Arulmigu Chakrapani SwamiTemple | Kumbakonam Chakrapani SwamiTemple | Kovil Nagaram | Pancharanga Kshetram

Chakrapani Swami Thirukoil:

Chakrapani Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located on the southern banks of Cauvery in Kumbakonam town, Thanjavur District. This temple is one of the most prominent pilgrimage places in Kumbakonam,3kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station. This place holds additional prestige as it is one among the Pancharanga Kshetram.

Deity:

The pictures of Chakrapani with eight arms and Sudarshanavalli Thayar with a benevolent appearance are heart whelming. Like Shiva, Lord Chakrapani has a third eye on his brow. Brahma, Surya, and Agni are portrayed as revering the Lord.

                                   

Architecture:

This Temple appears in the form of Sri Chakra. The sanctum sanctorum of Chakrapani Swami is situated on top of the building. There are two entryways on the north and south to go up the steps, the Uttarayana Gate and the Dakshinayana Gate. The Uttarayana gate is utilized during the Uttarayana time frame from one January to another and the Datsinayana entryway is utilized during the Dakshinayana time frame from August to March.

Sthala Purana: 

The Sudarshana Chakra otherwise known as Chakrathazhwar by Vyshnavas is the most invincible weapon of God Vishnu, offered by Lord Shiva for His strenuous penance conducted for destroying the demon Jalandasura. He sent his weapon to Patala Loka to slaughter the evil Jalandasura. The weapon is believed to emerge from the Patala Loka through river Cauvery. God Brahma, who was cleaning up in the waterway, got intrigued and introduced the picture of Sudarshana here. The shrine is noted for its lovely pillars. 

Also, when Lord Vishnu threw his chakra, Seeing the light rays emitted from the Chakra made the sun jealous and attempted to emanate the heat by his rays. However, Chakrapani Swami engulfed all the light and debilitated the sun. Admitting his mistake, Surya recovered his power by praying for Chakrapani Swami. Consequently, Kumbakonam got the name 'Bhaskara Kshetram'.

Importance of Chakrapani Thirukoil:

The Vilva leaf is ideal for Lord Shiva. Archana with a vilva leaf is generally performed in Shiva shrines. Simultaneously Tulasi leaf is ideal for Perumal. But here, in the Chakrapani sanctuary in Kumbakonam, Perumal is ritually adorned with a Vilva leaf.

The 10-day Brahmotsavam in Chitirai (April - May), Chariot Festival, Pavitrotsavam, Theppotsavam in Vaikasi are the few traditional religious events been following at this temple.

Temple Address & Contact:

 Chakrapani Sannathi Street, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001

 Phone: 0435 2403284

 Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM and 4 PM - 8 PM