kumbakonam One Day Tour Packages, Kumbakonam temple visit plan
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Believed to have been constructed in the 7th century A.D by the Cholas, Adi Kumbeshwara Temple is one of the grandest and the oldest Shiva temple in the town. The temple has a magnificent architecture with the trademark style of the Cholas. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a unique Shiva lingam.
Nageswaran Temple
Constructed as a chariot, the Nageswaran temple is an important Shaivite temple. A piece of genius Chola architecture, it is an important Shaivite temple. The temple is a marvelous example of the Chola's architectural prowess as the constructed the temple in a way so that it will only let in sunlight during the month of March-April.
Mahamaham Tank
Located in the center of the town, the Mahamaham Tank is a place of great reverence and religious importance for the people of South India. The tank is the place where millions of pilgrims from all over the country gather, once every twelve years to take dip in its holy waters to celebrate the Mahamaham Festival.
Sarangapani Temple
Sarangapani Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in the town of Kumbakonam in the South-Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The beautiful temple is located on the banks of River Kaveri and is frequented by devotees of Lord Vishnu from all over the world. Along with being a sacred place of worship, the temple is a work of art in itself, with several tiers of intricately carved and colourfully decorated mythological sculptures and images. The grandeur of the temple is breathtaking. It has the tallest tower in the town. As one explores the Sarangapani Temple, they are bound to feel a certain vibe as hundreds of devotees transmit energies through their prayers and the experience is surreal.
Sarangapani is the deity who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is considered to be one of the 108 holy temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in India. It is also regarded as one of the five sacred temples dedicated to an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Ranganatha. Locals know it well by the name Pancharanga Kshetram on the banks of the sacred River Kaveri. Many believe that taking a dip in the holy waters of River Kaveri and offering their prayers to Lord Vishnu will wash off all their sins. Some say there are several ways to achieve the same goal of peace, tranquillity and happiness. A visit to Sarangapani Temple is one of those. This temple should be included on your list of attractions to visit this year.
Airavatesvara Temple
Located in the town of Darasuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Airavatesvara Temple is a revered Hindu temple and a UNESCO world heritage site. Part of the popular trio known as the Great Living Chola Temple along with Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Airavatesvara Temple was built by the Chola King Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. Presided by the Hindu God Lord Shiva, the temple is amongst the eighteen medieval era Hindu temples in the Kumbakonam area. The shrine displays the Vaishnavism and Shaktism legs of Hinduism, and the traditional Nayanars- the Bhakti saints of Shaivism.
Constructed in the chariot structure and built in stone, the temple has smaller shrines dedicated to several Vedic and Puranic deities including Indra, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Saptamtrikas, Durga, Saraswati, Sri devi (Lakshmi), Ganga, Yamuna, Subrahmanya, Ganesha, Kama, Rati and others. Lord Shiva’s spouse has a smaller shrine towards the northern side of the temple premises known as Periya Nayaki Amman. Lately, some of the temple is in a crumpled state with the gopurams entirely in ruins. However, the main shrine and the associated sanctums still stand sturdy. The temple attracts pilgrims and devotees in thousands annually especially during the month of Magha for several special poojas.
Kashi Viswanath Temple
Kashi Viswanath Temple is an important temple and is linked with the origins of the Mahamaham Festival. The temple another beautiful representation of Chola architecture is known to house the deities of all the river goddesses in Hindu mythology.
Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai
Perched atop a hill in the Swamimalai district of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Swaminathaswamy Temple is enshrined by Murugan, son of the Hindu God Lord Shiva who is also known as Swaminathaswamy. The shrine is only of the six holy temples of Murugan called Arupadaiveedu. The temple complex also houses shrines of Murugan’s mother- Parvathy and his father Shiva; although, those are located at the base of the hill. Sixty steps lead to the main shrine at the top which are named after sixty Tamilian years. Besides, the temple has three gopurams and three precincts.
There is an interesting story related to the name of the temple. It is believed that Murugan lauded the meaning of Pranava Mantra to his father and hence, came to be known as Swaminathaswamy. It is believed that the construction of the temple dates back to 2nd century BC from the Sangam Period, however, it was renovated and modified by Parnataka Chola I. The temple was greatly damaged and destroyed in the Anglo- French War in 1740, but later, it was renovated by the government. Currently, the temple is managed and maintained by Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Uppiliappan Temple
Located in the village of Thirunageswaram, near Kozhikode, Uppiliappan Temple is a revered Hindu temple. Also known as Thiruvinnagar of Venkatachalapathy Temple, the temple enshrines Lord Vishnu and is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Glorified in the popular Tamil work- Divya Prabandha, the shrine is counted as the 60th amidst the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is worshipped as Lord Uppiliappan and his spouse Lakshmi is worshipped as Bhumi Dev.
The construction of the temple is believed to have been started during the reign of the Medieval Cholas in the 8th century AD and was completed in the times of Thanjavur Nayaks. The five-tiered gopuram is constructed within a granite wall and has two inscriptions dating from the Chola period. Administered and maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Uppiliappan Temple observed six daily rituals and three annual festivals. Panchguni Festival (also known as Chariot Festival) is celebrated during March- April and thousands of pilgrims gather at the spot to be a part of the festivities.
Thenupuriswarar Temple
Located in the holy village of Patteeswaram in Kumbakonam, Thenupuriswarar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to have been built during the reign of the Cholas, the current standing structure was completed by the Nayaks in the 16th century. The magnificent temple is presided by the lingam of Thenupuriswarar (Lord Shiva) and has an additional shrine for his consort- Goddess Parvati (colloquially known as Nyanambikai). The deity gets its vernacular name and identity from the 7th-century work of Tamil Saiva known as Tevaram. Besides, both the temple and the deity have lots of myths and legends attached to their existence, mentioned in the classified works of the Nayanars- Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Sprawling over an area of four acres, the temple boasts of a splendid seven-tiered gopuram and striking architectural features. In addition to the chief shrines of Thenupuriswarar (Shiva), Nyanambikai (Parvati) and Durga, the temple also has idols of several other Hindu deities and avatars including Ganesha, Sapthamatha, Mahalakshmi, Renuka, Navagraha, Surya, Chandra and Bhairava. All the shrines are enclosed in concentric granite walls and boast of beautifully sculpted pillars and elaborate interiors. The temple hosts four annual festivals, the most prominent of which is the Muthu Pandal Festival celebrated during the month of Chittirai (April - May). Currently, the premises are managed and maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu and is flocked by thousands of tourists day in and day out.
Suryanar Koil Temple
Located in the tiny village of Suryanar Koil near the town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Suryanar Koil Temple (also known as Sri Suryanar Temple) is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God. Presided by Suriyanar, the Sun and its consorts- Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi, the temple also houses the planetary deities. The shrine is one of the nine revered Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu and is the only one of its kind to have separate shrines for all the planetary deities. Very popular for the traditional Navagraha pilgrimage esteemed by the Hindus, the temple is venerated for its pujas which supposedly can cure malefic effects of Saturn (shani), reduces hurdles in marriage, helps in good education and career goals and removes putra dosham etc.
Suryanar Koil Temple is believed to have been built in the 11th century during the reign of Kulottunga Chola; the later additions and renovations were made during the Vijayanagar Empire. Constructed in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture, the temple boasts of a five tiered gopuram, an elaborate gateway tower and impressive granite walls enclosing each shrine within the premises. Legend goes to say that the planetary deities were cursed by Brahma to reside in the wild jungle; however, later, Lord Shiva made their abode a pilgrimage spot. The temple has six customary rituals performed daily, and celebrates two annual festivals; and, is managed and maintained by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Mahalingeswarar Temple
Located in the district of Tiruvidaimaruthur in Tamil Nadu, Mahalingeswarar Temple (also known as Thiruvidaimarudur Temple) is a highly revered temple by the Hindu sect of Savism. Enshrined by the Hindu God Shiva colloquially known as Mahalingeswararswamy, the presiding deity is represented by his lingam known and the venerated idol is known as Jothimayalingam. The shrine is one of the seven major Shiva temples and this particular lingum is the focal point of the seven consorts of Shiva. The temple also boasts of a magnificent shrine of Goddess Parvati- consort of Shiva, depicted in the form of Pirguchuntarakujambigai. Mahalingeswarar Temple has honourable mentions in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work called Tevaram and also in the 9th century Manikkavacakar poetry.
The 149 inscriptions excavated at the site suggest that the temple in an amalgamation of the architectural expertise and construction finesse in the life and times of Pandyas, Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. Like most other edifices in the area, the construction of Mahalingeswarar Temple is believed to have been started in the 9th century during the reign of the Cholas and was completed around 16th century during the rule of Thanjavur Nayaks. Other than the magnificent gopurams, the temple boasts of spectacular shrines of various deities, the most prominent of which are Mahalingeswaraswamy, Pirguchuntaragujambigai and Mookambigai. Currently, Mahalingeswarar Temple is managed and maintained by a South Indian monastic institution in the name of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam.
Kanjanur Sukran Temple
Located in the village of Kanjanur, 18 kms from the city of Kumbakonam, Kanjanur Sukran Temple (also known as Agneeswarar Temple) is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Sukra (celestial deity- Venus). However, the presiding deity of the shrine is Lord Shiva in the form of Agniswarar. The temple has been established with the common belief that Lord Shiva is all- pervading and that Venus (Sukra deity) is located within the stomach of Lord Shiva. Built during the times of medieval Cholas, the temple boasts of striking architectural finesse with a five tiered gopuram and two precincts. The construction of the shrine is believed to have been completed during the Vijayanagar Period and ever since, it is known by different names including Palaasavanam, Brahmapuri, Agnistalam and Neelakudi.
Besides Lord Shiva enshrining the temple, there is also housed a spacious shrine for Goddess Parvathy in addition to several deities- Maanakkanjaarar, Nayanmaar and Kalikkaamar. The village of Kanjanur is popular for being one of the nine Navagraha sthalas in the Cauvery Delhi region dedicated to Venus and called Sukra. Unlike the other temples of its kind, Kajanur Sukran depicts a Shiva Linga to depict the Agniswarar. The shrine also boasts of stone images of Nataraja and Sivakami. The temple is a revered pilgrimage site and is thronged by devotees and tourists all through the year.
Brahma Temple
Located in the Thanjavur district of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Brahma Temple is a Hindu Temple mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu colloquially known as Vedanarayanaperumal. His consort- Goddess Lakshmi enshrines the chamber next to the presiding deity, and she is known as Vedavalli. Lord Brahma occupies the shrine adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum on the right. The temple is popularly known as Brahma Temple as this is one of the only two temples dedicated to Brahma in the world. The temple presents Lord Brahma in a four face figure- the front face and the adjoining two faces are open to display; however, the back face is of a female, that can only be seen in the mirror which is veiled and can be viewed only after requesting the priest to uncover the mirror.
Lord Brahma is flanked with the idols of Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) and Gayatri (personified form of Gayatri mantra). At the left side of the sanctum is the shrine of Lord Narasimha flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Brahma Sankalp Pooja is the most important pooja performed at the temple. Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati are especially worshipped by parents for success and prosperity before their kids begin their education. The temple is a revered pilgrimage spot and is thronged by devotees and tourists alike.
Kampaheswarar Temple
Located in the town of Thirubuvanam, 9 kms from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Kampaheswarar Temple (also known as Sarabeswarar Temple) is an age-old Shaivite temple flocked by devotees from all across the world all through the year. The temple is enshrined by Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga. It is believed that Lord Shiva once relieved a king of quaking (kampa) as he was haunted by an evil spirit (Brahmarakshas) of a Brahmin who he killed accidentally. Ever since, Lord Shiva came to be known as Kampaheswarar and was worshipped in the same form at the temple. The Shiva linga is installed in the garbhagriha of the sanctum sanctorum on an elevated platform.
Besides the chief deity, the temple also houses an enormous shrine for Sarbeswarar who is a half lion and half eagle. As per legend, the deity saved the celestial deities from the wrath of Vishnu in the form of Narasimha after he killed Hiranyakasibu. Built in the traditional Dravidian style architecture, the temple also boasts of beautiful sculptures of Sridevi and Bhudevi- consorts of Lord Vishnu. The shrine is popular among pilgrims and it is a common a belief that praying here can solve hurdles in marriages and help with child boon.
Kampaheswarar Temple
Situated in the village of Thirunageswaram, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Thirunageswaram Temple (also known as Rahu Temple) is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Revered by the Shiva bhakts, the temple is also associated with the nine planets- Navagraha Sthalam especially Rahu. The temple is enshrines by shivalinga which is worshipped as Naganathar, and Lord Shiva’s consort Goddess Parvathy, who is worshipped as Pirasoodi. Like the other Shiva temples in the area, this one is also revered in the Tamil canonical work Tevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Believed to have been built in the Chola Period, the shrine boasts of four elaborate gopurams. Besides the presiding deities, the prominent shrines are of Naganathar, Rahu and Piraisoodi Amman. The temple also has a beautiful flower garden in the third precinct and a tiny water tank called Sula Theertham. As per common belief, a dip in the tank can cleanse one of his sins. The temple follows a six daily rituals routine. The Brahmotsavam or the Prime Festival is the chief festival of the shrine.