Adi Kumbeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple is one of the oldest Lord Shiva’s temples located in the town of Kumbakonam in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a famous temple where thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every year to serve their deity.

History of the Temple

Kumbeswarar temple exists since 7th century when Chola kings ruled the town. There is a legend behind the establishment of this temple. Lord Brahma collected the seeds of all living beings in the form of nectar in the Kumbha (Pot) to create life again on the Earth after the dissolution of the universe due to Pralaya. Due to the flood that pot floated and came to the rest at the place where Kumbakonam exists now. Lord Shiva broke that pot with his arrow and whole nectar spilled all over the place. That place became Mahamahan Tank, and the town got its name as Kumbakonam in the name of Lord Kumbeswarar (Shiva). Since then there is a temple close to Mahamahan Tank which is named as Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. Lord Shiva as Adi Kumbeswarar is the presiding deity of the temple in the form Lingam. This Lingam is in conical shape which was made by Lord Shiva himself with the mixture of nectar of immortals (Amritham) and sand. Along with Lord Shiva, the other presiding deities in the temple are Goddess Mangalanbigai, Gods of Navagraha (Nine Planets), sixty three Nayanmars and many more gods and goddesses. Devotees from across the globe come to this temple all round the year, but the real grace of the temple and Mahamahan tank can be seen during the Mahamahan festival which is celebrated in every 12 years. This temple covers 30181 sq ft area and it has 9 storeyed gateway towers (Rajagopurams). This temple has five silver plated chariots which are used to carry the temple deities during all the festival occasions.

Contact Details

Sri Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Kumbeswarar Street, Near Mahamahan Tank, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu
Contact No. 0435- 2420276
Opening Timings: 6.00 A.M to 12.30 P.M and 4.00 P.M to 9.30 P.M

Best Time to Visit the Temple

Although there is no specific time to visit the temple as pilgrims visit the town all round the year. But still the best time to visit the temple is between October and April. because of pleasant weather. The Mahamahan festival is celebrated in the month of February or March in every twelve years. You can visit the temple at that time but it comes once in 12 years. The next Mahamahan festival will be celebrated in the year 2016 when you can enjoy the real beauty of the temple and town..