Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
Also known as: ஆதி கும்பேஸ்வரர் கோயில் (கும்பகோணம்) · కుంభకోణం ఆది కుంభేశ్వర ఆలయం · कुंभकोणम आदि कुंभेश्वर मंदिर
Tamil Nadu Shiva
The main Shiva temple of Kumbakonam, linked to the legend of the sacred pot that gave the town its name and to the Mahamaham festival.
- Deity
- Adi Kumbeswarar (Shiva), Mangalambigai (Parvati)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Mahamaham tank and Potramarai tank
- Era
- Present masonry structure from the Chola period (9th century), expanded by the Vijayanagara and Thanjavur Nayak rulers in the 16th century.
Sthala Puranam
The town's name comes from kumbha, a sacred pot said to belong to Brahma and to hold the seeds of all living beings.
At the time of the great dissolution (pralaya), Shiva's arrow displaced the pot. It came to rest where Kumbakonam stands.
The nectar of immortality is said to have fallen in two places here: the Mahamaham tank and the Potramarai tank. The Mahamaham festival, held every twelve years, remembers this.
Speciality
- A Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised by the 7th-century saint Appar in the Tevaram.
- Mahamaham, held once in twelve years in the month of Masi (February–March), brings lakhs of pilgrims to bathe in the Mahamaham tank.
- The Potramarai tank lies between this temple and the Sarangapani temple.
- Masi Magam is the main yearly festival.
Festivals
- Masi Magam (February–March), every year
- Mahamaham (every 12 years)
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Kumbakonam has many temples close together. Hire an auto for the day and plan the order.
Prayers for this temple
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.