Nageswaraswamy temple, TiruKudanthai Keezhkottam
Location: TiruKudanthai Keezhkottam (Kumbakonam)
Deity known as: Nageswaraswamy
Female Deity: BruhanNaayaki, Periya Nayaki
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 1
Gallery - Nageswaraswamy Temple
How to reach
This Shiva temple is located in the heart of Kumbakonam town. There are two more 'Paadal Petra' temples located in Kumbakonam - Tiru-Kudamooku and Tirukkudanthai Kaaronam.
Temple Address
Tirukkudanthai Keezhkottam
Kumbakonam
Thanjai district
PIN - 612001
Temple hours
Morning: 6:00 - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Temple Layout
Gopurams and Prakarams
This Shiva temple, located in the heart of Kumbakonam, is known as the Nageshwaran Temple. The temple features gopurams (towers) in three directions – east, west, and south – with the eastern gateway serving as the main entrance. The eastern entrance opens into the outer prakaram, which surrounds the temple.
Outer Prakaram
Upon entering through this gateway, to the left lies a well known as the "Singa Mukha Kinaru", accessible by a flight of steps leading down to its base, where two beautifully carved lion sculptures stand guard. Along this side of the prakaram is the Sannidhi of the Saptha Mathas (Seven Divine Mothers). On the right side stands the south-facing shrine of Goddess Brahannayaki, which can also be accessed directly through the southern entrance of the temple.
The Chariot-Shaped Nataraja Sabha
Upon entering the inner precinct of the temple through the second entrance, one can see a 16-pillared hall on the left and the Nataraja Sabha on the right. This Nataraja Sabha, known as the Perambalam, is uniquely designed in the shape of a chariot. The stone-carved wheels of the chariot are exquisitely crafted, showcasing remarkable artistic detail. Adding to its grandeur, the chariot appears to be drawn by stone sculptures of horses and elephants, making it a captivating sight to behold.
Sanctum and Deities
Main Deity - Sri Nageshwarar
The sanctum (garbhagriha) of the presiding deity faces east. The main deity, Sri Nageshwarar, is enshrined on a tall Avudayar with a comparatively short Bana. At the entrance of the sanctum stands Vinayaka, depicted holding a supporting stick. The sanctum walls feature beautifully sculpted Goshta Murthas – Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswarar shown standing before a Rishabha with His right hand resting on the bull's head, Brahma, and Goddess Durga.
Other Sannidhis
Other deities and sannidhis within the temple complex include Pralaya-Kala Rudrar, Valanchuzhi Vinayaka, Ayyanar, Saptha Mathas, Subramanya, Saptha Lingas, Vaitheeswarar, Suryan, Somaskandar, and Chandeswarar.
Dance Duel of Deities
Within the temple premises, there is a sannidhi for Maha Kali, and directly opposite to it stands the sannidhi for Agni Veerabhadra, depicted as though both deities are engaged in a dance duel. The Pralaya Kala Rudra is considered the most prominent deity of this temple.
Religious Significance
Worshippers of the Deity
Sun and Adishesha are believed to have worshipped the presiding deity of this temple. The temple is regarded as a sacred place of worship for those afflicted with Rahu Dosha. It is believed that offering prayers to the deity on Mondays and Thursdays helps mitigate the adverse effects of Rahu Dosha.
Celestial Worship
During the 11th, 12th, and 13th days of the Tamil month of Chittirai, the sun's rays fall directly on the presiding deity – a rare and divine spectacle that draws numerous devotees who gather to witness this celestial worship.
Sannidhi of Muruga
Tiruppugazh Temple
Poet Arunagirinathar has extolled Lord Muruga of this temple in his revered Tiruppugazh hymns. The sannidhi of Shanmukha is situated within the inner prakaram. Lord Muruga is depicted with one face and four divine hands, accompanied by His consorts Valli and Deivanai. A Pathigam composed by Tirunavukkarasar in praise of the presiding deity is found in the 6th Thirumurai.
Gallery - Nageswaraswamy Temple
