Maha Magam Tank, Kumbakonam –
The Tank
The tank is located in the heart
of Kumbakonam town. It covers an area of 6.2 acres and is trapezoidal in shape.
The tank is surrounded by sixteen small Mandapams (shrines) and has 20
wells inside the tank. The names of the wells carry the name of Hindu
god Shiva or that of Rivers
of India. Govinda Dikshitar, the chieftain of Raghunatha
Nayak of Thanjavur, constructed the sixteen Mandapams and
stone steps around this tank.
Theerthams (Wells):
The Tank has 20 wells inside the tank. They are;
1.
Indra Theertham – provides Moksham
2.
Agni Theertham – rids Brahmmahathi Dosham
3.
Yama Theertham – rids fear of death
4.
Nrithi Theertham – rids from fear of evil spirits
5.
Varuna Theertham – provides long life
6.
Vaayu Theertham – rids diseases
7.
Gubera Theertham – provides prosperity
8.
Isaana Theertham – Moksham (to reach Lord Siva’s feet)
9.
Brahma Theertham – pacifies ancestors
10.
Gangai Theertham – provides place in Kailasa
11.
Yamuna Theertham – provides wealth
12.
Godavari Theertham – fulfills wishes
13.
Narmada Theertham – provides physical strength
14.
Saraswathi Theertham – provides Gnana (enlightenment)
15.
Cauvery Theertham – provides knowledge
16.
Kumari Theertham – blessings to pets
17.
Payodini Theertham – provides joy
18.
Sarayu Theertham – removes mental strain
19.
Arubathaaru (66) Kodi Theertham – removes grief &
provides happiness
20.
Deva Theertham / Naaga Theertham – rids of all sins
& provides Devendra’s post / rids of Kaala Sarpa dosham
It is believed that taking dip
or sprinkling water of the tank on the bodies cleanses all the sins.
Mandapas:
The Mahamaha Tank has four
streets along its four banks. It is constructed with steps on the sides for
people to easily access the tank and take dips. There are 16 Mandapas (Gopuram
Towers) around the corners and sides of the tank. These towers are considered
to be forms of lord Shiva.
3. Thaneswarar
6. Baneswarar
7. Birmeswarar
8. Dineswarar
9. Edabeswarar
10. Gangeswarar
12. Muktheswarar
13. Nairudheeswarar
14. Umabakeshwarar
15. Vyaseswarar
16. Koneswarar