Thursday, January 28, 2016

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kumbakonam Town in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Adi Kumbeswarar / Amutheswarar and Mother is called as Manthra Peeteswari / Mangalambikai / Mantra Peeta Nalathal. The temple is one of 12 Shiva temples connected with the Mahamaham festival, which takes place in Kumbakonam every 12 years.



The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This Temple is the 143rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 26th sthalam on south of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Lord Murugan of this Temple is praised by Saint Arunagirinathar in his revered Thirupugazh hymns.  This Temple is considered as one of the Saptha Sthana temples of Kumbakonam.



Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The temple is in existence from Chola times of the 9th century, and has been maintained by Nayaks during the 15-17th century. The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Thanjavur Nayaks of the 16th century. Govinda Dikshitar who was the Minister of Raja Achuthappa Nayakkar of Thanjavur, served as the Minister to three Nayaka rulers from 1515 – 1636.



He was in charge of renovating the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple with a new Raja Gopuram and consecration ceremony took place during the reign of Sevappa Nayakkar. There is an idol of Govinda Dikshitar and his wife Nagammal in the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The last consecration ceremony took place on 12.12.1999.



The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 05.30 AM to 12.30 PM and from 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM.
Worship Practices
For brief details, please refer below link;
Festivals
For brief details, please refer below link;
Religious Significance
For brief details, please refer below link;
Literary Mention
For brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
Those coming for the bath in Mahamagam tank bathe in Potramarai tank also. After their bath in the former tank, it is said that the Navakannikas bathed in this tank also. Hence, this is practiced. Kumbamuni Siddha is in the outer corridor of the temple. Devotees pray in Kumbamuni Siddha shrine for relief from the adverse aspects of planets.
Devotees pray to Mother Mangalambikai for distinction in education and seek wedding and child boons, for progress in trade and profession and prosperity. They worship mother with red flowers on Sundays in Aavani month-August-September. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord and Mother.
Contact
Kumbeswarar Temple (Thirukudamooku),
Kumbakonam, Thanjavur – 612 001
Phone: +91 435 242 0276
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;