- Special Features
Foundation YearThe Chola times of the 7th century and has been widely expanded by Nayaks during the 15-17th centurySthala TreeVanniTheerthamMahamagam, Pottramarai TankRathamArchitectureType - Tamil architecture Creator - CholasOther Speciality
- Sthala PuranAccording to purana, a pot (kumbam) containing nectar and the seed of creation, was decorated by Lord Brahma with the sacred thread with coconut and mango leaves on the top and was kept on the peak of Mount Meru. At the time of deluge, the sacred pot was carried by the currents and reached Kumbakonam where it got tilted. Now Lord Shiva disguising as a hunter and aimed an arrow at the pot and all materials inside the pot fell at different places, where we find today shrines dedicated to Siva. The nectar settled at two places one of which became the famous Mahamaham Tank. Out of the pieces of the broken pot Lord Siva made out a Sivalingam and entered into it. This now enshrined in the temple, and hence the name Adi Kumbeswarar, meaning one who entered the Kumba or vessel long long ago
The great Mahamaham festival, attracting lakhs of people from far and wide, is celebrated in honour of Lord and it takes place once in 12 years. It is celebrated on the conjunction of the moon with the Maha nakshatra and Jupiter crosses one Rasi or sign in about one year. It comes to Simha Rasi or Leo every 13th year and it is considered specially sacred. It is believed that on this auspicious day the tank receives supplies of water from the Ganges and eight other holy rivers and all the deities are said to remain present here on that occasion.
Lord has a number of festivals round the year. Every year in the month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) a festival is conducted and the image of Lord Kumbeswara is taken out in a procession. It is celebrated for 10 days during that period.
- ArchitectureRajaGopuram
Tower Name - RajaGopuram
Constructor Name - Govindha Deekshithar
No.of Kalasam - 9
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Century - 15th Century
Tower Description - RajaGopuram was built in 1550 Ad by saint shri Govindha Deekshithar
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and PrayersOfferings to DeityStotras and Mantras
- FestivalsTheerthavari FestivalFebruary - MarchSabsthasthanam Festival in ChithiraiApril - MayTirukalyanam ( Weddin ) Festival in VaikasiMay - JuneTirumanjanam in AaniJune - JulyAadi perukku - Aadi pooramJuly - AugustButter Pot Festival in MasiFebruary - March
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
- Tags