Kumbakonam Temples

Adi Kumbeswarar temple      Adi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivite temples and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. This temple covers an area of 30181 sq.ft. with a length and breadth of 750 feet, and 252 feet respectively. This temple comprises of three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, renovated this oldest temple during 16th century. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128-ft. Mangala Theertham, Marriage hall and small temples for Muruga, Ganapathi and Mangalambigai are other major constituents of this temple. Sarangapani Temple  Sri Sarangapani temple is located near to Uchipilliar Kovil Junction at Sarangapani East Street. This temple is considered one among the three major shrines of Lord Vishnu and it was renovated during the period of Nayaka Kingdom of 16th century. Sarangapani temple consists of the biggest Gopuram (150ft), and five Praharas and one holy tank, known as "Porthamarai Kulam", which is located behind the temple. The Karuvarai and Vimanam are made with 12-sculptured columns shaped like a chariot. Someswara   temple Someswara temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple. This temple is facing the northern side with a small Gopuram at the eastern portion near the entrance. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of Chola period. Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex. Nageswaran  temple otherwise known as "Koothandavar Kovil", is located near the old bus stand area and Adithya Cholan of Chola dynasty constructed this temple during 12th century. This temple stands as a great marvel of Chola's architecture, building technology and astronomy. The design and orientation are structured in such a way that it allows the sun rays inside the temple only during the month of Chithirai, therefore, it bears another name called " Soorya Kottam " or "Keel Kottam ". The Karuvarai of Nageswaran temple has similarity with that of Sarangapani temple, as it is made in the form of a Chariot. The temple consists of two Gopurams in the eastern and western directions. Ramasamy Temple  Achutha Nayaka of Thanjavur constructed the Ramasamy temple during 16th century. This temple is located on the southeastern portion of "Porthamarai Kulam" and southern side of "Uchipilliar Kovil" junction. This temple consists of one Gopuram, one Maha Mandapam and Karuvarai. The columns of Maha Mandapam are enriched with intricate stone carving works of Rama-Katha. Vamana Avatharam, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Sukreeva Pattabisekam are some of the famous carving works of this temple. The outer Prahara consists of all 219 wall paintings, which explains the series of incidents from the great Epic "Ramayanam". Alwar Sannathi, Sreenivasa Sannathi, and Gopalan Sannathi are the other temples located within the temple complex. Chakkarapani Temple  Chakkarapani Temple is located in the northern portion of Big Bazaar Street near the river Cauvery and second biggest Vaishnavite temple in Kumbakonam town. The eastern and western entrances of the temple are known as "Thatchinaya Vayil" and "Utharayana Vayil" respectively and outer Prakara of this temple is made in the form of Balcony. Agampara Vinayakar, Panchamuga Aancheneyar and Vijayavalli are the important idols located in this temple complex. Kambatta Viswanathar Temple (Malathi Vanam) Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is located in the southern side of Adi Kumbeswarar temple. In the olden days this area is known as Malathi Vanam and it is believed that a famous saint called "Thoomakehu" found this temple. Mankayarkarasi and Sekkizhar are other major statues placed along with the main idols in this temple. Pana Pureeswarar Kovil  This temple is located in the northeastern portion of Kumbakonam Town surrounded by traditional houses of Panapuri Agraharam. This temple is facing the eastern side and comparatively smaller in size. It is believed that "Saint Vyasa" visited and worshipped this temple.