Situated between Rivers Kaveri and Arasalar, This ancient town of Kumbakonam is home to about 188 temples which are located in and around it. Kumbakonam literally means the place of pot (Kumbam). The picturesque temple town is known for its age old temples including famous Kumbeswarar and Sarangapani temples.
Kumbakonam is one of the oldest and holiest places in South India, held sacred by devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu alike. Adi Kumbeshwara Temple is considered to be the oldest shrine of Lord Shiva in the town and believed to be constructed by the Cholas in the 7th century. The twelve storey high Sarangapani temple is the largest shrine of Lord Vishnu present in Kumbakonam was constructed by Nayak kings in the 15th century.
At the centre of Kumbeshwara Temple, the Mahamaham tank is situated where pilgrims from all over the country bathe during the Mahamaham Festival. The Mahamagham festival takes place once in 12 years. It is believed that a visit to this temple town will wash off all sins committed in the life. Apart from temples Kumbakonam is famous for aesthetically carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass and metal wares, electrical goods such as lamps and prestigious educational institutions.
MYTHOLOGY : It is believed that a huge pralaya (flood) occurred to destruct the whole universe. Lord Brahma collected all tools and Vedha’s Amrutham, which are required to recreate the Universe, in a pot and preserved it on the top of Mount Meru. In the flood, the pot washed away and stopped at a holy place. Lord Shiva had broken this pot at that place and the Amrutham from the pot was filled in two tanks. The parts of the pot and the Amrutham merged together to form the idol of Kumbeswar, a form of Lord Shiva. The place at which Kumbeswar got placed is Kumbakonam.
STATE : TAMIL NADU
LOCATION : Kumbakonam a town and a special grade municipality are located 40 km from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
LANGUAGE : Tamil, Hindi and English.
WHEN TO VISIT : October to March is perfectly ideal for religious visits and all kinds of tourist activities.
CLOTHING : Cotton in summer and light woolen in winter.
Historic
Pilgrimage
Temple
Ancient Place
Kumbakonam is connected by good motorable roads to all major places. There are excellent bus services provided by State Road Transport Corporation, connecting Kumbakonam to other nearby cities.
Kumbakonam railhead is well connected by trains from all major cities and town of India via Chennai. Taxis and buses are easily available from Taxis and buses are easily available from railway station.
The nearest airport Tiruchirapalli International Airport is 107 km away from Kumbakonam. You can board a taxi or a cab or a bus to reach Kumbhakonam from Tiruchirapalli.
Best Season / Best Time to Visit KUMBAKONAM-Temple City of South India
January
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