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Temples

FAMOUS TEMPLES

Though there are number of temples in KUMBAKONAM, here we are listing the famous temples in the temple town. A brief writeup is given below the table. Hyperlink to be provided.
Temple name God name Darshan timings significance
Kasi Viswanathar Temple Mahamaham festival
Adi kumbeswara swami Temple 6A.M – 12.30 P.M 4 P.M – 9.30 P.M 9th century temple
Nageswaran Temple 6A.M – 12.30 P.M 4 P.M – 9.30 P.M 9th century temple
Chakrapani Temple 6A.M – Noon 4 P.M – 8.00 P.M
Airavathesavara Temple 6A.M-7P.M 12th century temple under UNESCO
Sarangapani Temple Lord Vishnu 6,00 A.M -Noon 5 P.M – 9 P.M 16th century temple 3rd Divya Desam
Oppliappan Temple Oppilliappan 6.00a,m-2.00p.m 4p.m-9p.m 8th century 60th Divya Desam
Mahalingaswamy Temple Lord shiva 6A.M – Noon 4 P.M – 9.00 P.M Lingam is Swayambhu
Ramasamy Temple Lord Rama 6,00 A.M -Noon 5 P.M – 8.30 P.M 16th century Southern Ayodhya
Dhenupureeswarar Temple Lord shiva 6 AM – 1.30 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM Koti Theertham is equivalent to Rameshwaram Theertham
Kalyanasundareswarar Temple Lord Shiva Linga Lingam is Swayambhu
Brahma Temple Lord Perumal
Someswarar Temple Lord Shiva
Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan Sri Panduranga
1. Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Timings: 6 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 9 PM

Kasi Viswanathar temple is in the heart of the city and is very close to the famous Mahamaham Tank. As one of the top religious sites, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 72 foot high temple was established in the 16th century. The deity here is called Kasi Viswanathar and his wife as Visalakshi. There are other shrines as well. As per the Legend, Lord Rama and Lakshmana prayed here to Lord Shiva and got a blessing to slay Ravana. You will also find 9 rivers known as Nava Kannigas, who prayed to Lord Shiva at Varanasi to absolve them of sins washed away by bathers. The Lord asked them to take bath in Mahamaham tank and pray to Lord Adi Kumbeshwara.

Mahamaham is a famous festival conducted once in 12 years. People gather in large numbers to take a holy dip in the tank which is believed to wash away one’s sins and purify the soul. Another festival Masi Magam is the most important festival celebrated during the month of February-March.

2. Adi Kumbeswara Swami Temple

Timings: 6 AM – 12.30 noon and 4 PM – 9.30 PM

Built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Lingam here is broad at the bottom and narrow at the top in the shape of a needle. This Lingam is believed to have been made by Shiva himself. Lord’s consort Goddess Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika shrine is situated to the left of Kumbeswarar shrine.

The Kumbeswarar Temple is an architectural marvel which reflects the typical Dravidian style. It is one large temple with 9 stories and a height of 128 ft.

The unique feature of this temple is the 27-star sign and 12 zodiacs that are carved from a single large block of stone which speaks volumes about the engineering skills of the yesteryear masons. Other shrines of Ganapati, Muruga and Kiratamurti are also present in this temple.

3. Nageswaran Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 12.30 noon and 4.30 PM – 9 PM
Built by Aditya Chola in the 9th century, Nageswaran Temple is known for great architecture, building technology and astronomy. This beautiful Kumbakonam temple is built in such a way that it allows sunlight to fall on the idol only during the months of April or May for three days therefore popularly known as Surya Kottam Temple. Temple is crowded on these 3 days with devotees from all over the world to seek blessings of the deity.
This temple is one of the religious sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, the serpent king. It is believed that the temple got its name Nageswaran, as one serpent was found worshipping the lingam.
4. Chakrapani Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 8 PM
Devoted to Lord Vishnu, this temple is named as Chakrapani Lord Vishnu and appears in the form of a discus or Chakra.
According to legend, Lord Vishnu sent Sudarshana Chakra to Patal Lok to kill the demon Jalandasura and have come out through river Cauvery. God Brahma, who was taking bath in the river, got impressed and installed Sudarshana Chakra here. There is a bronze idol of King Sarboji II worshipping the Lord; who was cured of illness. It is believed who are mentally or physically weakened by illness or problems can be cured here. The Sun God worshipped Lord Vishnu here and therefore those facing problems due to planetary movements in their life or Shani, Rahu and Ketu Dosh are advised to pray to Lord Chakrapani. This is among one of the Vishnu temples which takes part in the Mahamaham festival.
5. Airavathesvara Temple
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
This temple is one of the religious sites that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II. The deity’s consort, Periya Nayaki Amman, has her temple situated near this temple. It is known as a storehouse of art and architecture with a vimana of 85 feet high and front mandapam of a huge chariot and some exquisite stone carvings.
As per legend, Airavata, the white elephant of Indra and King of Death, Yama, worshipped Lord Siva in this temple.
6. Sarangapani Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 12 noon and 5 PM – 9 PM
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it derives its name from the Sanskrit words Sarangam which mean ‘Bow of Vishnu’ and ‘Pani’ meaning hand. Being the tallest temple tower in Asia with 12 story Gopura of 150 feet, this is one of the top religious sites built by the Nayak Kings in the 16th century.
The central shrine of the temple is in the form of a chariot in heaven, drawn by horses and elephants. The deity is shown in a posture as if he is getting up from a reclining position. The temple boasts of 5 prakaras and a holy tank which is known as Porthamarai Kulam. It is considered that Goddess Lakshmi arrived here from the Potramarai tank with thousand lotuses.
The chariot festival held in the spring season is an important festival of this temple. Sarangapani Temple is the biggest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam and third of the 108 Divya Desams.
7. Oppiliappan Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
It is considered 60th among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the major religious sites in Kumbakonam. The temple is believed to be constructed by the Medieval Cholas in late 8th century AD. According to mythology, The Lord took the form of an old man and asked from Markandeya his daughter Bhoomidevi’s hand for marriage. Markandeya said that his daughter was too young and can’t cook food and does not even know how to use salt in cooking. To this, the Lord said that he would eat food even without salt and Lord Oppilliappan got married to Bhoomidevi here. Hence the temple name is Uppiliappan and salt is never added to the prasad cooked here.
Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Uppiliappan and his consort Lakshmi as Bhoomidevi. You can see the 8 feet tall idol of the Lord with Bhoomidevi on the right and Markandeya Maharishi on the left. The lord is also known as Lord Venkateshwara’s brother and so those devotees who are unable to visit Tirupati to fulfil their promises can go here.
Brahmotsavam is grandly celebrated in the temple during the months of September-October.
8. Mahalingaswamy Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 9 PM
The Shiva Lingam here is a swayambhu (self-manifested) and therefore a large number of devotees can be seen here all through the year. Shiva appeared in the form of a flame to please Agastya and other sages who were performing penance. Hence the deity is named as Jyothirmaya Mahalingam. The Ambal Shrine is one of the Sakthi Peetams and is on the right side of the main shrine. There are 5 tanks and 27 other water bodies that are associated with the temple, which is one of the most interesting religious sites.
9 Ramaswamy Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 12 noon and 5 PM – 8.30 PM
Known as the southern Ayodhya, This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, constructed during the 16th century CE. The temple has some of the famous stone carvings and 219 wall paintings, which explain the series of incidents from the great epic Ramayana. This is the only temple where we can see idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana along with Bharatha and Shatrughna and Hanuman.
Rama Navami is celebrated in a grand manner. This is also one of the five Vishnu temples that are connected with the Mahamaham festival.
10. Dhenupureeswarar Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 1.30 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
It is one of the biggest temples and most important religious sites dedicated to Shiva but the most famous deity in this temple is Goddess Durga, a guardian deity of this temple. The temple is famous for many mythological stories. According to legend, the divine cow Kamadhenu’s daughter Patti is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Sage Viswamitra got the title of Brahma Rishi at this place. Sri Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva here to absolve himself from sins.
It is said that God Shiva asked Nandi to move aside so that he can see Sambandar when he comes to this temple. This is why Nandi is not seen in a straight line facing the sanctum sanctorum.
The well called Koti Theertham was created by Lord Rama and is considered to be equivalent to Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram. This temple attracts devotees who have Rahu and Kethu dosh.
The annual ten-day festival held in December-January, Vaikasi festival, Navarathri and Muthu Pandal Festival are the important festivals celebrated at this temple.
11. Kalyanasundareswarar Temple
Timings: 7.30 AM – 12 PM and 5.30 PM – 8 PM
The Shiva Lingam here is a swayambhu lingam. The miracle is that the colour of the deity changes 5 times a day.
It is said that during Shiva-Parvathi wedding in Mount Kailash, the place caved due to the presence of all the gods. To balance the level of the earth, Lord Shiva sent Sage Agasthya to the South. He was disappointed as he could not witness the marriage. The sage installed a lingam behind the main lingam in the temple to worship Shiva, and pleased with his worship, the Lord with his wife, appeared in front of the sage and married again here at this holy place. The unique thing about this temple is you can see all three deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva here.
12. 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.
13. Someswarar Temple
Located at a distance of 6 kms away from the town of Kumbakonam, Someswarar Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as Pazhayarai Someswarar Temple or Keezh Pazhayarai Vadathali, the temple is believed to have been built during the Chola Period sometime between the 8th and the 9th century.
14. Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan
Constructed in Govindapuram on the Kumbakonam- Aduthurai highway, Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan is (formerly known as Sri Panduranga Bhajanashram) is a massive temple located on the highway amidst rural atmosphere. Established in 1998 by Brahmashri Vittaldas Jayakrishna Deekshithar, the shrine resonates with peace and tranquility.

Temples within 10 to 15 kms of our VIRUSKHAM HOME STAY

  • All the temples in the town KUMBAKONAM
  • Patteeswaram temple
  • Nathan koil (Divya Desam)
  • Oppiliappan koil(Divya Desam)
  • Nachiyar koil(Divya Desam)
  • Thiurnageswaram
  • Ayyavadi temple
  • Karuvelankurchi.
  • Alangudi
  • New Anjeneyar temple
  • Thiruvalamsuzhi
  • Swamimalai
  • Thirucherai
  • Thiruvidaimaruthur-biggest Shiv Linga temple
  • Thirubhuvanam-(popular for silk sarees) & Sarbeshwarar temple
  • Suryanar koil
  • Sri Jagannathan Temple, Nathankoil-Nandhipura Vinnagaram(Divya Desam)
  • Thiruvisanallur Sivayoginathar Temple&NnaduKoil
  • Thirukodikaval
  • Sri Vanjiyam temple for Lord Shiva &Lord Yeman
  • Thirumeeyachur Sri Lalithambigai Temple
  • Thirupampuram Raghu Kethu Temple
  • Kabisthalam Gajendra Varadha Temple Divya Desam

Divya Desam temples

A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the works of the Alvars (saints). ”Divya” means “divine” and “Desam” indicates “places of abode” (temple).
We list down the 11 Divya Desam temples in and around Kumbakonam.

Temple name Deity name Phone number significance
Sarangapani Temple Aravamudhan Sarangapani 9486310896/9487031681 3rd Divya Desam
Oppiliappan Temple Srinivasa Perumal 9486568159
Nachiyar Temple in Thiru Naraiyur Nachiyaar & Garuda 9443597388/9500716900
Thirucherai Saranatha Perumal Saranatha Perumal 0435-2468175
Nathan Koil Lord Vishnu 9843095904 Nandipura Vinnagaram
Pulla Boothangudi Lord Rama 94435 25365 Jataayu Moksham
Adhanur Ranganatha Perumal 7502931420/9659238848
Kapisthalam Lord Vishnu 04374223434 Lord Shiva’s dharshan to crocodile and elephant – Gajendra Moksham
Thiru Koodalur Jagath Rakshagan 76678 86775/ 96598 80628 / 04374 244279 River Cauvery regained her glory
Kandiyur Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal 9943944415/9865302750 Lord Shiva got salvation from Brahmma’s curse
Thanjai Maa Mani Temple Lord GARUDA 93441 47850
1. Sarangapani(Thiru Kudanthai) Temple
Aravamudhan Sarangapani temple has one of the tallest temple towers for a Divya Desam (150ft) after Srirangam, Thiru Kovilur and Srivilliputhur. Also, after Srirangam(11) and Tirupathi(10), this temple has the maximum number of Azhavaars (7 of them here) singing praise of the Lord. Another highlight of the temple is that it is the home to one of the biggest temple chariots in Tamil Nadu. It is at this temple that the Vaishnavite savant Natha Muni got the inspiration to compile the works of the famed 4000 verses of the Azhvaars, after listening to the Tamil hymn ‘Aravamudhe’ composed by Nammalwar.
One of the mandapams at the Sarangapani temple is believed to have been built in 7th Century AD by the famous Pallava King Mahendra Varma. This temple was later renovated by the famous Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya.
The main sanctum has been conceived like a chariot with wheels, drawn by horses and elephants and is truly a splendid sight to watch. A visit to this temple, it is believed, will help get rid of one’s past sins, just as a trip to Kasi in the North, would.
The Chitrai (April-May) Chariot procession of the Sarangapani temple is a special occasion at the temple .
2. Oppiliappan Temple
This temple is about 6 kms from Kumbakonam, off the Kaaraikal road, near Thirunageswaram. It is believed that the Lord Srinivasa of this temple has similar powers as that of the Lord at Tirupathi and hence those who are unable to go to Tirupathi visit this temple. The Lord here is considered as the brother of Tirupathi Lord Srinivasa. This is the only Divya Desam where prasadams do not contain salt and hence the name ‘Oppiliappan’ (Lord without Salt). Legend has it that any one bringing salt within this temple will go to hell. Some of the inscriptions at this temple date back to the period of Rajendra Chola, the great Chola king.
3.Nachiyar Temple in Thiru Naraiyur
Located about 10kms from Kumbakonam, the Nachiyar temple at Thiru Naraiyur is our next stop. This temple can be reached easily from Oppiliappan temple. Every year in the month of Margazhi, there is a procession where Lord Srinivasa is taken out on a stone Garuda mount. The mount is said to grow exponentially in weight as it is carried out of its sanctum. While 4 people are enough to carry Him out of his Sannadhi, the mount increases in weight as it comes out of every layer and by the time the Lord is out on to the last layer of the temple, it requires as many as 64 people to carry Him. This is an experience not to be missed at this temple.
This is a temple of special significance for Lord Garuda and he is said to be very powerful here. At this Divya Desam, Naachiyaar (Goddess) gets the place of primary importance, unlike most other Divya Desams, where the main deity is the Lord. Another feature is that the idols of all the 108 Divya Desams can be seen here.
4.Thirucherai Saranatha Perumal
The Saranathan temple in Thirucherrai is 5 kms away from Nachiyar Temple and is close to Kudaivasal town.
This is the only Divya Desam where the Lord provides darshan along with five Goddesses(Sridevi, Bhooma Devi, Neela Devi, Maha Lakshmi and SaraNayaki).
5. Nathan Koil Nandipura Vinnagaram
The Nathan temple in Nandhipura Vinnagaram is about 5kms from Kumbakonam near Korukkai/Pateeswaram. Legend has it that Nandi performed penance here to seek atonement for insulting the Dwarapalakas of Vishnu and hence the name Nandipura Vinnagaram. It is also believed that Pallava King Nandivarma built this place and also created the temple here. An interesting feature is that Vishnu, who originally faced the east, turned westward to look at the spectacle of King Sibi saving a bird. An image of Nandi can be seen on one of the walls.
6. Pulla Boothangkudi- Jataayu Moksham
From Kumbakonam, off Swami Malai, on the Kumbakonam -Thiruvaikaavur road, is Pulla Boothangkudi. This Divya Desam’s legendary tale dates back to the time of Ramayana. The Eagle King, Jatayu, an old friend of King Dasharatha (father of Rama) had fought a valiant battle trying to rescue Sita from Raavana, before the Lankan king cut off its wings. It is believed that parental curse will go away if one visits this place as Rama, who had not performed the last rites for his father, made up by performing his (Jataayu’s) obsequies, thus giving moksham to the Bird. In the Raamayana, this episode is referred to as the death of the 2nd father.
This is the only Divya Desam where Raama is in reclining posture and can be seen with all his ornaments and four hands. Interestingly, Goddess Sita is not seen with the Lord, as this temple relates to the time when Raama is separated from her. The priest believes that many devotees have got employment after visiting Yoga Narasimhar (a separate sannadhi within the temple), so much so that the devotees have named it the Udyoga Narasimhar. This temple is administered by Ahobila Mutt.
7.Adhanur Ranganatha Perumal
This temple is very close to Pulla Bhoothangkudi. Legend has it that Kamadhenu, the sacred cow (she grants all wishes), had undertaken penance here and hence you would find sculptures of Kamadhenu and her daughter Nandini here. It is believed that Lord Anjaneya stayed here for a few days on his way back from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya.
8.Kapisthalam – Gajendra Moksham
Located about 10kms from Kumbakonam on the Thiruvayaru road, this is the only Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu provides Darshan to two animals- Crocodile and Elephant. Legend has it that Vishnu, on his Garuda Vaahanam (a vehicle of the Lord), rescued Elephant (King) Gajendra from the clutches of the Crocodile(the Asura) on the banks of the river by hurling his Chakra at the Crocodile. This episode is known as Gajendra Moksham and is enacted every year during the month of Panguni (March-April). This is one of the ‘Pancha Krishna Kshetrams’ (5 Krishna Kshetrams).
9. Koodalur Jagath Rakshagan
5 kms west of Kapisthalam on the road to Thiruvayaru is Thiru Koodalur. It is believed that (River) Cauvery displayed her grief to Lord Jagathrakshagan here that all the impurities were being washed at the river and that she was feeling that the river here was becoming impure and unclean. With Lord’s grace, Cauvery regained all her glory at this place.
10. Kandiyur Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal
The next Divya Desam on this route is Kandiyur, about 3 kms from Tiruvaiyaru on the Thanjavur road. The deity here is called ‘Hara Saabha Vimosana Perumal’ as Lord Shiva got cleansed of Brahmma’s curse (Hara is another name of Shiva). This temple is a ‘Pancha Kamala Kshetram’(Lord Kamalanathan, Goddess Kamalavalli, Kamala Pushkarani, Kamala Vimaanam and Kamala Kshetram). The place is called Kandiyur in memory of Lord Shiva, also known as Kandeeswarar, who got salvation from the Brahmma’s curse.
11. Thanjai Maa Mani Temple
The final stop on this Divya Desam journey is at three temples within a km of each other on the banks of Vennar River on the outskirts (North) of Thanjavur. These three temples together make this (one) Divya Desam. Legend has it that Lord Garuda flew over here and still guards this place. Hence it is believed that there are no snake threats here. The temples date back to the period of the Nayaks of Madurai. The three temples are administered by the Thanjavur palace.

Special/Tourist places and temples

  • Dharasuram Temple-under UNESCO
  • Gangaikondacholapuram Temple-UNESCO
  • Tanjai Brihadeeswarar Temple-UNESCO
  • Thiruvaiyar-Thagaraja Aradhana
  • Thirubhuvanam- popular for silk sarees
  • Karavetti-Birds sanctuary near Thiruvaiyar
  • Tiruvidaimarudur Conservation Reserve - IUCN Category 5 protected bird nesting region
  • Sittannavasal cave-in Pudukottai dist
  • Thirukarukkauvr & Karuvelakurichi- for child
  • Swamynathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai
  • Thenupuriswarar Temple, Patteeswaram
  • Mahalingeswarar Temple ,Thiruvidaimaruthur-Biggest Shiva Linga temple
  • Thirumanancheri & Kalyanabureseeswara temple (to get married)
  • Athivaradhar temple at Sholampettai
  • Thittai-guru temple

Navagraham

Nine Grahas Temples (Navagraham temples) in Tamil Nadu are a set of nine Hindu temples, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities and are located in various places around Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu in India. The presiding deity in most of the temples is Shiva, with a shrine dedicated to the planetary deity. Darshan of these temples can be completed in 2 days.

Name of the Temple and Presiding DeityPlacePlanetDistanceTime
Suriyanar Kovil, Suriyanar

Suriyanar kovil,

Aduthurai

04352472349

Suriyan [Sun]19 km ( Sukran at Kanjanur is just 1 km from here) 

Kailasanathar Temple,

Soma

Thingalur

04362242499

Chandran [moon]38 km 
Vaitheeswaran Koil, Vaidyanathar

Vaitheeswaran kovil

04364279423

Sevvai [mars]55 km 
Swetharanyeswarar Temple

Thiruvenkadu

04364256424

Pudhan [mercury]63 km ( Kethu at Keezhaperumballam is very near) 
Apatsahayesvarar Temple

Alangudi

04374269407

Guru [Jupiter]12 km 
Agniswarar Temple

Kanjanur

04352472737

Sukran [Venus]20 km ( Suriyanar koil is just 1 Km from here) 

Saniswaran Temple,

Dharbaranyeswarar

Thirunallar, Karaikal

04368236530

Shani [Saturn]54 km 
Naganathan Temple, Naganathswami

Thirunageshwaram

04352463354

Raagu [Head node]7 km 
Nagannathaswamy Temple,Keezhaperumpallam 04364275222Kethu [tail node]63 km ( Pudhan at Thiruvenkadu is very near ) 

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