Tamil Nadu · South
KumbakonamKumbakōṇam
Temple town on the Kaveri that hosts the Mahamaham festival every 12 years
- Principal temple
- Adi Kumbeswarar TempleAdi Kumbeswarar (Shiva), with consort Mangalambigai
- Nearest airport
- Tiruchirappalli International Airport, ~91 km
- Nearest railway station
- Kumbakonam railway station (in the city)
- Tradition
- Śaiva · Vaiṣṇava
Overview
Kumbakonam is a city in Thanjavur district lying between the Kaveri river to the north and the Arasalar river to the south, and is known as a temple town for its dense concentration of Hindu shrines. It hosts the Mahamaham festival every 12 years at the Mahamaham tank, in which deities of twelve Shiva and five Vishnu temples of the town take part.
See sources [1–4]- Adi Kumbeswarar (Shiva), with consort Mangalambigai
- Sarangapani (a form of Vishnu), with consort Komalavalli Thayar
Main temples
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Adi Kumbeswarar (Shiva), with consort Mangalambigai
A Paadal Petra Sthalam praised in the Tevaram and one of the twelve Shiva temples connected with the Mahamaham festival.
Sarangapani Temple
Sarangapani (a form of Vishnu), with consort Komalavalli Thayar
One of the 108 Divya Desams revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, and one of the five Vishnu temples linked to Mahamaham.
Key festivals
- Feb – Mar
Masimaham
Annually in Masi (February–March)
- Mar – Apr
Sarangapani Temple chariot festival
Chittirai (March–April)
Mahamaham
Once every 12 years in Masi (February–March), when the full moon is in Magha nakshatra and Jupiter transits Leo; last held 22 February 2016, next due 2028
Festival dates follow the Hindu calendar and move from year to year — confirm them with the temple before you travel.
Plan your visit
When to visit
Festival days draw the largest crowds. Check the festival calendar above and the temple's own timings before you travel.
How to reach
- By air
- Tiruchirappalli International Airport, ~91 km
- By rail
- Kumbakonam railway station (in the city)
Related
Yātrās through Kumbakonam
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Sources
- Kumbakonam - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Mahamaham - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Adi Kumbeswarar Temple - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Sarangapani Temple - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
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