Kumbakonam

 

Place:-                         Kumbakonam

Hotel Booked:-           Kumbakonam

 

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Tirchy Airport . Kumbakonam can be reached from Airport by Bus which will take 3 hours travel. Kumbakonam has it own station which is connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai and other. Kumbakonam is well connected to all the major towns and cities by road. Frequesnt buses are available for Chennai, Bangalore(via Trichy)

 Place to Visit: Kumbakonam gets its name from the deity Lord Aadhi Kumbeshwarar. A traditional representation of South Indian Culture, the town is known for its temples, intricately carved panchaloha idols, exquisite brass wares especially lamps and silks (kancheepuram and kumbakonam are the very well known silk producers). The place, like many other sacred places has a unique festival known as the Mahamaham festival. The festival celebrated once in twelve years coincides with the entry of Sun and Jupiter into constellation of Aquarius and Leo respectively. People from all walks of life have a dip in the Mahamaham tank along with the presiding deities of the town.

Kumbakonam is full of temples. Every street, road, locality has a prominent temple.

Navagraha temple is also one of the famous destination for which people reach Kumbakonam. Each of these Navagraha temple dedicated to 9 planets in Indian mythology are thronged by devotees seeking their blessings. As the name suggests there are nine temples dedicated to Navagrahas or nine planets. These are Surya, Chandra, Mangala or Angaraka, Bhudha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Kethu. These Navagraha temples are located in the Cauvery delta region of Kumbakonam. Traditionally these are Shiva temples with a shrine for one of the planets. But in most of the temples, Shiva has taken backseat giving prime importance to the planet!

We will cover all the Navagarh Temple along with other famous temples.

 Day1 Start at 6.00am

 Pillayar Kovil

 

Adi Kumbeswara Swami Temple: Built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Lingam here is broad at the bottom and narrow at the top in the shape of a needle. This Lingam is believed to have been made by Shiva himself. Lord’s consort Goddess Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika shrine is situated to the left of Kumbeswarar shrine. The Kumbeswarar Temple is an architectural marvel which reflects the typical Dravidian style. It is one large temple with 9 stories and a height of 128 ft. The unique feature of this temple is the 27-star sign and 12 zodiacs that are carved from a single large block of stone which speaks volumes about the engineering skills of the yesteryear masons. Other shrines of Ganapati, Muruga and Kiratamurti are also present in this temple.

 

Nageswaran Temple: Built by Aditya Chola in the 9th century, Nageswaran Temple is known for great architecture, building technology and astronomy. This beautiful kumbakonam temple is built in such a way that it allows sunlight to fall on the idol only during the months of April or May for three days therefore popularly known as Surya Kottam Temple. Temple is crowded on these 3 days with devotees from all over the world to seek blessings of the deity.
This temple is one of the religious sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, the serpent king. It is believed that the temple got its name Nageswaran, as one serpent was found worshipping the lingam.

 

Sarangapani Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it derives its name from the Sanskrit words Sarangam which mean ‘Bow of Vishnu’ and ‘Pani’ meaning hand. Being the tallest temple tower in Asia with 12 story Gopura of 150 feet, this is one of the top religious sites built by the Nayak Kings in the 16th century. The central shrine of the temple is in the form of a chariot in heaven drawn by horses and elephants. The deity is shown in a posture as if he is getting up from a reclining position. The temple boasts of 5 prakaras and a holy tank which is known as Porthamarai Kulam. It is considered that Goddess Lakshmi arrived here from the Potramarai tank with thousand lotuses. The chariot festival held in the spring season is an important festival of this temple. Sarangapani Temple is the biggest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam and third of the 108 Divya Desams.

 

Chakrapani Temple: Devoted to Lord Vishnu, this temple is named as Chakrapani Lord Vishnu and appears in the form of a discus or Chakra. According to legend, Lord Vishnu sent Sudarshana Chakra to Patal Lok to kill the demon Jalandasura and have come out through river Cauvery. God Brahma, who was taking bath in the river, got impressed and installed Sudarshana Chakra here. There is a bronze idol of King Serfoji II worshipping the Lord; who was cured of illness. It is believed who are mentally or physically weakened by illness or problems can be cured here. The Sun God worshipped Lord Vishnu here and therefore those facing problems due to planetary movements in their life or Shani, Rahu and Ketu Dosh are advised to pray to Lord Chakrapani. This is among one of the Vishnu temples which takes part in the Mahamaham festival.

 

Kumbakonam Brahma Temple: This temple is dedicated mainly to Vishnu, as the moolavar presiding deity, and He is known as Vedanarayanaperumal over here. His consort, Lakshmi, is known as Vedavalli. At the right side of the sanctum sanctorum Brahma is found in a separate shrine. He is flanked by Saraswati and Gayatri. At the left, Yoganarasimha is found with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Also, it is the only temple dedicated to Brahma in the world, the other temple being the Brahma Temple, Pushkar, in Pushkar, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Also it is brahma temple (four Face) at Bangalore, Karnataka. Though the presiding deity is called as Vedanarayanaperumal, this temple is generally known as Brahma Temple.

 

Ramaswamy Temple: Known as the southern Ayodhya, This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, constructed during the 16th century CE. The temple has some of the famous stone carvings and 219 wall paintings, which explain the series of incidents from the great epic Ramayana. This is the only temple where we can see idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana along with Bharatha and Shatrughna and Hanuman. Rama Navami is celebrated in a grand manner. This is also one of the five Vishnu temples that are connected with the Mahamaham festival.

 

Kasi Viswanathar Temple: Kasi Viswanathar temple is in the heart of the city and is very close to the famous Mahamaham Tank. As one of the top religious sites, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 72 feet high temple was established in the 16th century. The deity here is called Kasi Viswanathar and his wife as Visalakshi. There are other shrines as well. As per the Legend, Lord Rama and Lakshmana prayed here to Lord Shiva and got a blessing to slay Ravana. You will also find 9 rivers known as Nava Kannigas, who prayed to Lord Shiva at Varanasi to absolve them of sins washed away by bathers. The Lord asked them to take bath in Mahamaham tank and pray to Lord Adi Kumbeshwara. Mahamaham is a famous festival conducted once in 12 years. People gather in large numbers to take a holy dip in the tank which is believed to wash away one’s sins and purify the soul. Another festival Masi Magam is the most important festival celebrated during the month of February-March.

 

Take lunch , take rest and at 3 pm start for

 

Garbarakshambigai Amman Temple – Thirukarukavur: Child Temple This is an ancient temple of God Shiva dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathar and Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman. Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar, the three famous Nayanmaars have celebrated the glory of this temple in soul stirring verses. The remarkable feature which distinguishes this temple from the other shrines is that, Goddess Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman here cures infertility related problems to women, blesses them to conceive and also helps them for safe and trouble free delivery. Sri Mullaivananathar swamy is worshipped for better health and well being. Every couples dream is to become a parent. It is the next step in family life and at sometimes it may seem impossible for few. Trust in this Goddess. She makes it possible. She embraces all, with her compassion and fulfills a women wish to conceive and also helps carrying her baby to full term without any hurdles along the way.

History says that Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman blessed her ardent devotee Vedhikai to conceive and when Vedhikai almost lost her fetus, Goddess Garbarakshambigai came to her rescue, protected her fetus and blessed her for safe delivery. Numerous devotees who long for a child have been blessed by this divine mother. The uniform experiences of the people who have been blessed by this divine deity are testimony of her benevolence. People from various countries and religions, who have difficulty in conceiving and delivery, pray to this divine Goddess for her benevolence and got blessed.Sri Mullaivananathar Swamy is worshiped for better health. The Swamy here is swayambhu i.e, self manifested. Even today we can see the impression of mullai creeper over him. He is made up of hardened mud and there is no Abhishegam (Holy bath) for this God. Instead Punugu sattam is being offered on the Valarpirai Pradosham day, the 13th day after new moon(Sukla patcham Pradosham). This Punugu is believed to have healing power and it is being sent as prasadam for the peoples, who suffer due to incurable skin diseases, cardiac diseases and surgery.

Site: http://garbaratchambigaitemple.org/

 

Swamimalai temple: The Lord Murugan temple is located in Swami Malai, which is around 10 km from kumbakonam. It is located on the main road connecting Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. It is one among the six famous temples (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Muruga. This is the place where the Lord murugan in childhood taught the meaning of mandra "OM" to his father Lord Siva. Lord Murugas Fourth home.

 

Day2 Start at 6.00am

Vedvinayagar - Ganesh Temple

 

Surya/Sun – Suryanarkovil: Navagraha Temple Suryanarayana Temple is one of the Navagraha temples dedicated to Surya and his two consorts, Usha and Prathyusha. Shrines of other eight planetary deities are also present.According to the legend, Sage Kalava was suffering from leprosy and prayed to the Navagrahas. Pleased by his devotion, they cured him, and after seeing this, Brahma got angry, as nobody had the right to change destiny. Brahma cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy. These nine planets asked Lord Shiva to cure them. Lord Shiva cured and blessed them so that they can help those who pray to them with full faith and devotion. Rath Saptami and Vijayadashami are celebrated with great devotion in this temple.

 

Shukra/ Venus – Kanchanoor: Navagraha Temple Kanjanur is one of the nine Navagraha located in the Cauvery region dedicated to the planet Venus, called Sukran. The place is famous for many reasons. Shiva’s marriage with Parvathi had taken place here. Agni is said to have worshipped Shiva here. The oil Abishekam poured on the main Shiva lingam is absorbed by the idol which is in itself a miracle. Sukran is a powerful planet and worshipping it on Friday is considered very auspicious.

 

Vana Durgai Amman Temple – Kathiramangalam: Kathiramangalam Vana Durga, also known as Vana Durga Parameswari Amman is a temple situated in Kathiramangalam, Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. The temple is situated 15 kilometers away from Kumbakonam and 7 kilometers from Mayiladuthurai. Kathiramangalam Vana Durga is one of the nava Durga temples. The presiding deity is Shri Vana Durga Parameswari Amman.  . It is believed that she visits Kasi during the nights and comes back every day. Ancient Name of the Village is “Siva Malliga Vanam”.  The special pooja for this temple is held during Raghu kalam on Sundays. So, she is also called Raghu Kala Durgai.  When Agasthiyar came to this vanam, he prayed this Durga.  Markandeya also prayed the Goddess.   The full name of the village is “Kathir Veaintha Mangalam”. The Tamil Poet Kambar prayed the Durga when he wrote the Ramayana.  He lived here for long time.  In all temples, Durga is one among the Deities. But the separate temple for Durga is in Kathiramangalam.  Here the Durga is in the Padma Peedam where as in other temple the Durga is in Simma or Mahisha Vahanam. The Temple is facing east. People's whose Birth star sign is Mrigashirsa Nakshatra have to visit Vana Durgai Amman Temple - Kathiramangalam in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year. They should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visit the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Mrigashirsha Nakshatra. Marriages are said to be made in heaven. But nowadays marriages are stopped midway during marriage ceremony for unexplainable reasons. For those who are affected like these things, there is a temple for worship. It is called Vana Durga parameswari Thirukovil.

 

Sri Kalyanasundarar Temple – Thirumanancheri: Marriage Temple Parvathi Devi performed Tapas in this place to marry Lord Shiva and  finally got married in this place and because of this the place is called as “Thiru Manancheri”. Thirumanancheri temple is where the divine  marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place, and today, people visit this temple, praying for an early marriage, thanking the lord for their marriage, and praying for children. The unique thing about this temple is you can see all three deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva here.

Yet another special attraction of this temple is the Posture of Shiva in the form of ‘Sri Kalyana Sundarar’ in the beautiful ‘Marriage pose’ along with Ambal.

 Goddess Parvati once expressed her interest in getting married in the Earth. While playing dice, they both had an argument which led Goddess Parvati to descend to the Earth and took the form of a cow and stayed at Komal. Knowing this Lord Vishnu, took the form a cowherd for his sister. From the holy fire of Rishi Bharata Muni, Parvati relieved from the curse at ‘Thiruvaaduthurai’and assumed her original form in ‘Kuthaalam’. Siva married Parvati at Thirumanancheri. Lord Siva is called by Sonavaararivaar to retain his promise to the Goddess.  Later Siva explained the reason behind Parvati’s stay in the Earth. Parvati took the bath in the river Cauvery and started living at Sage Bharata Muni Ashram as his daughter. Bharata Muni approached Siva to marry Parvati and his wish is granted.

 

Take lunch and then move to

 

Mangal/Mars – Vaitheeswaran: Navagraha Temple Vaitheeswaran Kovil or Pullirukkuvelur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran meaning the "God of healing" and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. Vaitheeswaran is a Tamil derivative from vaidya (Doctor) and Ishvara (God/Master). The presiding deity is Sri vaidyanathan. He is the God of Healing. When pronouncing in Tamil, it sounds like "vaideeswaran". It is one of the nine Navagraha (nine planets) temples and is associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka). The village is also known for palm leaf astrology called Naadi astrology in Tamil. It is located 7 kilometers from Sirkazhi, 235 kilometers from Chennai, 27 km from Chidambaram, 110 km from Thanjavur and 16 km from Mayiladuthurai. The holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple complex contains nectar, and a holy dip is believed to cure all diseases.
The temple is revered by the Tevaram hymns of 7th-century Saiva nayanars - Tamil saint poets and is also classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam (temple revered by the nayanars).
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Budha/ Mercury – Tiruvenkadu: Navagraha Temple Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvenkadu, a village in Nagapattinam district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Swetharanyeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Brahmavidyambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and specifically Budha.

 

Kethu  - Keezhaperumpallam: Navagraha Temple The Naganatha Swamy Temple or Kethu Sthalam is a Hindu temple in the village of Keezhaperumpallam, 2 kilometres from Poompuhar. The presiding deity is Ketu, a shadow planet. However, the main idol in the temple is that of "Naganatha Swamy" or Shiva.  The temple has a 2-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakaram(closed precincts of a temple).

 

Poombuhar: Visit Poombuhar Sea Beach and purchase poombuhar handicraft which is famous in India.

 

Day3 Start at 6.00am

Rahu – Tirunageswaram: Navagraha Temple It is one of the 9 Navagraha temples in Kumbakonam especially dedicated to Rahu. The temple has a separate shrine also. Here Rahu is seen with two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni. Rahu worshipped Lord Shiva here and got relieved of a curse. A unique feature of the temple is that Rahu Bhagawan is seen with a human face, as mostly he is seen with a serpent face.It is believed that those who are suffering from dosha of delay in marriages, childlessness, troublesome married life and Kalasarpa Dhosa can be cured by doing milk abhishekam. The unique thing is that the milk when poured over the idol turns blue, which is clearly visible

 

Uppiliappan Temple: Tirupati Temple It is considered 60th among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the major religious sites in Kumbakonam. The temple is believed to be constructed by the Medieval Cholas in late 8th century AD. According to mythology, The Lord took the form of an old man and asked from Markandeya his daughter Bhoomidevi’s hand for marriage. Markandeya said that his daughter was too young and can’t cook food and does not even know how to use salt in cooking. To this, the Lord said that he would eat food even without salt and Lord Oppilliappan got married to Bhoomidevi here. Hence the temple name is Uppiliappan and salt is never added to the prasad cooked here.Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Uppiliappan and his consort Lakshmi as Bhoomidevi. You can see the 8 feet tall idol of the Lord with Bhoomidevi on the right and Markandeya Maharishi on the left. The lord is also known as Lord Venkateshwara’s brother and so those devotees who are unable to visit Tirupati to fulfil their promises can go here. Brahmotsavam is grandly celebrated in the temple during the months of September-October.

 

Sri Nethrarpaneswarar -  Thiruveezhimizhalai: Marriage Temple The legend is that Sage Kathyayana and his wife Sumangalai had performed rigorous penance here to obtain the blessings for a child. Pleased with their penance, Goddess Parvathi herself was born to them. She was named “Karthyayini”. When she grew up and attained the marriageable age, the sage prayed to Lord Shiva that he help him find a suitable groom for her. Responding to his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared and told him that he would marry his daughter on the “Magam” star day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). The lord further told the sage that his daughter is none other than Goddess Parvathy herself. As told by Lord Shiva, their wedding took place here. The sanctum resembles a “Kalyana Mandapam” (marriage hall) with two pillars – one is said to be “Arasanikkal” and the other “Panthakkal”. This form of sanctum cannot be seen anywhere else. The sage requested the lord to stay back in this temple in their wedding form and grant darshan to all the devotees. Since then it is believed that the lord can be seen in the sanctum sanctorum in their wedding form. The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy that are placed behind the main lingam are very special as both of them are in a human form with a height of about 12 feet. The lord is known as Sri Kalyanasundarar and is also colloquially called as “Mappillai Swamy” (“Mappillai” means groom in Tamil). The inner tower is in the shape of a chariot with Lord Indra as the driver and Lord Shiva seated behind as the groom

Another legend is that Lord Mahavishnu is said to have been blessed with his “Discus” (Chakrayudam) upon worshipping Lord Shiva in this temple. It is believed that in his battle against Sage Thatheesi, Lord Mahavishnu had used his discus. When the discus touched the sage’s body, it lost its sharpness and became defunct. Worried, Lord Mahavishnu consulted with the celestial gods (Devas) who advised him that Lord Shiva had the “Sudharsana Chakram” (discus) which he had created to destroy demon Chalandaran. Lord Mahavishnu came to this place (Thiruveezhimizhalai) carrying a sanctum tower (“Vinnizhi Vimanam”) with him. He placed the idol of Lord Shiva inside it and worshipped him every day by making an offering of a thousand lotus flowers. To test Lord Vishnu’s determination, it is believed that one day, Lord Shiva caused the shortage of one flower. To make up for this shortage, Lord Vishnu immediately plucked out one of his eyes out and offered it along with the flowers. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva restored Lord Mahavishnu’s eye and blessed him with the “Sudharsana Chakram”. Lord Shiva also named Lord Mahavishnu as “Kamalakkannan” (“Kamalam” means lotus in Tamil). In his hymn, Saint Thirunavukkarasar mentioned about Lord Mahavishnu’s worship and the way he offered his eye to the lord.

 

Goddess Saraswathi Temple: In Koothanur village which is very near to Nannilam, an extremely rare temple for Saraswati exists. During examination times, many students come to worship Goddess Saraswathi, the goddess of Wisdom.

 

Take lunch and then move to

 

Shani/ Saturn – Thirunallaru: Navagraha Temple Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple or Dharbaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shani (saturn) located in Tirunallar in Karaikal district of Pondicherry, India. The presiding deity is Lord Siva, Dharbaranyeswar and the place Tirunallar was historically called Dharbaranyam. The temple is revered by the hymns of 7th century Tamil saivite poets, Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam ​

Karaikkal: Part of Pondicherry – Visit for Sea Beach

Kayarohanaswami Temple -  Nagapattinam

Velankanni: Good Health Church Velankanni has one of the country's biggest Catholic pilgrimage centres, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. Devoted to Our Lady of Good Health, it is popularly known as the "Lourdes of the East" 

Day4

Karuvalrkum Nayaki Temple - Karulvalacheri: Child Temple  This place is around 8 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Valangaiman Road and one has to take a turn near Marudanallur ( another holy place which was known for Shri Marudanallur Sadguru Swamigal).  This temple is associated with Agasthya Muni. As per legend, Agasthyar got married in this place and it is also called Agasthya Guru Paduka Shakthi temple.  The Rishi appears on the prakaram along with his wife Lopamuthra.   Though the Lingam is swayambu, it is believed that the Lord’s existence here was brought to the world by the sage and hence the Lord is called Agastheeswarar.  According to the followers of the Siddhar tradition, as this place was connected with the Guru ( Agasthyar), it was called Guru Valar Cheri which later became Karuvalarcheri.  According the Siddha followers, Agasthyar and his wife, offer prayers to this Lord on Shivarathris.  The temple pond-Chandra Theertham-is just outside the temple.  The temple of Shri Lakshmi Narayana is adjacent to this temple.  Devotees who visit the Shiva temple, also cover the Vishnu temple as they do in Chidambaram or Mangadu.

Ambal is Shri Akilandeswari.   She is otherwise called Karu Valarkum Nayaki ( one who nurtures the foetus).  She blesses the baby in the womb with growth.  For this purpose, lot of devotees- those who want to conceive and also those who are in the family way-visit this temple and offer special prayers.  The Mother’s body is covered by a screen and only Her face is visible to the devotees.  ( The screen is removed only on Shivarathri and the 9 days of Navarathri).  She is a Swayambu and is anointed only with oil.  It is said that the shrine is on top of a snake pit and hence no abhishekam is performed.  All the poojas and archanas are performed to the Mahameru and Sri Chakram installed in front of Her. 

Those who want to get the Mother’s blessings for the child boon, have to first clean the inner step of the Ambal’s sanctorum with ghee and put kolam (rangoli) in which a small quantity of turmeric powder and kumkum are mixed.  They also have to bring 7 pods of Bengali Manjal ( Vangala Manjal, a type of turmeric pod) and a lemon, along with the regular materials for archana like flowers, betel leaves, betel nut etc. After offering prayers to the Mother, the lemon should be consumed in the form of juice by the lady and her husband.  The turmeric pods are to be used by the lady for her bath ( except in legs).  A commitment also should be made that during the Baby Shower ( Valaikaapu  or the Bangle ceremony), the first seven bangles are reserved for the Amman and they are to be brought to the temple along with the child.   The child will be put in a cradle in front of the Ambal shrine.

Guru/ Jupiter – Alangudi: Navagraha Temple  Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi or Guru Sthalam or Tiru Irum Poolai is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the village of Alangudi in the Valangaiman taluk of Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Apathsahyesvarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Tribuvananayagi. 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.he temple complex covers two acres and it houses a two tier gateway tower known as gopurams, one facing the Apathsaheswarar shrine and other towards North. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Apathsaheswarar and his consort Elavarkuzhali being the most prominent. 
The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during Chittirai (April–May) is the most prominent festival. 
The original complex is believed to have been built by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century.

Sakshinatheswarar Temple – Thiruppurambiyam: The temple with the Wonder of Honey Absorbing Ganesha !  Sakshinatheswarar or Thiruppurambiyum temple is one of the famous Shiva temples located in a place called Thiruppurambiyum that is 7kms to the North of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District. The temple was built by the Cholas during the 9^th Century. This temple is considered as the 46th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam since it was sung in the Thevaram Hymns. This idol of the Lord Ganesha has a special significance in this temple. On the night before Vinayaka Chathurthi, a special Abishekam will be performed to this Lord Ganesha with Honey. Nearly 100kgs of Honey will be used for this special Abishekam. During this, one can notice that all the 100kgs of Honey that was poured on the Lord will be absorbed complete. According to the sages and the Siddhas, there lies a deep inner meaning behind this absorption of Honey. It is strongly believed that Lord Ganesha absorbs all the falsehood that is in the minds of the people and burns it up. And so the Lord appears to be Golden Red in color after the Abishekam.

 Thenupureeswarar Temple - Pateeswaram: Patteeswaram, near Kumbakonam is famous for its Durga temple. This temple is fairly big and well-maintained one.  There are five majestic gopurams (towers).  The temple seems to have been built and rebuilt several times with additions made to the original temple at various- times.  The evidence of this is in the temple’s architecture which has the styles of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Nayaks. The presiding deity at this temple is Dhenupureeswarar and his consort is Gyanambigai. Patteeswaram is one of the Parivara Sthalam.  Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimarudhur has the Parivara devatas in various temples flung as far away as Sirkali and Thiruvalanchuzhi Legend has it that Rama had installed a Shivalingam here to get rid of his sin or dosham.  Rama was afflicted by three Doshams or sins for killing Ravana.  He could get rid of these sins by installing a Shivalingam and do penance.  Though, Rama was an incarnation of Vishnu, He had taken the birth as an ordinary human being to show people the way and be a role model.  He was an Avatara Purushan or one who sets an example. He had to undergo all the trials and tribulations that a normal human being undergoes and demonstrate the virtues of righteousness while surmounting the problems.  Like any other mortal, He had to face the consequences of His actions and had to perform the necessary pariharam (remedial poojas) to attain papa vimochanam (absolution of the sin).  The first of his three sins was Brahmahatti dosham, because he had killed Ravana who was a Brahmin.  He was absolved of the sin by installing a Shiva Lingam at Rameswaram.  His second sin was Verrahatti dosham, because Ravana was also a great warrior.  Rama installed another Shiva Lingam at Vedaranyam to be absolved of this sin.  His third sin was Chaya Hatti dosham because Ravana was a great exponent of fine arts and an ardent devotee of Shiva.  He was absolved of this sin when he installed yet another Shiva Lingam at Patteeswaram.  These three Lingams are known as Ramalingam.   Rama created a well here to perform ablutions or abhishegam to the Shiva Lingam that he had installed here.  The well thus created by him is said to have brought the holy waters of Dhanushkodi here. Near this well is a niche of Anjaneyar. Kamadhenu’s daughter Patti, worshipped Lord Shiva here.  She used to perform abhishegam or ablution to the Shiva Lingam with her milk, hence the name Patteeswaram. On a hot summer day, Thirugnanasambandar, a child poet, was on his way to Patteeswaram to worship the Lord.  Since Sambandar was a small child and the intense heat could make him weak, Dhenupureeswarar had a canopy of pearls erected along the way to make it cool and comfortable for his young devotee.  Dhenupureeswarar could not wait for Sambandar to come to His Sanctum to see him.  He asked Nandi to move aside so that He could see His devotee as he entered the temple. There is an annual festival in the tamil month of Ani to commemorate this incident.  This special festival is called ‘Muthupandal’.  A palanquin of pearls is taken in a procession that starts at noon from Sakthimutram and concludes at Patteswaram. There is a tank in front of the temple.  The Pillayar installed near the tank is known as Agnya Ganapathy. Though the temple here is a Shiva temple, the temple is known for the Durga here.  Durga is considered to be the combined force of all the Gods to destroy the evil forces.  The Durga here is a Shanta Swarupi (calm or peaceful countenance). She is seated on her vehicle Lion and is seen with here foot on Mahishasura.  The Goddess appears in Tribanga (three curved) posture. Durga here is ashtabhuja or with eight hands.  She is seen holding conch, discuss, bow, arrow, sword, shield and a parrot in Her hands. She has three eyes and jewels adorn her ears.  An unusual aspect of this Durga is that her vehicle – the lion – is seen facing the left side instead of the right side, which is usually the case.  Goddess Durga here is considered to be very divine and powerful who showers Her blessings on Her devotees. 

Thiruvalanjuzhi Vinayakar Temple: This siva temple is famous for vinayakar sculpture which has been carved from white foam while churning the milky sea. So the name of the god in Tamil is "Vellai pillayar" meaning that "White vinayakar". This temple is located in small village "Thiruvalansuzi" which is 4 km from Kumbakonam and 2 km from Swamimalai. The name "Thiruvalansuzi" has come because the Cauvery river prayed the lord Siva by doing pradhaksana from right hand side to left hand side. (Usually it will be left to right). The name for lord Siva in this temple is "Sadai mudi nathar".

Airavatesvara Temple: The temple at Darasuram, 4 km west of Kumbakonam is Airvatesvara (Airavat is the holy white elephant) Temple, constructed by Rajaraja Chola II (1146–63), is a superb example of 12th-century Chola architecture. Many statues were removed to the art gallery in the Thanjavur Palace, but have since been returned. The remarkable structures depict, among other things, Shiva as Kankala-murti - the mendicant. Stories from epics and Hindu mythology are depicted. Adjoining the Airavatesvara temple is the Deiva Nayaki Ambal temple. In 2004 the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated and restored the temple.

 

Take lunch and then move to

Chandra/Moon – Thingaloor: Navagraha Temple The Chandiranaar Temple (also called Kailasanathar temple or Thingalur temple) is a Hindu temple in the village of Thingalur, 33 kilometres (21 mi) from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Thiruvayyar road. The presiding deity is Soma (moon). However, the main idol in the temple is that of "Kailasanathar" or Shiva. The temple is considered one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Mahasivarathri, Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram and Thirukartigai are the major festivals celebrated in the temple. The temple is famous for first feeding of rice to infant children
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Brihadeshwara Temple - Thanjavur: Brihadeshwara Temple - or the Big Temple is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. It was built by the great Chola emperor Raja Chola I in the 10th century. What makes the construction so unique is the diversion from the usual temple building norms of having a tall gopuram (spire over the entrance) and a smaller vimana (the tower over the sanctum). Here, the vimana soars high while the gopuram remains stunted.The 65m tall, 14 tiered pyramid shaped vimana rises from a square base and is topped by a huge monolithic cupola carved out from an 81-tonne block of granite. The tower is a testimony to the engineering skill of the Chola architects who planned its construction in such a way that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground. In keeping the 'bigness' of the temple is the gigantic lingam in the shrine and the massive Nandi (Shiva's bull vehicle) at the portal.
The inner wall of the sanctum has sculpted 108 dance poses called karmas performed by Lord Shiva himself. The Shiva lingam is called Peruvudaiya, Rasjarajeshwaramudvya. It is a huge lingam, which is set in a two-storeyed sanctum. Rajaraja Chola crowned it with 12.5 ft tall finial of 9.25 kilograms of choppers plated with 800 grams of gold. A huge statue of Nandi measuring 6 m length and 3.7 m in height faces the inner sanctum.
The statue of Nandi was created from a single rock piece and weighs 25 tonnes. It is in fact one of the largest statues of Nandi bulls in India. The temple also has a spacious ground, number of pillared halls, shrines and 250 lingams.

 Note:-

·         All temples open at 6.30 AM and close around 12.00PM. Opens again around 4.00 PM till 8.00 PM. Sometimes if it is a special day, the timings may be extended or it may not be closed in the afternoon.

·         Shani and Rahu temples are most crowded temples in the Navagarh Temple

·         Popular temples like Shani, Rahu, Guru and Surya has special Darshan tickets. One can buy them to beat the rush.

·         Each day is auspicious to one god. For example, Saturday is auspicious for Shani and Thursday for Guru. Expect more people in these temples on these special days.

·         Each planet god has special offering – for example it is Lotus for Surya and Gingelly seeds (Til) for Shani – which can be bought at the shops near temple if one wish to.

·         If you are planning to special puja in these temples, please allot more time in your itinerary.

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Best Time to Visit:- Winter months – October to February – are best time to visit as temperatures will be bearable. Summers will be very hot and humid. Tamil Nadu gets rainfall in winter months of October till December. Please cover yourself with a good hat and keep drinking lot of water as temperatures are hot and sultry.

Eat:- South Indian Meal, Dosa,

Purchase:- Brass Wares

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