Kumbeswarar temple, TiruKudamookku
Location
Tiru-Kudamooku (Kumbakonam)
Deity
Kumbeswarar
Female Deity
Mangalanayaki
Pathikam
Tirunavukarasar - 1, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Kumbeswarar Temple
How to reach
This Shiva temple is situated in the town of Kumbakonam. There are two more 'Paadal Petra' temples located in Kumbakonam - Tirukkudanthai Kizhkottam and Tirukkudanthai Kaaronam. Additionally, the Sarangapani Temple, the renowned Divya Desam, is also situated in Kumbakonam.
Temple Address
Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam Post
Thanjavur District
PIN – 612001
Temple Hours
Morning : 6:00 - 1:00 PM
Evening : 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Circuit Route Maps – Kumbakonam Region
To explore the route maps of all the Padal Petra temples around Kumbakonam, visit: Kumbakonam Circuit - Maps
Sthala Purana
Great Deluge
When the time came for the world to be destroyed by a great deluge, Lord Brahma gathered all his creative energy, mixed it with divine nectar, and placed it in a sacred pot (kumbham), which he kept safely atop the Himalayas. As the floodwaters rose and covered even the highest peaks, the kumbham floated upon the waters and eventually came to rest in the southern region after the deluge subsided.
Kudamooku - Kumbakonam
It is believed that this sacred pot came to rest at the very place now known as Kumbakonam—a name derived from the words "Kumbham" (pot) and "Konam" (corner or angle). When God Shiva, in the form of Kirathamurthi, struck the pot with His arrow, the divine nectar within spilled and spread across the land, sanctifying the region and giving rise to many holy tanks (theerthams) and temples. Hence, Kumbakonam is revered as the birthplace of creation after the deluge and is considered one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu.
Temple Layout
Gopuram and Prakaram
The Adi Kumbeswarar Temple has three towers (gopurams) and three prakarams (enclosures). The eastern tower serves as the main entrance, and the majestic Rajagopuram rises to a height of about 128 feet, adding grandeur to the temple's appearance.
Speciality of the Deity
The presiding deity, Kumbeswarar, is believed to be in the form of a sacred pot (kudam) made of clay. Therefore, the abhishekam is performed only after adorning the idol with a golden armor. On full moon days (Pournami), the deity is anointed with Punugu (புணுகு) — a traditional aromatic substance used in South Indian temples for its divine fragrance and purity.
Notable Sannidhis
Near the flagstaff stands the sannidhi of Lakshmi Narayana Perumal. The idol of Muruga here is unique — though He has six divine faces, He is depicted with only six hands instead of twelve, a form seen exclusively in this temple. The Chitra Nritta Mandapam (Hall of Dance) within the temple is another marvel, renowned for its exquisite sculptures and intricate artistic carvings that reflect the mastery of ancient craftsmanship.
Other Sannidhis and Deities
The temple houses numerous sannidhis dedicated to various deities. These include sanctums for the Navagrahas (nine planetary gods), Vallabha Vinayaka, the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints), Utsava Moorthis (festival deities), Veerabhadra, the Sapta Kanya (seven divine maidens), Ashta Lingams (eight forms of Shiva Lingam), Somaskandar, Valanchuzhi Vinayaka, Mahalingeswarar, Pitchadana Murthi, Shanmugar, Kartikeya, and several other manifestations of the Shiva Lingam. Goddesses Annapurani, Mahalakshmi, and Saraswathi also adorn the temple complex. Shiva is uniquely worshipped here in His Kiratha form — as the divine hunter who struck the pot of nectar with His arrow, causing it to spill. The temple also enshrines Bhairavar and Jvarahareswarar, the deity believed to cure ailments and fevers, along with His three sacred footprints, symbolizing His divine presence.
Sannidhis of Muruga
Tirupugazh Temple
Saint Arunagirinathar has glorified the Muruga of this temple in his sacred Tiruppugazh hymns. The sannidhi of Muruga, worshipped here as Karthikeya, is located behind the sanctum of Kumbeswarar. The deity is enshrined in a majestic form with six faces and six hands, seated gracefully on His peacock mount, accompanied by His consorts Valli and Deivanai. This unique iconography of Muruga with six faces and six hands is found only at the Kumbakonam temple among all the Muruga shrines in Tamil Nadu.
Dandapani Swami
In the outer prakaram of the temple stands the sannidhi of Dandapani Swami. The deity is revered for His radiant appearance and powerful divine presence.
Mahamaham Tank and Festival
Once in Twelve Years
Among the many festivals celebrated in Kumbakonam, the Mahamaham Festival, held once every twelve years, is the most renowned. This grand occasion takes place when the planet Jupiter (Guru) transits the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Rasi), and the Sun (Surya) enters Aquarius (Kumbha Rasi), coinciding with the full moon day (Pournami) under the Magha star in the Tamil month of Masi. This rare and auspicious celestial alignment marks the sacred festival known as Mahamaham.
The Bath
On the day of Mahamaham, thousands of devotees from across the country gather in Kumbakonam to take a holy dip in the Mahamaham Tank. According to the Puranas, it is believed that "those born in Kashi are freed from their sins in Kumbakonam, and those born in Kumbakonam are absolved of their sins by bathing in the Mahamaham Tank." The sacred tank, revered as the heart of this festival, spans an area of about 20 acres.
Confluence of Sacred Rivers
Legends state that on the day of Mahamaham, celestial beings from the fourteen worlds descend to bathe in this sacred tank. It is also believed that the holy rivers — Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, Kaveri, Godavari, Sarayu, and Porunai — come in the form of maidens (kanyas) to purify themselves by bathing here, thereby further sanctifying the waters of the Mahamaham Tank.