Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
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Mohan2013
Chennai (Madras), India1,840 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
One of the oldest temples in Kumbakonam. Presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Adhi kumbheswarar along with his consort Godess Mangalambigai in the shrine in the same precincts.
A beautiful Elephant welcomes the devotees at the entrance after a long corridor with shops (dealing in traditional utensils) lined up on both sides.
A beautiful Elephant welcomes the devotees at the entrance after a long corridor with shops (dealing in traditional utensils) lined up on both sides.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunil Kunnoth
Kozhikode, India333 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
If you ask me why I love Kumbakonam, I have several reasons to list out. Sure, it is best known as a pilgrim centre in South India. But more than that why I vote for Kumbakonam is its charm of antiquity, architectural excellence of the ancient age, spectacular greenery around, sleepy village life and of course its unique filter coffee. It is interesting and worth a visit.
You can read more on my travel blog at the following link: http://sunilkunnoth2012.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Reach-Kumbakonam-the-Ancient-Temple-Town-in-Tamil-Nadu
You can read more on my travel blog at the following link: http://sunilkunnoth2012.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Reach-Kumbakonam-the-Ancient-Temple-Town-in-Tamil-Nadu
Written February 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
easyyatra
Bengaluru, India115 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
Shiva is worshiped as Adi Kumbeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalambigai Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
The temple complex covers an area of 30,181 sq ft (2,803.9 m2) and houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 128 feet (39 m) The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kumbeswarar and Mangalambigai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the sixteen-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period that has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone.
The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar, with the Masi Magam festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Maasi (February - March) being the most prominent.
The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of theThanjavur Nayaks of the 16th century. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Departmentof the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The temple complex covers an area of 30,181 sq ft (2,803.9 m2) and houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 128 feet (39 m) The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kumbeswarar and Mangalambigai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the sixteen-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period that has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone.
The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar, with the Masi Magam festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Maasi (February - March) being the most prominent.
The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of theThanjavur Nayaks of the 16th century. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Departmentof the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Written March 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bhaskara2015
bangalore15 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
The Adikumbeswarar Temple is located in the heart of the Temple Town "Kumbakonam" and those getting down at the Kumbakonam railway station or Kumbakonam bus stand needn't hire an auto or taxi as it is very expensive . All buses going towards Tanjavur, Trichy or Swamimalai stop very near the temple and the fare is just an umnimaginable Rs5/-No doubt,the temple is unique in its architectural design and wonderful sculpture.There is no fee to enter the temple and if you happen to be there on non rush hours or days, you can spend a lot of time studying the enchanting carvings and admiring their deathless beauty.The legend of Lord Shiva himself installing the Shivalngam made from the nectar of gods is inscribed on the temple walls. All the carvings are intact but for a couple of them disfigured by miscreants.Youneed a minimum of 2 hours to see the temple to your heart's content.
Written February 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
loki_knows
Bengaluru, India4,921 contributions
Dec 2011
Kumbeswarar temple is a famous Hindu temple with presiding deity of Kumbakonam and the Lord’s consort Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika. The famous Hindu festival of Kumbeshwar temple is the main Hindu temple is the presiding deity of Kumbakonam and the lord's consort Mangalambika, This temple was built more than 1300 years old with an area of 30181 Sq ft, a length and breadth of 750 feet and 252 feet respectively.
It contains a lingam said to have been made by Shiva himself when he mixed the nectar of immortality with sand. A Unique feature here is the depiction of 27 stars and the 12 Zodiac signs carved on a large block of stone in the Navarathri Mandapa. It also has a collection of silver Vahanas(Vehicles) which are used during festivals to carry the temple deities.
Go round the temple and see the vastness of the temple and also the pillars.
This temple comprises of three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128 ft.
It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, revoted this oldest temple during 16th Century. Mangalatheertham and Mangalambigai are other major constituents of this temple.
It contains a lingam said to have been made by Shiva himself when he mixed the nectar of immortality with sand. A Unique feature here is the depiction of 27 stars and the 12 Zodiac signs carved on a large block of stone in the Navarathri Mandapa. It also has a collection of silver Vahanas(Vehicles) which are used during festivals to carry the temple deities.
Go round the temple and see the vastness of the temple and also the pillars.
This temple comprises of three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128 ft.
It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, revoted this oldest temple during 16th Century. Mangalatheertham and Mangalambigai are other major constituents of this temple.
Written March 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shanks123
Singapore, Singapore571 contributions
Jan 2012
The whole temple town of Kumbakonam gets its name from this tample and its main deity Lord kumbeshwarar . The deity is slightly bent towards its top making it Kumba-Pot and konam - bent the name of the town .
The temple is a beauty in its own apart from the spritual bliss present here .
The architecture has been mainly chola in nature as this was considered as their bastion . There are some nayak additions too which I could identify during the visit , there may be more than that which could be noted by a more detailed eye than mine .
The main attraction being in the navagraha mandapam , in a single stone all the 27 natchtrams and 12 rashis have been carved out .
One more trivial fact about the temple is that there is no abhishekam with watery substances to the main deity as it is not made of granite , so it will disolve the deity .
A must visit for all temple lovers .
The temple is a beauty in its own apart from the spritual bliss present here .
The architecture has been mainly chola in nature as this was considered as their bastion . There are some nayak additions too which I could identify during the visit , there may be more than that which could be noted by a more detailed eye than mine .
The main attraction being in the navagraha mandapam , in a single stone all the 27 natchtrams and 12 rashis have been carved out .
One more trivial fact about the temple is that there is no abhishekam with watery substances to the main deity as it is not made of granite , so it will disolve the deity .
A must visit for all temple lovers .
Written January 16, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krishna1970
Hyderabad, India274 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
Adi Kumbeshwara temple in situated on Thanjavur main road of Kumbakonam town. It is just 2 kms away from bus stand spread n 4 acres. The main deity is Kumbeswarar is in shiva linga form and his consort is Mangalambhika devi one of the 51 Shakti peetas. The linga is in the shape of Kumba as the shiva linga is slightly bend on the top, hence the name of the city derived as Kumbakonam. The Mahamaham once in every 12 th year kumbhamela is associated with this temple in Kumbakonam. The Rajagopuram is very tall at an height of 128 feet consisting of 9 floors. Adi kumbeshwara temple is one of the historical monument with rich and beautiful structures.
Written October 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kingoftheslums
Sopot, Poland188 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We entered the temple complex through a corridor, a kind of market full of interesting items, running under the main gopuram. We were greeted by a temple elephant and witnessed a religious rite involving fire. A recommended experience
Written February 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cancer_Moon
India218 contributions
Dec 2011
Dating back to the ancient times the temple is never missed during any visit to Kumbakonam. It is located about 3 km from the Kumbakonam railway station and 2 km from the Kumbakonam main bus station. We can reach the temple by different modes of transport such as car, bus, rickshaws and autorickshaws. Located in the heart of Kumbakonam, the temple stands majestically with its eastern gopuram (Raja Gopuram) that has nine terraces and rising to about 128’. There are other entrances from the other three corners (Kailasa Gopuram, Katta Gopuram and Mulavar Gopuram). The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva as Adi Kumbeswarar. The story says that the sacred pot having the nectar of life and seeds of all species during the deluge floated and rested at Kumbakonam. Lord Shiva disguised as a hunter Sri Parameswara split the sacred pot with an arrow and released the nectar of life. He then created a lingam from himself with the nectar and sand. This lingam is worshipped here. Therefore, no offering of water or in liquid form is done on the lingam. The Lord’s consort Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika is located parallel to the left of the Lord’s sanctum sanctorum. There are also temples for Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Mangalambikai. The Navarathri mandap has 27 stars and 12 rasis (constellations) carved in a single block. The navagraha temple has earthen lights all round lighted by devotees. There are many festivals at the temple that attracts many devotees. Chariots of silver with the presiding deity are drawn by devotees. The tickets for the puja can be collected from the temple office. There are three circumambulatory paths in this temple. The temple timings are 0500 to 1200 h and from 1630 h to 2000 h. There are a lot of shops selling vessels of all types leading to the main temple from the Rajagopuram on the eastern side. There is a temple elephant that blesses all who go to him. The temple is huge. There are touts around who promise a lot. Ignore them and go to the temple office.
Written January 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kate d
Hampshire86 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Fascinating place and very impressive (see other reviews) BUT this is the first place I've witnessed an elephant in Tamil Nadu and what a sad sight to see. Clearly damaged by the life it has lead, rocking constantly from side to side and seems so desperately sad... not chained, but made to stand in position all day (every day?) by the unfriendly mahoot, with no one stopping to look apart from western tourists, what a tragedy and serving no real purpose. Elephants are herd animals and no animal naturally stands still all day. The "breaking" of elephants is the harshest of violations and their long life must be without any joy,
Written January 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abhik Bhattacharya
Kochi (Cochin), India714 contributions
is it possible to visit all major temple in Kumbakonam in 2 full days?
muthu1956
Hyderabad, India26 contributions
.I am from Kumbakonam. But, residing in Chandigarh.Two months back, I was there. It is better you stick to the main temples in Kumbakonam and a few in Tirunageswaram and Panasam. Two days are more than enough. Some of the temples in interior are not well managed and it is money and money everywhere.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
- Hotels near Adi Kumbeswarar Temple:
- (0.22 mi) Sri Balaji Grand
- (0.28 mi) Sri Venkkatramanaa's Residency
- (0.28 mi) Olive Residency
- (0.32 mi) Hotel Athityaa
- (0.29 mi) Vekaay's Residency Hotel
- Restaurants near Adi Kumbeswarar Temple:
- (0.12 mi) Sri Mangalambika Vilas Coffee Hotel (Since 1914)
- (0.08 mi) Mangalambiga Coffee and Tiffin Center
- (0.16 mi) Sevvel Amita Restaurant
- (0.34 mi) Kumbakonam Murari Sweets
- (0.37 mi) Hotel Shanmuga
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