Herandanathar Temple, Kottaiyur, Thanjavur

Herandanathar Temple, Kottaiyur, Thanjavur

Herandanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kottaiyur, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam, in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Herandanathar / Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is situated on the northern banks of Cauvery river.

Legends

As per legend, Sage Heranda performed penance and attained salvation here. Hence, the Lord came to be called as Herandanathar and the place came to be called as Herandapuram.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing towards sanctum. The Temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Herandanathar / Sundareswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The vimana over the sanctum follows dravida style and is of three tiers. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapam. Jeeva Samadhi of Sage Heranda is situated next to the temple.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/herandanathar-temple-kottaiyur-connectivity.html

Location

Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt is a Hindu monastic religious institution located in Kumbakonam Town in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. The Mutt follows Nayak style architecture. This Mutt is a branch of Kanchipuram Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt. Kumbakonam Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt is also referred to as Kumbakonam Madam. The Madam is situated on the southern banks of Cauvery River. The mutt is situated on the Madam street near the old bridge on the Cauvery River.

History

The Kanchi Mutt was shifted to Kumbakonam from Kanchipuram during the Carnatic wars. Kanchipuram was under repeated invasions during this turbulent period. The Kanchi Mutt was shifted first to Thanjavur for safety reasons and later to Kumbakonam. The 68^th Acharya of Kanchi Mutt spent a considerable amount of time in learning the Vedas and initiated his first Digvijaya from here. 

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi V: 

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi V was the 62^nd Peedathipathi of Kanchi Mutt. He was the Peedathipathi of Kanchi Mutt during Carnatic wars. For safety reasons, he decided to migrate south. Acharya shifted to Thanjavur on the insistence of Pratapa Simha, Rajah of Tanjore (1740-63). Later, he found Kumbakonam was more suitable for Kanchi Mutt. Finally, the Mutt was shifted to Kumbakonam. He attained Mukti at Kumbakonam on Shukla Prathama in the month of Pushya of the cyclic year Subhakrt (1783 AD)

Sri Mahadevendra Saraswathi V: 

Sri Mahadevendra Saraswathi V was the 63^rd Peedathipathi of Kanchi Mutt. His original name was Anna Srauti and was a native of Kumbakonam. He attained Mukti at Kumbakonam on Sukla Dwadasi in the month of Ashada of the cyclic year Srimukha (1813 AD). 

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi VI:

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi VI was the 64^th Peedathipathi of Kanchi Mutt. He original name was Venkatasubramanya Dikshitar. He belonged to the family of Govinda Dikshithar, minister of Thanjavur Nayaks. He renovated Kamakshi Temple at Kanchipuram and performed consecration ceremony on 22^nd January 1840 AD. He presented the ear ornaments to Akhilandeshwari in Thiruvanaikaval in 1848 AD. He attained Mukti at Kumbakonam on Sukla Prathama in the month of Karthika of the cyclic year Sadarana (1851 AD). 

The Mutt

The Mutt follows Nayak style architecture. The Kumbakonam mutt houses a Veda Patashala and Adhistanams of 62^nd, 63^rd and 64^th Acharyas of Kanchi Mutt.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/kanchi-kamakoti-mutt-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location

Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Rajagopala Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. This temple is believed to be around 200 years old. The Temple is situated on the banks of Arasalaru River.

The Temple

This is a small temple situated on the northern banks of Arasalaru River. The Sanctum houses Sri Rama along with Mother Sita. Lakshmana can be seen on the left side of Sri Rama. He wears crescent moon and Kondrai flower on his matted hair. Utsava Idol is Rajagopala Swamy flanked by Rukmani and Sathyabama. The Temple is named after its Utsava Idol. There is a Shrine for Anjaneya in the temple premises. Anjaneya sports a bell at his tail end, lotus flower in his hand and matted hair. There are shrines of Nihamantha Maha Desikan, Andal and Vinayaka can be seen in the temple premises.

Contact

Rajagopala Swamy Temple,

24, Thoppu Street, Kumbakonam,

Thanjavur District – 612 001

Phone: +91 435 242 1446

Mobile: +91 92446 40117

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/08/rajagopala-swamy-temple-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location

Thirumazhisai Azhwar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Thirumazhisai Azhwar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Thirumazhisai Azhwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Thirumazhisai Azhwar located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. This Temple is considered as Jeeva Samadhi of Thirumazhisai Azhwar. The Temple is situated in Sathara Street in Kumbakonam Town. There is a popular misconception that this temple is Jeeva Samadhi of Shiva Vakkiya Siddhar.

History

Thirumazhisai Alvar is a Tamil saint revered in the Srivaishnavism school of south India, in Thondai Naadu. Devotees believe that he was the incarnation of Vishnu's disc, Sudarshana. He is believed to have been born at Jagannatha Perumal temple, Thirumazhisai by divine grace. He was the one among the renowned 12 Azhwars of Vaishnavism. There are 216 of his Pasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabandham.

His first Prabandham named Thiruchchanda Viruththam contains 120 hymns and starts from 752 Paasuram and ends at 871 Paasuram. The second Prabandham of Thirumazhisai Alvar is titled Naanmugan Thiruvanthaathi and it contains 96 verses. The work of Naanmugan Thiruvanthaathi starts from 2382 Paasuram and ends at 2477 Paasuram. He has sung in praise of 20 temples.

The Temple

This is a small Temple housing Thirumazhisai Azhwar in the sanctum. There are shrines of Varam Tharum Perumal, Padmasani Thayar and Bhakthisara Varadan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/08/thirumazhisai-azhwar-temple-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location

Karumbayiram Konda Vinayagar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Karumbayiram Konda Vinayagar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Karumbayiram Konda Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Lord Karumbayiram Konda Vinayagar is considered as the eldest Vinayagar of Kumbakonam Town. This Temple is situated close to Kumbeswarar Temple.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/07/karumbayiram-konda-vinayagar-temple-kumbakonam-legends.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 05.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 03.00 p.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Festivals

Besides Sankatahara Chaturthi each month, Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September is grandly celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

Devotees place all their prayers at the feet of Lord Karumbayiram Pillayar. Devotees offer sugar cane and garlands made of grass and break coconuts in the temple.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/07/karumbayiram-konda-vinayagar-temple-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location

Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Viswanatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Viswanatha Swamy and Mother is called as Visalakshi. The Temple is situated on the southern banks of Cauvery River near Bhagavatha Padithurai.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. Presiding Deity is called as Viswanatha Swamy and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Visalakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai and Surya Narayana in the temple premises. The Temple complex houses Jeeva Samadhis of two advaita sanyasis Palakkad Swamigal and Anna Swamigal. Several Naga Idols can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Guru Pooja of Palakkad Swamigal & Anna Swamigal and monthly Pradoshams are celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/07/viswanatha-swamy-temple-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is situated near Kumbakonam Court at the junction of three roads.

The Temple

The Temple is east facing with three tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar. He is housed in the east facing sanctum in the form of small Linga. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Navagrahas, Bhairava, Sani, Suryan, Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/meenakshi-sundareswarar-temple-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location

Dasavathara Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Dasavathara Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Dasavathara Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. The Temple is also called as Sara Narayana Perumal Temple. The Temple is considered as Parihara sthalam for Navagraha Doshas. The Temple is situated close to Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. The Temple is situated in Big Bazaar Street in Kumbakonam Town.

History

The Temple is believed to be around 1500 years old. The Temple was extensively renovated by Nayak Kings. The last consecration of the temple was held on 29 January 2016.

The Temple

This is an east facing temple with 5 tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity, Saranarayana Perumal graces the devotees along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi with the conch and the Chakra. Dasavathara Idols can be seen inside the sanctum behind the presiding deity. There is a shrine for Rajagopala Swamy to the left of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Vikhanasa, founder of Vaikhanasa agama, in the temple premises. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Shanku Chakra Chathur Bhuja Yogasana Siddhi Peeda Anjaneya and Azhwars in the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 am to 12.00 noon and 04.00 pm to 07.00 pm.

Literary Mention

It is believed that Nammazhvar and Thirumangai Azhwar performed the Mangalasasanam for this temple along with Sarangapani.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/dasavathara-perumal-temple-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location

Sundareswarar Temple, Chatram Karuppur, Thanjavur

Sundareswarar Temple, Chatram Karuppur, Thanjavur

Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chatram Karuppur near Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is situated on the banks of Cauvery River. The Temple is situated on Kallanai to Poompuhar Road. The Temple is situated close to Kumbakonam Government Arts College.

History

The Temple is believed to be around 1000 years old. The Temple belongs to Thiruppanandal Kasi Madam.

The Temple

This is a small east facing Temple, but the main entrance is from southern side. Bali Peedam and Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. Bala Ganapathy and Bala Dhandayudhapani can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is facing east.

Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava (in the form of big Linga), Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.  Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Navagrahas and Bhairava in the northeast corner of the Temple premises. There is well in the Temple premises.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/sundareswarar-temple-chatram-karuppur-connectivity.html

Location

Maha Magam Tank, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Maha Magam Tank, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Mahamaham Tank is a huge temple tank located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. It is considered to be the foremost and one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu. It covers an area of 6.2 acres and is trapezoidal in shape. The tank is surrounded by 16 small Mandapams (shrines) and has 20 wells inside the tank. Maha Maham Festival is an annual event that occurs in the Tamil month of Masi (February–March) in the star of Magam. Once in twelve years, when the planet Guru (Jupiter) enters the sign Simha (Leo), the Kumbh mela festival of South India is celebrated at Mahamaham tank. It draws close to 2 million visitors.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/maha-magam-tank-kumbakonam-legends.html

History

The antiquity of the Mahamaham is deduced from the architectural and epigraphical patterns. In the northern bank mandapa, there is an inscription of Tulapurshadana, a practice of weighing oneself against gold. The ceremony is observed during various times like equinoxes, commencement of an era (Yuga) and its ending, eclipses and Makara Sankranti. The ceremony is usually performed in sacred places like temples, rivers and tanks. The amount of gold thus weighed is distributed among deserving men. Govinda Dikshitar, the chieftain of Raghunatha Nayak of Thanjavur, constructed the sixteen Mandapams and stone steps around this tank. The visit of Krishandevaraya during 1445 to attend the Maha Magam festival is recorded in an inscription in the gopuram of Nagalapuram and is also recorded in the inscription found in the Shiva temple in Kuthalam.

The Tank

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/maha-magam-tank-kumbakonam-tank.html

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/maha-magam-tank-kumbakonam-festivals.html

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/maha-magam-tank-kumbakonam-religious-significance.html

Literary Mention

Bhavishya Purana mentions the importance of Mahamaham and the importance of the festival as a narrative of Shiva to all celestial deities as under:

“Let all of you this very day go to Kumbakonam, a spot dear to me and to Vishnu and bathe there is the nectar full tank created by the directions of the Parabrahman. Do bathe in the presence of Kumbesvara in Vrishabha lagna on this Mahamagam day, the full-moon day combined with Mahga star with Jupiter in the sign of Leo. Thereby you will get rid of all your accumulated sins and regain power to wipe off the sins of others”

Sekkizhar, saint author of Periyapuranam notes the holy rivers as;

“பூமருவும் கங்கை முதல் புனிதமாம் பெருந்தீர்த்தம்
மாமகந்தான் ஆடுவதற்கு வந்து வழி படுங்கோவில்”

meaning a dip in the holy tank on the Mahamaham day is equivalent to dip in all holy rivers and leads to worldly prosperity. 

Appar, the 7th-century saint poet mentions the subtle presence of holy rivers like the Ganges in the Mahamaham tank in Thiruthandakam.

“தாவிமுதற் காவிரிநல் யமுனை கங்கை
சரஸ்வதிபொற் றாமரைபுட் கரணி தெண்ணீர்க்
கோவியோடு குமரிவரு தீர்த்தஞ் சூழ்ந்த
குடந்தைக்கீழ் கோட்டத்தெங் கூத்தனாரே"

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/06/maha-magam-tank-kumbakonam-connectivity.html

Location