Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
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4.5
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Mohan2013
Chennai (Madras), India1,892 contributions
July 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 17 July 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.
Shonil_B
Pune, India367 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
One of the finest temples of Kumbakonam. the temple welcomed me with a dancing elephant at the entrance.
The Story of Temple - The story of Kumbakonam is about the origin of life in the present yuga that we live in. According to History (not mythology), at the end of every yuga, there is a huge flood, that leads to the destruction of all living beings in the earth. Bramha put together the seeds of all living organisms and also the Vedas and Puranas, in a pot which came to be called the Amrita Kalas (pot of nectar). Kumbham is the Sanskrit and Kudam the Tamil, for a pot of this type.
This pot was decorated with various items like flowers, vilvam, auspicious cloth, chandanam (sandal paste), and sacred thread, a coconut was kept on top of it. The whole thing was tied together, similar to the kalasams we see today at domestic functions and in temples. The pot was kept on the top of mount Meru. When the pralay began, it destroyed all creatures on earth. The Kumbham prepared by Brahma was also displaced, and floated on the flood waters for years and years. Finally, it settled at a spot (which is regarded as modern day Kumbakonam.
Next, the celestials wondered how to reach it. Siva, in the guise of a hunter, discharged an arrow from His bow, breaking open the pot. The seeds of life and the Vedas and puranas in the pot were scattered around, and thus life on earth restarted. When the pot broke open, the many decorations that adorned the pot fell at different places, each along with a different piece of the pot. The pieces of the pot immediately became Siva Lingams, and each of these places, sanctified by the falling of the decoration and the pot-shards, became a punya-kshetram.
You can read this story written in the premises of the temple.
The total time spent year could be approximately 30 mins. The premises is not having toilets Drinking water needs to be carried on your own. No Cloak Room.
In case you found my review helpful, kindly click on the helpful button and follow me for more reviews of attractions all over India
The Story of Temple - The story of Kumbakonam is about the origin of life in the present yuga that we live in. According to History (not mythology), at the end of every yuga, there is a huge flood, that leads to the destruction of all living beings in the earth. Bramha put together the seeds of all living organisms and also the Vedas and Puranas, in a pot which came to be called the Amrita Kalas (pot of nectar). Kumbham is the Sanskrit and Kudam the Tamil, for a pot of this type.
This pot was decorated with various items like flowers, vilvam, auspicious cloth, chandanam (sandal paste), and sacred thread, a coconut was kept on top of it. The whole thing was tied together, similar to the kalasams we see today at domestic functions and in temples. The pot was kept on the top of mount Meru. When the pralay began, it destroyed all creatures on earth. The Kumbham prepared by Brahma was also displaced, and floated on the flood waters for years and years. Finally, it settled at a spot (which is regarded as modern day Kumbakonam.
Next, the celestials wondered how to reach it. Siva, in the guise of a hunter, discharged an arrow from His bow, breaking open the pot. The seeds of life and the Vedas and puranas in the pot were scattered around, and thus life on earth restarted. When the pot broke open, the many decorations that adorned the pot fell at different places, each along with a different piece of the pot. The pieces of the pot immediately became Siva Lingams, and each of these places, sanctified by the falling of the decoration and the pot-shards, became a punya-kshetram.
You can read this story written in the premises of the temple.
The total time spent year could be approximately 30 mins. The premises is not having toilets Drinking water needs to be carried on your own. No Cloak Room.
In case you found my review helpful, kindly click on the helpful button and follow me for more reviews of attractions all over India
Written 4 January 2024
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 11 February 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 26 March 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 28 February 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, India4,866 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 8 March 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, Singapore580 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 16 January 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, India297 contributions
Sept 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 8 October 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.
KomillaS
Brentwood, CA1,560 contributions
Feb 2015
Adhi Kumbeswarar Swamy Temple is in the heart of Kumbakonam. It is a beautiful temple which is used by the locals. I have visited it many times and it is usually quiet. On this visit it was stunning as it was also preparing for the 2016 Mahamaham festival. All the Gopuram are freshly painted and the inner Sanctum too.
There is a special nakshatra carving on the roof showing all the 28 stars as the wives of Soma.
The energy is special and a must for a spiritual devotee to visit.
There is a special nakshatra carving on the roof showing all the 28 stars as the wives of Soma.
The energy is special and a must for a spiritual devotee to visit.
Written 13 March 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.
Kingoftheslums
Sopot, Poland176 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 9 February 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.
is it possible to visit all major temple in Kumbakonam in 2 full days?
Written 8 January 2017
.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.
Written 9 January 2017
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