Kumbakonam Temples

Kumbeswarar Temple:

This temple is an ancient and placed its name in Indian history . The presiding Deity of this temple is Lord KUMBESWARA and the presiding Goddess is Sri MANGALAMBIGAI.

Tradition goes to say that during the Mahapralaya ( Great Floods ) after DWABARAYUGA, a KUMBAM ( Pot ) full of amirtham and seeds for creation was set afloat by Siva . It was proclaimed by Shiva Himself that the place where the pot touched the ground and had its rest would be considered as the holiest places in the world .
Since the said Kumbam , as announced by the creator of the world , had its rest in this place , this ancient place is named as Kumbakonam after that Kumbam . Immediately after its rest Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of a hunter and broke the said Kumbam full of Amirtham with his arrow. The spilt amirtham pooled together in a place now known as MAHAMAHAM TANK where in millions of pilgrims have their Holy Bath during Mahamaham. Then Lord Shiva gathered the stand, spread the remaining Amirtham in that place and shaped it into the present " MAHALINGAM " which is known as "SRI ADHIKUMBESWARA". It is to be noted that this Mahalingam unlike other Lingams found in almost other temples, is not made of granite stone and as such Abishekams cannot be performed with watery substances lest it should dissolve the shape of the Lingam.

The idol Kirathamoorthi is a special feature in the temple and it is a standing monument to commemorate the incidence that , Lord Shiva HIMSELF has created the present Mahalingam.
The Saivaite Saints, Appar and Sambandhar who flourished prior to 7 th century A. D. have sung devotional songs ( THEVARAMS ) in praise of the Presiding Deities of the temple . The temple was built by a Chola King and the temple building itself would seem to have been renovated by the Nayak King. Some of the old images like Sri Ambal , Sri Durgaiamman and Sri Kirathamoorthi bear the impress of the antiquity about them.

Sri Abhimugheswarar Temple:

The temple is situated in the eastern side of M' tank. Entrance is facing the west side with the Lord Abhimugheswarar and Goddess Amirthavalli.

Festivals : Navarathri and Maham.

Sri Kasi Vishwanathar Temple:

This temple has been praised by Sambandhar in his "Devaram". It is situated in the north eastern side of M' tank. God : Kaayarohanar. Goddess : Vishalakshi. The nine rivers called as Navakannigas are here in the form of statues. The corridors have very attractive sculptures.

Festivals : Aadipuram (Aashada ) and Maasimaham.

Sri Gowthameswarar Temple:

This temple is in the south western side of M' Tank. God : Yagnobhaveetheswar
Goddess : Sundaranayagi.

Sri Nageswaran Temple :

The temple had been sung by Appar. Wide corridors with excellent carve works and statues are seen. God : Nageswaran Goddess : Brihun Nayagi. A Chariot with Nataraj's "Ananda Thandavam" pose is one of the examples of rich art work.

Prayings for the Sun God during the month of Chithirai ( April ) , Brahmotsavam during March/April are the important festivals.

Brahman Temple :

Pleased by the prayers of Brahma, Vishnu appeared here as " Vedanarayan " and "Varadharaja". The temple is in the banks of Arasalaru river.

Ramaswamy Temple :

Sculpture works of the Nayakars' period decorate the pillars of the temple where Lord Rama is in the ( rarely seen elsewhere ) Pattabhisheka scene with Sita and his three brothers and Anjaneya at his foot. The paintings which depict Ramayana and the Dasavathara, seen in the corridors are very attractive.

Festivals : Rama navami and Navarathri .

Sarangapani Temple:

An artistic tower of 147 feet high is the highlight of this temple. The Lord Vishnu is seen in his Ananda Sayanam pose under the Aathiseshan in a chariot. Separate shrines are the for Goddess Komalavalli, Anjaneya and Desikar.

Vaikunta Ekadesi which includes 21 days of festival and the car festival during the month of Chithirai ( Apr. / May ) are the important festivals.

Someshwar Temple :

God : Someshwar, Chikkesswar Goddess : Somasundari. Wide corridors and high compound walls isolate you from the busy bazaar street to divert the mind towards the Lord.

Kumbeswar Temple :

Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam made of Amirtha and Sand is the mail deity, and Mangalambika is the Goddess to the left of him. Lord Muruga has six arms. The various vahanas and the cars for the Lord to go as procession increase the pride of this temple. The temple has Mangala Pushkarini Theertham and a small bazaar inside it.

Festivals : Maham, Navarathri, Mahasivarathri, Kirthiga Somavarams etc.,

Sri Chakrapani Temple :

This temple is in the southern side of cauvery where Vishnu appears with the majestic
" Sudharsan Chakra ". Fort Like walls are seen around the shrine.

Sri Kambatta Vishwanathar Temple :

Nayak kings have built this temple which is also called as " Malathivanam ".

Sri Banupurishwarar Temple :

This temple is in the north eastern side of the city in a isolated place. God: Shiva called as Banupurishwarar. Goddess : Somakalambigai. This is the place where Shiva in the disguise of a Hunter broke the pot with an arrow.