Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is a city and district located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and delicious cuisine. The city is home to several historic temples including the Sarangapani Temple, the Rajarajeshwam Temple, and the Gurumukhameswar Temple. Kumbakonam is also famous for its handicrafts, including silk and bronze ware. The city has a vibrant local market selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, spices, and other items.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the few temples in Asia that is known for its grandeur and architecture, drawing visitors from all corners of the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple boasts several important structures and features, including the gopuram (main entrance), the ardhamandapam (inner court), and the outer courtyard. Visitors can also explore the temple's vast collections of intricate carvings and sculptures, as well as its tranquil gardens and ponds.

1.Arulmigu Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Location:   map.             

Timing: 6 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 9 PM                          

How to reach: To reach the Arulmigu Kasi Viswanathar Temple from Kumbakonam Railway Station, you can take an auto rickshaw or taxi from the station. The temple is approximately 8.5 kilometers from the station and should take around 16-18 minutes to reach by vehicle.

website: https://hrce.tn.gov.in/hrcehome/index_temple.php?tid=18364

The Arulmigu Kumbeswarar Swamy Temple in Kumbakonam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest and largest Shiva temples in South India, and is considered to be one of the 108 "Paadalai Arupadai Vakkalai" temples that are believed to be the abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its intricate carvings, stunning architecture and historical significance. It is located on the banks of the Mahamakam Tank, in the center of Kumbakonam city.

2.Arulmigu Kumbeswarar Temple

Location:   map.             

Timing: 6 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 9 PM                          

How to reach: Arulmigu Kumbeswarar Temple is located in the heart of Kumbakonam and is easily accessible by taxi or bus from the railway station. Taxis are readily available outside the station and can be hired directly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the station to reach the temple. The temple is about 2 kilometers away from the station, and the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes by taxi or bus

website:https://hrce.tn.gov.in/hrcehome/index_temple.php?tid=2589

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.

3.Nageswaran Temple

Location:   map.             

Timing: 6 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 9 PM                          

How to reach:  Reaching the Nageshwaran Temple from Kumbhakonam Railway Station can be done in approximately 20 minutes by taxi or private auto. The temple is located about 1..5km away from the railway station. Alternatively, you can also take the city bus service from the railway station, which takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the temple. The bus stop near the temple is called "Nageshwar Temple Bus Stand".

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.

4.Chakrapani Temple

Location:   map.             

Timing: 6 AM – 12 noon and 4 PM – 8 PM                          

How to reach:  The Arulmigu Chakrapani Swami Temple is located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. To reach the temple from the Kumbakonam railway station, you can take a taxi or bus from the station. Alternatively, you can also take a rickshaw or cab from the station. The temple is approximately 2.75 km from the railway station and usually takes around 20-30 minutes to reach by road.

This temple is one of the religious sites that are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II. The deity’s consort, Periya Nayaki Amman, has her temple situated near this temple. It is known as a storehouse of art and architecture with a vimana of 85 feet high and front mandapam of a huge chariot and some exquisite stone carvings.
As per legend, Airavata, the white elephant of Indra and King of Death, Yama, worshipped Lord Siva in this temple

5.Airavathesvara Temple

Location:   map.             

Timing: 6 AM - 7 PM                          

How to reach: To reach the temple from Kumbakonam Railwaysation, you can use a taxicab or take a local train from Kumbakonam Junction to Thiruvidaimarudur Junction. From there, you can take a walk or take an auto-rickshaw to the temple. The temple is open daily from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM. It is known for its unique architecture, incredible artistry, and spiritual significance.

Uppiliappan Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, and is considered to be one of the largest and most popular temples in the region. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, peaceful surroundings, and historic significance. It is said to have been founded by Saint Arunachala Swamy in the 10th century, and has since become a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Murugan. Visitors to the temple can expect to see a variety of holy artifacts, including the famous golden chariot of Lord Murugan, as well as numerous statues

6.Uppiliappan Temple

Location:   map.             

Timings: 6 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM

How to reach: To reach the temple from the Kumbakonam Junction, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the junction. The distance from the junction to the temple is approximately 5.9 kilometers, and the journey normally takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

The Shiva Lingam here is a swayambhu (self-manifested) and therefore a large number of devotees can be seen here all year round. Shiva appeared in the form of a flame to please Agastya and other sages who were performing penance; hence the deity is named as Jyothirmaya Mahalingam. The Ambal Shrine is one of the Sakthi Peetams and is on the right side of the main shrine. There are 5 tanks and 27 other water bodies that are associated with the temple, which is one of the most interesting religious sites.

7.Mahalingaswamy Temple

Location:   map.             

Timings: 6 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM

How to reach: To reach the Mahalingaswamy Temple from Kumbakonam Junction, you can take a taxi or a local bus that operate 9 km towards thirubuvanam. Alternatively, you can also hire a private car for a more comfortable and personalized journey. traveled for about an hour.