Temples

கோவில்கள்(Temples):

Sarangapani Temple Sri Sarangapani temple is located near to Uchipilliar Kovil Junction at Sarangapani East Street. This temple is considered one among the three major shrines of Lord Vishnu and it was renovated during the period of Nayaka Kingdom of 16th century. Sarangapani temple consists of the biggest Gopuram (150ft), and five Praharas and one holy tank, known as "Porthamarai Kulam", which is located behind the temple. The Karuvarai and Vimanam are made with 12-sculptured columns shaped like a chariot.

Adi Kumbeswarar temple Adi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivite temples and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. This temple covers an area of 30181 sq.ft. with a length and breadth of 750 feet, and 252 feet respectively. This temple comprises of three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, renovated this oldest temple during 16th century. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128-ft. Mangala Theertham, Marriage hall and small temples for Muruga, Ganapathi and Mangalambigai are other major constituents of this temple.

Nageswaran temple Nageswaran temple otherwise known as "Koothandavar Kovil", is located near the old bus stand area and Adithya Cholan of Chola dynasty constructed this temple during 12th century. This temple stands as a great marvel of Chola's architecture, building technology and astronomy. The design and orientation are structured in such a way that it allows the sun rays inside the temple only during the month of Chithirai, therefore, it bears another name called " Soorya Kottam " or "Keel Kottam ". The Karuvarai of Nageswaran temple has similarity with that of Sarangapani temple, as it is made in the form of a Chariot. The temple consists of two Gopurams in the eastern and western directions.

Somessar temple Somessar temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple. This temple is facing the northern side with a small Gopuram at the eastern portion near the entrance. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of Chola period. Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex.

Ramasamy Temple Achutha Nayaka of Thanjavur constructed the Ramasamy temple during 16th century. This temple is located on the southeastern portion of "Porthamarai Kulam" and southern side of "Uchipilliar Kovil" junction. This temple consists of one Gopuram, one Maha Mandapam and Karuvarai. The columns of Maha Mandapam are enriched with intricate stone carving works of Rama-Katha. Vamana Avatharam, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Sukreeva Pattabisekam are some of the famous carving works of this temple. The outer Prahara consists of all 219 wall paintings, which explains the series of incidents from the great Epic "Ramayanam". Alwar Sannathi, Sreenivasa Sannathi, and Gopalan Sannathi are the other temples located within the temple complex.

Chakkarapani Temple Chakkarapani Temple is located in the northern portion of Big Bazaar Street near the river Cauvery and second biggest Vaishnavite temple in Kumbakonam town. The eastern and western entrances of the temple are known as "Thatchinaya Vayil" and "Utharayana Vayil" respectively and outer Prakara of this temple is made in the form of Balcony. Agampara Vinayakar, Panchamuga Aancheneyar and Vijayavalli are the important idols located in this temple complex.

Kambatta Viswanathar Temple Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is located in the southern side of Adi Kumbeswarar temple. In the olden days this area is known as Malathi Vanam and it is believed that a famous saint called "Thoomakehu" found this temple. Mankayarkarasi and Sekkizhar are other major statues placed along with the main idols in this temple.

Pana Pureeswarar Kovil This temple is located in the northeastern portion of Kumbakonam Town surrounded by traditional houses of Panapuri Agraharam. This temple is facing the eastern side and comparatively smaller in size. It is believed that "Saint Vyasa" visited and worshipped this temple.

NAVAGRAHA’S Suryan Suryanar Koil,wais built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya who is known as the giver of health, sucess and prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest festival is celebrated in thanks giving and to honour, Surya or Sun Surya is the most powerful living God - whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms. Lord of this planet is God Siva Surya resides with his wives Chaya and Suvarcha in this holy place. With Surya at the centre, temples of the other Grahas are around Surya.Mantra for Sun - Aum hrim hrim suriyaye namah AumTemple Timings - 6 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. Raghu Tirunageswaram, This vast temple known for its shrine to Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar. Rahu is instrumental in strengthening one's power and converting even an enemy into a friend. He is ruled by Goddess Durga. The main deity's name is Nageshwarar and Ambal's name is Girigujambikai. She is decorated as a small girl in the Mornings, as young lady in Noons and as lady in evenings.. Here Ragu resides with his wife and everyday, during Rahu kalam, when Milk is poured over Rahu idol, it miraculously changes to blue colour. People having Ragu dosha come here during Rahu kalam and perform Abishekas. Rahu may be worshiped on any day. It will reduce the ill effects considerablyMantra for Rahu - Aum rang rahuve namah aumTemple Timings - 6 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4P.M. to 8.30 P.M. Angarakan Vaitheswaran Koil, With the Vaitheswaran Koil, there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Sevvai or Mars. The belief is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he will bestow valour, victory and strength to the person. Upon entering the temple, devotees first go the Siddamrita tank. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin ailments. There ia also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles that delay marriage. Mars is regarded as a God of martial character, red in every aspect. Even the Romans held him as their Guru. He is the Son of Earth and is ruled by Lord Subramanya. This town is also called as Pull-irukku-Veloor. Jadayu - the eagle who made a gallant attempt to stop. Ravana from proceeding to Lanka with Sita, got relieved of his wings by Ravana, fell down here and eventually got Moksha. Even today we can see the place where Jadayu was cremated - 'Jadayu Kundam'. Vaidheeswaran koil is a crowd puller for many reasons along with the Angarakan. Vaidyanadha Swamy ( shiva ) is believed to cure illness of the ardent devotees. Lot of people throng here everyday, offer their prayers for regaining their health with the grace of the deity. Ambal is called Valambika alias Thaiyal Nayaki. Kiruthigai is an auspicious day here with special poojas performed for SelvaMuthuKumara Swamy ( Murugan ). Nayanmars, Arunagiri Nadar, kumaraguruparar, kalamega pulavar have visited this temple and sung in praise of the deity. Separate sanctorum for Angaraka is a speciality out here as you cannot find it elsewhere.Mantra for Mars - Aum namo hanumate hung AumTemple Timings - 6 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4P.M. to 9 P.M Chandran Thingaloor, Though there is a question about when this temple was built, historians agree that it must have been in existence since before the beginning of the Bhakti period, which was well before the seventh century A.D. Dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit and Thingai in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a confortable and long lilfe. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow. Chandra or Moon is a lovable God - Pleasing to the children as well as elders, universally appealing to everyone whatever may be the religion. Goddess Parvathi rules the planet.Mantra for moon - Aum som somaye namah Aum Or Aum Shrim krim cham chandeaye namah AumTemple Timings - 7 A.M. to 8 P.M Saneeswaran Thirunallar,is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani Or Saturn. When the Planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The Legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his affictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worships in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the important one. By bathing here, it is belived that one washes off all kinds of misfortune , afflictions and to escape from the woes of sani. Saniswara or Saturn, is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when he occupies certain positions in one's horoscope.A prayer to him, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate the hardships one will have to face during these periods. Saniswara is considered equally a bestower of all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him. He is ruled by Lord Yama.Mantra for Saturn - Aum aing hring shring shung shanaishcharaye namah aumTemple Timings - 6 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4P.M. to 9 P.M.   Sukaran Kanchanur,the Shiva Sthalam is associated with Sukran or Venus and is maintained by the Madurai Adinam. It is Located in a quite hamlet of Thiruvaaduturai.This Shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati.Men visit to pray for the well being of their wives. Sukra or Venus is the bestower of long life, wealth, happiness, children, property and good education. He is ruled by Goddess Mahalakshmi.Mantra for Venus - Aum jung, hang sa bhur bhuvan swa kartike namah swa bhuvan bhur sa hang jung aumTemple Timings - 7 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4P.M. to 8 P.M. Kethu Keezhperumpallam, is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a Shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple. Ketu brings prosperity to the devotee's family. He grants good health, wealth, cattle and all round prosperity. He is ruled by Lord Ganesha and Indra. . Those who are affected by Kethu dosha come here for rectification.Mantra for Ketu - Aum nring nring nring narsinghaye (Nrisimhaye) namah aumTemple Timings - 6 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4P.M. to 8.00 P.M. Guru Alangudi,is regarded as a Guru Sthalam or Jupiter where Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great revernce. The Shrine attracts a large number of devotees when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple precincts before being reunited with siva. He results in a cure from ailments and helps one to ward off his/her sins and gives strength, valour, longevity, etc. He grants the boon of fatherhood to the childless, good education (Vidya). The speciality here is that Lord Guru is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol reunited with Shiva.Mantra for Jupiter - Aum Brim brahaspataye Namah AumTemple Timings - 6 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4P.M. to 9 P.M. Budhan Thiruvenkadu, is a reference to the temple in Valmiki's Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Budha or Mercury is considered as the greatest among the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth on his devotees. He is ruled by Lord Maha Vishnu. This temple is referred in 'Saiva Thirumurais' and Sastras. This place is similar to Kasi with all the Snana Ghats. One can do all the karmas here, that is supposed to be done in kasi. We can find a separate sanctum sanctorum for bhudan. Bhudan holds the portfolio of Education and Arts and it is the next popular place students prefer to go after Tuition centers.Mantra for Marcury - Aum Mahalakshmaye vidmahe Vishnu Priyaye dhi mahi Tanno Lakshmi PrachodayatTemple Timings - 6 A. M to 12 noon and 4 P.M to 9 P.M.

1.Suriyan (Sun)                              Suriyanarkovil

2.Chandran (Moon)                       Thingaloor

3.Guru (Jupiter)                              Alangudi

4.Raaghu (North Lunar Node)      Thirunageswaram  

5.Bhudhan (Mercury)                     Thiruvenkadu

6.Sukran (Venus)                             Kanjanoor 

7.Kedhu (South Lunar Node)         Keezhaperumpallam

8.Sani (Saturn)                                 Thirunallaru

9.Chevvai (Mars)                             Vaitheeswaran Kovil