Kumbakonam Temples — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Kumbakonam is notable for its number of ancient temples and due to this this is called Temple City.

Kumbakonam is one of the ancient temple towns and among the top tourist places in India, flanked by the two rivers Cauvery and Arasalar, in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The name Kumbakonam means the Pot’s Corner. According to mythology, when the world was destructed due to the tsunami, Lord Brahma asked Lord Shiva, from where he can restart creation. He suggested him to make a magic pot with the sand collected from various sacred places and float it in the flood water. Kumbakonam is the place where the pot stopped and then Lord Shiva shot an arrow, which led to the spilling of some nectar on this place, and thus life was revived on the earth.

Once ruled by kings, Kumbakonam rose to be a prominent city between the 7th and 9th centuries AD. The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the British Raj and was named as Cambridge of South for the being the prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture.

The grandeur of Tamil Nadu can be seen in the marvellous architectures and temples here. Many of the religious sites in Kumbakonam are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. There are around 188 sites in Kumbakonam. The town is well known for its prestigious educational institutions, carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass and metal wares. And the temples here are widely known for their exquisite pillars, imaginative drawings on walls, and mythological stories.

Top 14 Temples to visit In Kumbakonam are as follow:

Kasi Viswanathar Temple Adi Kumbeswara Swami Temple Nageswaran Temple Chakrapani Temple Airavathesvara Temple Sarangapani Temple Uppiliappan Temple Mahalingaswamy Temple Ramaswamy Temple Dhenupureeswarar Temple Suryanarayana Temple Kanjanur Sri Naganathaswamy...

Kumbakonam, located in Tamil Nadu, India, is a renowned temple town often referred to as the "Temple City" due to its high concentration of historically and architecturally significant temples. Here's a general review of Kumbakonam's temples:

Highlights of Kumbakonam Temples Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Deity: Lord Shiva Review: This is one of the most prominent and ancient temples in Kumbakonam. It's known for its massive gopuram (tower), intricate carvings, and sacred tank. Devotees and tourists praise its spiritual energy and historical importance. Sarangapani Temple Deity: Lord Vishnu Review: One of the Divya Desams (108 sacred Vishnu temples), Sarangapani Temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture. Pilgrims love the towering rajagopuram and the richly decorated sanctum. Ramaswamy Temple Deity: Lord Rama Review: Known for its beautifully painted Ramayana panels along the walls, this temple is admired by both spiritual seekers and art lovers. Kasi Viswanathar Temple Deity: Lord Shiva Review: Often considered the Southern version of the Kashi temple, it's a calm and less crowded spot ideal for peaceful worship. Mahamaham Tank Review: While not a temple, this tank is central to the Mahamaham festival (held once every 12 years). It's a spiritual hub and holds massive significance for ritual bathing. General Experience Spirituality: The town offers a deeply spiritual atmosphere and is especially popular among Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Architecture: The temples are exemplary of Chola and Nayak architecture, with rich carvings and vibrant gopurams. Cleanliness: Some temples are well-maintained, while others may need more upkeep. It varies from one to another. Crowd: It can get crowded during festivals like Mahamaham, Margazhi, or...

Kumbakonam was the capital of Cholas before Tanjore.They say that it has 184 big temples totally.To visit temples in & around Kumbakonam start from Mahamaham tank,you can cover Sarangapani temple(Divya desam),Kasi Viswanathar,Kumbeswarar,Someswarar,Nageswarar & all.Then classify the temples as that from Kumbakonam to Tanjore route where you can visit Dharasuram heritage temple,Patteeswaram etc.Then Kumbakonam-Thiruvarur route,Kumbakonam-Mayavaram route,like wise,some temples around 5 to 7 km like Uppiliappan,Naganathasmy ,Navagraha temples from Chennai bye pass near Kumbakonam from where you can go to Tanjore,where you can visit Dharasuram Iravatheeswarar temple,Thiruvalanjuzhi Vinayagar ( Swetharanyeeswarar temple),Swami malai one of the Arupadaiveedu) & in the opposite side Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalingasamy temple,in the Thiruvidaimaruthur route on either side you can visit Navagraha temples like Suriyanar look etc.To visit temples in & around you must have a knowledge of the topography of Kumbakonam,road map etc.Most of the roads are narrow with road bumps.Kumbakonam -Nannilam roads are bad.From Thiruvarur you can go to Nagapattinam,Nagur & Velankanni.Generally out of Kumbakonam you have no good lodges & hotels.Small hotels &messes are hygienic & tasty.People are very helpful everywhere.They will help you with a sense of pride but they are not accurate in the distance & condition of the roads.Confirm with the priests if you visit temples in remote villages.They have no...