Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam
Also known as: சாரங்கபாணி கோயில் (கும்பகோணம்) · కుంభకోణం సారంగపాణి ఆలయం · कुंभकोणम सारंगपाणि मंदिर
Tamil Nadu Vishnu
A Divya Desam with an eleven-tier gateway and a sanctum built in the shape of a chariot.
- Deity
- Sarangapani (Aravamudhan, Vishnu), Komalavalli Thayar (Lakshmi)
- Tradition
- Vishnu
- Place
- Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Potramarai tank
- Era
- Late Chola inscriptions (10th–12th century); expanded by the Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers.
Sthala Puranam
The sage Bhrigu, angry at being ignored by Vishnu, kicked him on the chest and then asked for forgiveness. Lakshmi left Vaikuntha, hurt at Vishnu's calm.
The sage Hemarishi did penance and was granted Lakshmi as his daughter. She appeared as Komalavalli from a lotus in the Potramarai tank.
Vishnu came down as Aravamudhan in a chariot and stayed at the nearby Someswaran temple to win Lakshmi's consent. They were married here.
Speciality
- The central shrine is shaped like a chariot drawn by horses and elephants.
- The main gateway (rajagopuram) has eleven tiers and is about 53 m (173 ft) tall.
- The Potramarai tank lies opposite the western entrance.
- One of the 108 Divya Desams, sung about by the Alvars.
Festivals
- Chariot festival in Chithirai (March–April), the most prominent
- Brahmotsavam
- Vasantotsavam
- Ratha Saptami
- Masi Magam
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.
- Combine with Adi Kumbeswarar and Nageswaran temples in one morning.
Prayers for this temple
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