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Kumbakonam, often known as the city of temples, in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, is home to fascinating temples. Kumbakonam was known as the Cambridge of South India during the British Raj because it was the epicentre of Hindu culture and European education. Kumbakonam is a wonderful spot for an exhilarating escape, with a plethora of impressive tourist attractions. Not only will the attractions to see in Kumbakonam keep you occupied for the entire day, but they will also ecstatically satisfy your inner travel enthusiast! Here are some famous Kumbakonam temples that you must visit on your trip:
Kumbakonam temples list
1. Kashi Viswanath Temple
Kashi Viswanath Temple is one of the famous temples in Kumbakonam. This temple is a significant Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva and is tied to the Mahamaham Festival. This temple, which is a superb example of Chola architecture, is said to hold the deities of all the Hindu river goddesses.
2. Nageswaran Temple
The Nageswaran temple, built in the shape of a chariot, is an important Shaivite temple. The temple is a fantastic example of Chola architectural prowess, as it was built in such a way that it only lets in sunlight during the months of March and April.
3. Airavatesvara Temple
The Airavatesvara Temple is one of the famous temples in Kumbakonam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Darasuram, Tamil Nadu. The Great Living Chola Temple is said to be Airavatesvara Temple, along with Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. It was built in the 12th century by king Rajaraja Chola II.
4. Adi Kumbeshwara Temple
Adi Kumbeshwara Temple, one of the grandest and oldest Shiva temples in the area, is thought to have been built by the Cholas in the 7th century A.D. The temple is built in Chola style, which is known for its beauty. It's devoted to Lord Shiva and has a one-of-a-kind Shiva lingam inside.
5. Sarangapani Temple
The Sarangapani Temple, an ancient temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, is located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. The lovely temple is situated on the banks of the River Kaveri and is visited by Lord Vishnu devotees from all over the world. The temple is a work of art in itself, with multiple tiers of beautifully carved and colourfully sculpted mythological statues and pictures, in addition to being a hallowed place of devotion.
6. Mahalingeswarar Temple
Just nine kilometres from Kumbakonam, Mahalingeswarar Temple (also known as Thiruvidaimarudur Temple) is a highly respected temple for the Hindu sect of Shaivism. It is located in the district of Tiruvidaimaruthur in Tamil Nadu. The reigning god is represented by his lingam, and the adored statue is known as Jothimayalingam. It is enshrined by the Hindu God Shiva, also known as Mahalingeswararswamy. The shrine is one of Shiva's seven principal temples, and this lingam is the focal point of Shiva's seven consorts.
7. Uppiliappan Temple
Uppiliappan Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in the village of Thirunageswaram, near Kozhikode. The temple, also known as Thiruvinnagar of Venkatachalapathy Temple, is built in the Dravidian style and enshrines Lord Vishnu. The shrine is the 60th of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu, according to the classic Tamil text Divya Prabandha. Lord Uppiliappan is the name given to Vishnu, whereas Bhumi Dev is the name given to his wife Lakshmi.
8. Ramaswamy Temple
Ramaswamy Temple is a prominent Hindu temple devoted to Lord Rama, one of Vishnu's 10 incarnations, and is located in Kumbakonam. Lord Rama is enshrined in the temple, where he sits in the sanctum in the coronation pose, flanked by the idols of his brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha, Chatruguna (in standing position), and Hanuman (in worshipping position).
9. Kalyanasundaresar Temple
Kalyanasundaresar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Nallur (also known as Thirunallur) on the outskirts of Kumbakonam. Lord Shiva's lingam, Kalyanasundaresar, enshrines the temple, while his wife Goddess Parvathy is depicted as Girisundari. This temple, like the other Saivite temples in the vicinity, is mentioned in the Tamil canonical text Tevaram. The sages Agastya and Amaraneethi Nayanar, both Tamil Shaiva saints, are linked to the temple's history.
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