A Hindu temple devoted to Shiva, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam is situated in the Tamil Nadu town of Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur District. Shiva is revered as Adi Kumbeswarar, and the lingam is his symbol. He is shown as Mangalambigai Amman with his consort Parvati. Written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and categorized as Paadal Petra Sthalam, the Tevaram, the finest work of the 7th-century-CE Tamil Saiva canon, honors the ruling deity.
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- History/Legend of the Temple According to the folklore surrounding Kumbeswarar Temple, the town of Kumbakonam got its name. It is said that Brahma created the pot (kumbha), which held the seed of all life on Earth. It is thought that Shiva's arrow caused a pralaya, or dissolution of the world, which dislocated the kumbha, which finally rested where the town of Kumbakonam now exists. It is thought that the Mahamaham tank and the Potramarai tank are the two locations where the nectar fell. Now, every twelve years, the Mahamaham festival honors this occasion. Kudamukku, a Tamil name, was another name for Kumbakonam. The Sangam-era hamlet of Kudavayil is also associated with Kumbakonam.
- Name of the Deities Kumbeswarar (lord Shiva in form of Lingam) & Mangalambikai.
- Nearby Cities and Distance Thanjavur (45.2 km). Trichy (96.9 km). Karaikal (58.3 km)
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Train 1Hrs 5 Min (Thanjavur to Kumbakonam), Car 45 mins (Thanjavur to Kumbakonam), Bus 1Hrs 35 Min (Thanjavur to Kumbakonam), Bike 50 Mins (Thanjavur to Kumbakonam).
- Duration (from the nearest city) Thanjavur 48 min
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Train Rs. 120 to 150. Car Rs. 800 to 1500. Bus Rs. 50 to 100.
- Temple Instructions Wearing clothes that covers your legs and upper arms is advised. After passing the Mandap, Bali Peeta, and Kodi Maram (flag post), devotees enter the temple through the Rajagopuram and adore Lord Kumbeswarar before making their way to the mother's shrine.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Every twelve years, during the Tamil month of Masi (February–March), thousands of pilgrims travel to Kumbakonam to bathe in the holy Mahamaham tank in the center of the town. This event is known as the Mahamaham festival. This temple lavishly celebrates Sabthasthanam, Brahmotsavam, Thirukalyanam, Thirumanjanam, Aadi Pooram, Panguni Festival, and Butter Pot Festival. Amavasai (new moon day), Kiruthigai, Pournami (full moon day), Sathurthi, and Somavaram (Monday) and Sukravaram (Friday)
- Rituals Available Not Available.
- Offerings On Sundays throughout the month of Aavani (August to September), devotees offer red flowers to Mangalambika, perform Abishegam and Archanas, and offer Vastra's to the Lord and Mangalambika.
- Prasadham Naivethanam is given to devotees.
- Benefits of Visiting distinction in the classroom, In order to advance in your career, trade, and prosperity, look for wedding and child blessings.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Nayanmars and Appar | Tevaram - Appar has glorified the temple in nine poems referring the place as Kudamuku and the deity as "Kumbesar". The mention is found in the 59th poem in the Third Tirumurai by Sambandar and 22nd poem in the Fifth Tirumurai by Appar | 7th century, 26th Shivan temple
- Other things to do / places of interest Srinivasa Ramanujan Monument (3 min - 750.0 m) Bhagavatha Padithurai Ghat (5 min (1.3 km) Mahamaham tank (1.5Km).
- Nearby Temples Patteeswaram Temple. Swamimalai Murugan Temple. Uppiliappan Temple. Airavatesvara Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Sri Mangalambika Vilas Coffee Hotel (Since 1914). Sevvel Amita Restaurant. Moshika Bhavan. Hotel Shanmuga. Habibi Restaurant.
- Hotels / Home stays: Hotel Eswara Temple Stay. Hotel Metro. Iyyangar Guesthouse. Thirumalai Home Stay - Friendly Living. RAMANA'S HOME STAY
- Standard Weather With the exception of the monsoon seasons, the tropical environment has reasonably hot temperatures all year round. The winter months of December through March are temperate and dry, with beautiful mornings and serene sunsets. This is an excellent time of year to travel to Kumbakonam for pilgrimages and sightseeing.
- For the best experience / Must know The temple features a nine-story rajagopuram (gateway tower) that is 125 feet high, making it the biggest Shiva temple in Kumbakonam. It occupies four acres in the town center. The temple features a triple set of gopurams and three concentric compounds that are extended along an east-west axis.
- Not to miss All twelve zodiac signs and all 27 stars are carved into a single stone in this sixteen-pillared hall that was constructed during the Vijayanagara period.
- Note for Travelers The distance between this temple and the Kumbakonam bus stop is 9 minutes (2 km). You can travel by auto if there are any elders. Auto Facilities is open 24 hours a day. Families, bikers, and groups can find a gas bunk within 6km.
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FAQ's
Where is the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple located?
It is situated in the heart of Kumbakonam, a town in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu, which is about 300 km south of Chennai.
What is the best time to visit the temple?
The temple can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time would be during the Panguni Uthiram festival (around March-April) and Maha Shivaratri (usually in February-March) when the temple sees elaborate celebrations and large crowds of devotees.
What are the temple's opening hours?
The temple is generally open from: Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM However, timings may vary on special days or festivals.
How do I reach the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple?
The temple is easily accessible by road and can be reached from major cities like Chennai, Tanjore, and Madurai. Kumbakonam has its own railway station, and buses also connect the town to various parts of Tamil Nadu.
Is there accommodation available near the temple?
Yes, Kumbakonam has several hotels, guesthouses, and lodges that cater to pilgrims and tourists. Many are located within close proximity to the temple.
Are there any dress codes or guidelines to follow while visiting the temple?
Yes, visitors are advised to dress modestly. Traditional Indian attire like sarees for women and dhoti or pants for men is generally preferred, especially while entering the sanctum sanctorum.
