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Kumbakonam is a picturesque temple town in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur District, known for its ancient Hindu temples of worship. Pilgrims and visitors who want to see India’s leading temples should visit here without hesitation.
The Kumba Mahamaham, which takes place every 12 years, is also well-known in the holy town. Pilgrims travel from all across the world to bathe in the Mahamaham tank and are said to cleanse the soul of all wrongs committed throughout one’s lifetime.
Aside from its religious significance, the town is known for its silk products, electrical items, and prestigious educational institutions. Kumbakonam, which has received considerable appreciation on a South India tour, welcomes guests for a wonderful moment.
History
Kumbakonam, India’s most ancient city, was founded in the third century. The Pallava kings controlled the region from the 4th through the 9th century. Later came the Chola dynasty, which built numerous notable shrines, the most famous of which is Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur.
Following the fall of the Chola Empire in the mid-twelfth century, the Pandyan Dynasty ruled the area. Their reign lasted until the 14th century when Kumbalonam became the capital of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. In 1524, Krishna Devaraya II, the monarch of Vijayanagar, paid a visit to the site and is claimed to have had a dip in the famous Mahamaham pond.
Madurai and Thanjavur Nayaks invaded Kumbakonam between 1535 and 1673.
The Cholas era is often known as the golden era of Kumbakonam. The town excelled in art, culture, and literature during that period.
Temples in Kumbakonam
Let us look at the temples in Kumbakonam.
Kasi Viswanathar Temple
Kasi Vishvanathar temple is located near the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam. Lord Kasi Viswanathar and his spouse Visalakshi or Parvati are the main deities.
Devotees believe Lord Ram and Lakshman worshipped the sthala lingam on their route to Lanka to obtain the Rudraksham that enabled them to destroy the demon king Ravana. It is this lingam that impresses you. The idol is said to have grown in size over time.
The most significant celebration here is the Masi Magam festival in February and March. The current masonry construction dates from the sixteenth century.
Adi Kumbeswara Swami Temple
The Adi Kumbeshwara Swami Temple includes some of the area’s greatest and oldest Shiva temples. Due to its typical, beautiful Chola style, people believe that the Cholas built it in the 7th century A.D. It is devoted to Lord Shiva and has a one-of-a-kind Shiva lingam inside.
Nageswaran Temple
Aditya Chola constructed the Nageswaran Temple in the 9th century. It represents marvellous architecture, construction technology, and astronomy.
The temple structure is such that sunlight touches the shrine only for three days during April and May. These days, devotees from all over the world converge to seek the deity’s blessings.
The snake king Nagaraja is worshipped in this temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva in the avatar of Nagaraja. The inner sanctum houses a massive lingam. Popular belief claims that the temple got its name after people discovered a serpent adoring the lingam.
The architecture of the Nageswaran temple is internationally renowned, with exquisite artistry on the pillars and outer walls.
Sarangapani Temple
The temple’s central shrine is shaped like a chariot carried by horses and elephants, with openings on either side depicting Sarangapani’s fall from heaven within the chariot.
Sri Sarangapani Swami, also referred to as Aara Amudhan, Abayaryaapthamiruthan, or Utthanasayi, is the presiding deity. Komalavalli Thayar is the lord’s consort.
The temple’s main important celebration is the Chariot Festival, which occurs in the Tamil month of Chittirai (March-April). The twin temple chariots, weighing 300 tonnes, seem to be the third-largest in Tamil Nadu.
The temple’s most prominent festivals include Brahmotsavam, the spring festival, and Navaratri.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu, in southern India, is rich in legends about monarchs and kingdoms who previously governed the region. Every successful reign of the Chera and Chola kingdoms left magnificent buildings and temples within the city, which still retain their splendour.
Kumbakonam is the temple town of Tamil Nadu, with numerous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The Mahamaham festival, which occurs every twelve years, is linked to Shiva temples. These temples are vibrant and festive, with many festivals throughout the year.
If you are planning a tranquil pilgrimage through the sacred cities of south India, we have listed the most famous temples in Kumbakonam for you to visit.
