Ekambareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Ekambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Ekambareswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi Amman. Though, the temple is dedicated to Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman, it is better known for the Rahu Kala Kali Shrine. Hence most of the local people call this temple as Rahu Kala Kali Temple. The tradition of Rahukala Puja began from this temple only. The temple is one of 12 Shiva temples connected with the Mahamaham festival, which takes place in Kumbakonam every 12 years. The Temple is situated in Nageswaran South Street to the north of Mahamagam Tank.
Legends
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History
This temple is believed to have been constructed by Vishwakarma community as their Kula Deivam is Kamakshi. This temple is being managed by them. The last consecration of the temple was held on 22 October 2015.
The Temple
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Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Daily Raahu Kala Pujas, Sumangali Aradhana on Pooram star day in the Tamil month Purattasi (Sep-Oct), to ensure a long Mangal Sutra prosperity for women, Tiruvilakku Puja on the last Friday of Aadi month (Jul-Aug) are the pujas and celebrations in the temple. Mother Kamakshi visits the Mahamaham tank during Mahamaha festival.
Religious Significance
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Prayers
Another unique thing about this temple is the Rahu Kala Pooja performed every day. Perhaps this must have been one of the first temples to start the Rahu Kala Pooja. For this Pooja, devotees first worship Raja Ganapathi and then participate in the Pooja to Kalika Parameswari (Rahu Kala Kali). Devotees believe that when prayers are offered to her during Rahukalam, all their problems would be solved. In the Pooram star of the Tamil month Puratasi ( Sep-Oct), Sumangali Pooja is conducted in a grand scale. Girls who want to get married, pray to her and it is believed that it mostly ends in success. Virgins awaiting marriage, pray to Kannika Parameswari seeking a good groom. Visiting this temple is equivalent of visiting Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple.
Connectivity
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