Nazareth is a Christian majority town, created by missionaries from the United Kingdom, primarily through the work of Canon Arthur Margoschis. Canon Arthur Margoschis (1852-1908) is recognized as “Father of Nazareth”. The town is surrounded by Hindu communities. The main Hindu temple was built in the late 1960s. The town was previously known as 'Saann Pathu' and also as 'Therku Mudalur' and was renamed by the residents. It is an educational centre with schools such as Margoschis Higher Secondary School for Boys and St. John's Girls' Higher Secondary School, Margoschis college of Arts and Science, Art Industrial School, TNDTA Kaspa Primary School, Dr Mathuram Middle school and a Vocational education institution.