Adi Kumbeswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated in the center of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This temple is considered to be the 26th Paadal Petra Sthalam in the Chola kingdom that spread south of the River Cauvery.
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, also referred to as Thirukudamooku, is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while the temple was renovated by Govinda Dikshitar, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur in the 16th century AD. The temple is preserved and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Section of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
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History Of Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Regarding to mythology, when the world was facing destruction due to the devastating tsunami, Lord Brahma approached Lord Shiva to know from where he had to restart creation. Lord Shiva suggested that Brahma make a magic pot with the sand collected from various sacred areas and floats it in the flood water and also taught the procedure of leaving it on the drinking water. Kumbakonam is the place where the pot stopped and then Lord Shiva shot an arrow on the pot. The nectar spilled out and thus lifestyle was revived on the earth. A few drops of the nectar fell into a normal cavity in this spot and it became the Mahamaham tank.
The Kumbeswarar Temple is an architectural marvel which reflects the typical Dravidian architecture and it covers an area of about 4 acres. This temple consist three Prakaras and three Gopurams. The East Gopuram comprises of 9 stories with a height of 128 ft. There are small Gopurams in the north and west and the Mottai (domed-bald) Gopuram in the south.
Adi Kumbeswarar may be the presiding deity of the temple and the shrine is positioned in the guts. The Linga is broad at the bottom and narrow at the top in the shape of a needle. Kumbeswarar Lingam believed to have been made by Shiva himself when he blended nectar of immortality and sand. Goddess Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika is certainly his consort and her shrine is normally situated to the left of Kumbeswarar shrine. The unique feature of this temple is the 27 star sign and 12 sun shines that are sculptured in a huge block of stone. Lord Ganapati, Lord Muruga and Kiratamurti are the various other shrines present at this temple. The Mahamaham container, Potramarai Tirtha, Varuna Tirtha, Kasyapa Tirtha, Chakra Tirtha, Matanga Tirtha and Bhagavad Tirtha will be the seven outlying water bodies associated with the temple.
Among the various festivals Mahamaham that is celebrated once in twelve years is of very great importance. Sabthasthanam, Brahmotsavam, Thirukalyanam, Thirumanjanam, Aadi Pooram, Panguni Festival, Butter Pot Festival are grandly celebrated in this temple.
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Timings
Morning: 6 AM – 12.30 PM
Evening : 4 PM – 9.30 PM
How To Reach Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Kumbakonam Bus Station is the nearest Bus Station. It is well connected by buses from Major Cities of Tamilnadu.
Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam. It is well connected from major cities of India.
Tiruchirapally is the nearest airport. It is 95 KM away from Kumbakonam.
