KumbakonamKumbakonam is called a temple town  Kumbakonam – The Temple TownIt is in Tanjore district, 40 Km away from Tanjore city. It is one of the oldest towns in Tamilnadu & is called as Temple Town. The city is famous for the Mahamaham festival, which is celebrated once in 12 years in the Mahamaham tank located in the heart of the town. The town is famous for brass vessels especially lamps, Silks, Panchaloga (5 metals) idols & Betel leaves. Betel leaves are cultivated more in Kumbakonam. Dozens of temples are scattered around the town and this is a good base to visit the Chola temples nearby. The famous Mathematician Ramanujam belongs to Kumbakonam. The town is bounded by two rivers, the river Cauvery on the North & the river Arasalar on the South. Places to visitAadhi Kumbeswarar TempleAdhi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivite temples and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. Shri Adhi Kumbeswarar (Shiva) is the presiding deity of Kumbakonam and Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika (Parvathi) is the lord's Consort. The temple complex is huge and has beautiful artwork.A unique feature here is the depiction of 27 stars and the 12 zodiac signs carved on a large block of stone in the Navarathri Mandapam. The famous festival of Hindus Mahamaham is associated with this temple.
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Nageswara TempleNageswaran Temple is dedicated to Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king. Also known as 'Koothandavar Kovil', it is located near the Kumbakonam old bus stand. The design and orientation are structured in such a way that it allows the sunrays inside the temple only during the Tamil month of Chithirai. This is the site of an annual festival that celebrates the worship of the Lingam by the Sun. Therefore it is also known as Soorya Kottam or Keel Kottam. This is the town’s oldest temple.
Sarangabani TempleSarangabani Temple -It is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam. The main deity of this temple is Lord Sarangabani swamy (Lord Vishnu) with Lordess Komalavalli Thayar (Lakshmi). The karuvarai (Inner sanctum) and Vimanam (roof) are made with 12 sculptured columns shaped like a chariot.This temple shrine is in the form of a chariot, which was the work of Cholas.
Rama Swamy TempleThe main deity of Ramaswamy temple is Lord Rama, his consort Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman. This temple consists of one Gopuram, one Maha Mandapam and Karuvarai (Inner Sanctum).The columns of Maha Mandapam are enriched with some of the famous stone carvings of Vamana Avatar, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Sukreeva Pattabhishekam and Ramayana.The wall paintings of outer Prahara (Corridor) explain the series of incidents from the great epic ‘Ramayana’.
Chakkarabani TempleThis temple is considered to be one of the most important Vishnu temples in South India along with Srirangam and Thirupathi.According to legend, Surya (The Sun) once competed with Vishnu to decide who is brighter.Vishnu appeared in the form of Chakra and put down the pride of Surya.The main deity of Chakkarabani temple is Sri Chakkarathalwar with Sri Vijayavalli and Sri Sudharsanavalli.Like Lord Shiva, Lord Chakkarabani has a third eye in his forehead.The eastern and the western entrances of this temple are known as ‘Thatchinaya Vayil’ and ‘Utharayana Vayil’ respectively.The outer prakkaram of this temple is made in the form of a balcony.
DharasuramDharasuram - It is 35kms from Tanjore and 5 kms from Kumbakonam. It is also a silk weaving centre.Airavatheeswarar Temple is a storehouse of art and architecture.\This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola II in the 12th century A D.This temple is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Monument.The Vimanam is 85 feet high. The front Mandapam is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. This temple has some exquisite stone carvings. The stone panels which are in the front of the temple, when struck produce tones of varying pitches.
SwamimalaiSwamimalai - It is situated about 7 kms west of Kumbakonam. It is one among the six abodes of Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga is named Swami Nathan because he taught the Pranava Mantra – “OM” to his father Lord Shiva in this abode. One has to climb 60 steps from the foothill to reach the temple and these 60 steps of the temple refer to the 60 years in the Tamil Calendar. Also, Swamimalai is famous for bronze casting in Tamilnadu.
Navagraha Temples
Mantra Veppathur - A traditional Eco friendly Resort near Kumbakonam called MANTRA Veppathur. This very unique concept of Eco friendly Resort is about 6 km from Kumbakonam, located at Veppathur, a very vibrant and fertile destination in Tanjore District, South India. www.mantraveppathur.com Hospitals in Kumbakonam: (0435)Anumathy Nursing Home - 2430902 Railways: Airways: Road:It is well connected with other cities in Tamilnadu.
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