named after this river 'Varaga Nathi'. The name suggests that this river 'Sankaraparani' has the same power as of 'Gangai Nathi' (The River Ganges) as per Hindu Mythology. Every year in the Tamil month of 'Maasi' (Feb-March) during the 'Magam' Nachathiram day this temple festival is celebrated. 'Maasi Magam' - ten days festival is celebrated including car festival on the ninth day.
Villupuram districtEdit
Temples in Villupuram district include:
PuducherryEdit
Temples in Puducherry district include:
TourismEdit
Resorts include Le Pondy, Kailash Beach Resort, and The Windflower Resort and Spa