Arulmigu Chakrapani Swami Temple — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Chakrapani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Vishnu located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is located 2 km, away towards North West from the Kumbakonam Railway Station. Vishnu appears in the form of a discus or Chakra to put down the pride of Surya (the Sun), who subsequently became his devotee.[1] Like Shiva, Lord Chakrapani has a third eye on His forehead. The temple is one of the most prominent temples in Kumbakonam.

According to legend, the Chakrapani Swamy temple in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu was built by the sun after Chakrapani came out of a chakra and gave Dharsan to the sun. The sun then built the temple and asked Chakrapani to name the city of Kumbakonam after him, which he granted. Kumbakonam is now known as Bhaskara Kshethra because of the Chakrapani temple.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the three Vishnu temples that visitors to Kumbakonam are likely to visit. The temple depicts Chakrapani in the form of a discus or Chakra, with eight arms and a third eye on his forehead. Brahma, Surya, and Agni are depicted worshipping the Lord. Some say the temple is very old and peaceful, with architectural features from the Chola and Mahratta regimes. Others say it's a powerful and historic temple with lots of divine vibes.

As per Hindu legend, Chakra (also called Sudarshana), the discus, is the most powerful weapon of god Vishnu. He once sent his weapon to the nether world to kill king Jalandasura. The weapon is believed to have come out of the nether world through river Kaveri. God Brahma, who was taking a bath in the river, got impressed and installed the image of Sudarshana in the place where the temple is now located. Surya, the Sun god, who was glowing in brilliance, had his brightness diminished by the effulgent Sudarshana. Surya worshipped Sudarshana and pleased by his devotion, Sudarshana restored all the powers of Surya. Vishnu attained the name Chakrapani from then on. Surya wanted the town to be named after him and pleased by his devotion, Chakrapani named the city as Bhaskara Kshetra.[3] It is believed that Surya worshiped Chakrathaazhwar during Masi Magam and every year Masi Magam festival is celebrated during the day, commemorating the event. The temple car is drawn around the streets of the temple during the day.

In 1620, when Govinda Dikshitar, divan-administrator for the Nayaks, constructed the Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam, he added a commercial corridor between the new temple and the older Chakrapani temple.

The temple has granite walls enclosing all the shrines and pierced by a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The temple is noted for its exquisite pillars. The presiding deity, Chakrapani is sported with eight arms, each having a weapon and is housed in the central shrine in an elevated structure. Chakrapani is sported with a third eye on his forehead. The Eastern and Western entrances of this temple are known as "Thatchinaya Vayil" and "Utharavana Vayil" respectively and the outer Prakara of this temple is made in the form of a balcony. There is a bronze image of king Serfoji II worshipping the lord as he is said to have been cured of an illness by the grace...

Chakrapani Temple is one of the most prominent Vaishnavite temples in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Chakrapani, the wielder of the Sudarshana Chakra (divine discus).

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🛕 Key Highlights • Deity: Lord Vishnu as Chakrapani (சக்கரபாணி பெருமாள்) • Location: Banks of the Cauvery River, in the town of Kumbakonam • Temple Style: Dravidian architecture with a massive and artistically designed gopuram (tower)

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📜 Mythological Significance

🌠 The Legend: • According to Vaishnava mythology, the Sudarshana Chakra (discus) of Lord Vishnu once came to Earth to destroy a demon named Jalandhara. • After defeating the demon, the chakra arrived at this spot in Kumbakonam. • The chakra, personified, took a divine form and settled here as Chakrapani (literally, “one who holds the chakra”). • It is said that Surya (Sun God) worshipped Lord Chakrapani here to regain his lost radiance. Pleased with his devotion, the Lord appeared before Surya and blessed him. • Hence, Surya is shown here with folded hands, facing Chakrapani.

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🌅 Special Features • Unique Posture: Lord Chakrapani appears in a powerful posture with eight arms, holding different weapons, especially the Sudarshana Chakra. • His face looks ferocious (Ugra) – a rare depiction of Vishnu. • Chakra Theertham (temple tank) is considered highly sacred.

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📅 Festivals • Brahmotsavam in the month of Chittirai (April–May) is the most famous. • Other festivals: Vaikunta Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanthi, and Rathotsavam (Car Festival).

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🧭 Quick Facts

Feature Details Main Deity Chakrapani (Lord Vishnu) Location Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu Architecture Dravidian style with colorful gopuram Timing 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM Managed by TN HR&CE Department

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🌍 Nearby Temples • Sarangapani Temple – another famous Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam • Adi Kumbeswarar Temple – Shiva temple connected to the Mahamaham legend • Nageswarar Temple, Ramaswamy...

Divya Desam 12 Chakrapani Tiru Kudandai Kumbakonam Bhaskara Kshetram

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and appears in the form of a discus or Chakra. The images of Chakrapani with eight arms and Sudarshanavalli Thayar with a gracious visage are inspiring. Like Shiva, Lord Chakrapani has a third eye on his forehead. Brahma, Surya and Agni are depicted as worshipping the Lord.

According to legend, Sudarshana Chakra, the discus, is the most powerful weapon of god Vishnu. He once sent his weapon to Patala Loka to kill the demon Jalandasura. The weapon is believed to have come out of the Patala Loka through river Cauvery. God Brahma, who was taking bath in the river, got impressed and installed the image of Sudarshana here. The temple is noted for its exquisite pillars. There is a bronze image of king Serfoji II worshipping the lord as he is said to have been cured an illness by the grace of this God.

Chakrapani Temple attracts devotees who are mentally or physically weakened by illness or problems. The special fire ritual called Sudarshana Homam, Thirumanjanam and Sahasranamarchana are some special pujas held in this temple. Sun God surrendered to Lord at this holy place. Hence, those facing problems due to planetary movements in their life, undergoing the seven and half year Saturn period and the rule of planets Rahu and Ketu are advised to pray to Lord Chakra Raja.

The 10 day Brahmotsavam in Chitirai (April - May), Chariot Festival, Pavitrotsavam, the Float festival or Theppotsavam in Vaikasi are the important religious events celebrated at...