The 9 Famous Temples In Kumbakonam

Temples in Kumbakonam are the heart of worship for Hindus. They are the place where people come to pray, offer their prayers and seek blessings. Temples in Kumbakonam are known for their architecture, sculptures, beautiful sculptures, and paintings.The temples were built centuries ago by kings and rich merchants who were devoted to Lord Shiva. These temples have a lot of stories behind them. Some of them even have connections with other countries like China, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

1. Kasi Viswanathar Temple

The Kasi Viswanathar temple is located in the center of the city, next to the Mahamaham Tank. It is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important religious sites in the country. The temple, which stands 72 feet tall, was built in the 16th century. Kasi Viswanathar is the deity here, and Visalakshi is his wife. There are also more shrines. 

According to legend, Lord Rama and Lakshmana prayed to Lord Shiva here and received the blessing to kill Ravana. There are also nine rivers called Nava Kannigas, which worshipped to Lord Shiva in Varanasi for the forgiveness of sins washed away by bathers. They were instructed to bathe in the Mahamaham tank and pray to Lord Adi Kumbeshwara by the Lord. Mahamaham is a well-known celebration held every 12 years. 

People flock in great numbers to take a holy dip in the tank, which is said to cleanse the soul and wash away sins. Another notable event is Masi Magam, which takes place in February and March.

 

2. Adi Kumbeswara Swami Temple

The Adi Kumbeswara Swami Temple is one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu. It is located in Kumbakonam which is about 60 kilometers south of Thanjavur. The temple was built by Kulothunga Chola II in the 12th century and has been renovated many times since then.

This temple has a lot of significance for Hindus because it houses the image of Lord Shiva which is known as Kumbeswara. The deity is also called Dakshinamoorthy or Dakshina Murthi which means “the lord who faces south”.

The deity here represents Shiva as a teacher, giving knowledge to his students, who are usually depicted as children sitting on either side of him.

3. Airavathesvara Temple

Airavatesvara Temple is a prominent Hindu temple and a UNESCO world heritage site located in the town of Darasuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. 

Airavatesvara Temple, together with Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur and the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, is regarded as the Great Living Chola Temple. It was established by Chola King Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. The temple has a five-tiered gopuram or gateway tower that is guarded by two stone lions on either side of the entrance. The temple has a central shrine with an image of Shiva in it, facing south, and one of his consorts Parvati on his right side. There are also two other shrines within the temple complex: one for Nandi and another for Ganesha.

4. Uppiliappan Temple

The Uppiliyappan Temple was built by the Chola king Rajendra I (1012-1044) and completed by his son Rajadhiraja I (1044-1054). The temple has a seven-tiered gopuram or gateway tower, with sculptures depicting various stories from Hindu mythology on its walls.

Uppiliappan is the name given to Lord Vishnu, and Bhoomidevi is the name given to his consort Lakshmi. With Bhoomidevi on the right and Markandeya Maharishi on the left, you can see the Lord's 8-foot-tall idol. Lord Venkateshwara's brother, the lord, can be visited by devotees who are unable to travel to Tirupati to fulfill their pledges. 

5. Sarangapani Temple

In Kumbakonam, there is a prominent Vaishnavaite temple called Sarangapani. With its gigantic 12 storey Gopura erected by the Nayak Kings in the 12th century, this temple used to be Asia's largest temple tower, located in the center of a busy market thoroughfare. 

During the Tamil month of Chittirai, a chariot festival celebrated in the spring season attracts a large number of worshippers. The Sanskrit words Sarangam, which means "Bow of Vishnu," and "Pani," which means "hand," are used to name this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

Except for the Potramarai tank, all of the water tanks are located inside the temple. Goddess Lakshmi is said to have appeared from a thousand lotuses in the Potramarai tank. 

6. Chakrapani Temple

Lord Vishnu is honored at the Chakrapani temple, which is located near the Kumbakonam railway station. Vishnu emerges in the shape of Sudarshana Chakra, his most powerful form, and so the moniker Chakrapani. According to legend, Lord Vishnu dispatched his sword to assassinate King Jalandasura. The sword arrived via the river Kaveri, and Lord Brahma, who was awestruck by the brightly glowing Chakra, erected its image in the current location of the temple. One of the five Vishnu temples participating in the Mahamaham festival is this one. 

7. Mahalingeswara Temple

Because this Shiva Linga is a swayambhu (self-manifested), it attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. 

The deity is known as Jyotirmaya Mahalingam because Shiva appeared in the form of a flame to delight Agastya and other sages who were performing penance. One of the Shaktipeeths, Ambal Tirtha is located to the right of the main temple. The temple is home to five tanks and 27 other water sources, making it one of the most intriguing religious places. 

8. Ramaswamy Temple

This temple dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was built in the 16th century CE and is known as Dakshin Ayodhya. 

The temple houses some well-known stone carvings as well as 219 wall paintings depicting the events of the epic Ramayana. This is the only temple in which the idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, as well as Bharata, Shatrughna, and Hanuman, may be seen. Let us tell you, Ram Navami is a big deal in our town. It's also one of the five Vishnu temples connected to the Mahamaham festival. 

9. Suryanar Temple

Suryanar Koil Temple (also known as Sri Suryanar Temple) is devoted to the Hindu Sun God and is located in the small village of Suryanar Koil near the town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. 

Suriyanar, the Sun, and his consorts Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi preside over the temple, which also contains planetary deities. 

The shrine is one of Tamil Nadu's nine famed Navagraha temples and the only one of its kind in the world with distinct shrines for all of the planetary deities.