Temple for Komatha Blessings-Vittala Rukmini Goshala, Govindapuram

Vittala Rukmini Goshala, Govindapuram

Govindapuram is located in Thanjavur District of  Tamil Nadu and lies near Kumbakonam. The Adhishtanam of Sri Bhagavannama Bodhendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the 58th Peetadhipathy (head) of Kanchi Mutt, is situated here. Govindapuram is situated on the Kumbakonam. Auduthurai highway and is 6 km from Kumbakonam.Kumbakonam Railway Station is the nearest major Railway Station.SRI BODHENDRA Saraswathi Swamigal, Thiruvisainallur Sri Sridhara Ayyaval and Marudhanallur Sathguruswamy are considered trinity of Dakshina Bharatha sampradaya Naama Sangeerthanam  Jagadguru Bodhendra Swamigal was born in Kancheepuram. Kancheepuram is one of the 7 moksha shethrams in India  After 100 years of his Samadhi, Maruthanallur Sadguru swamigal decided to find his Samadhi and build an Adhishtanam around it. He searched for the exact location in Govindapuram. He would tie his legs and crawl on the river bank as he did not want to accidentally touch the Samadhi on his feet. At one place he could hear Rama nama being chanted and he immediately found out that it was the location where Bodhendral had attained Samadhi. He then went to Maharashtrian king who was then ruling Thanjavore and with his help built the Adhishtanam there.

Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasranama Tat Thul-yam Rama Nama Varanane
(Phala Stuthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram)

It is only Rama Nama which is equal to a thousand names of Vishnu. Perhaps the above sloka indicates that chanting of Rama once is equal to 10 times chanting of Vishnu, chanting of Rama twice is equal to 100 times (10 x10) chanting of Vishnu and chanting of Rama thrice is equal to 1000 times (10 x 10 x10) chanting of Vishnu. Thus the effect of chanting Rama Nama gets multiplied in geometrical progression

SRI VITTAL RUKMINI SAMSTHAN- Govindapuram Temple -DAKSHINA PANDARIPURAM

With the divine grace of Sri Haridhos Giri Swamigal (Sri Guruji) and Paranur Mahathma Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal (Sri Sri Anna), Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan was established in the year 1998 by Brahmashri Vittaldas Jayakrishna Deekshithar. The main objective is to spread the Bhakthi cult through Namasankeerthanam, the easiest way to attain liberation in the age of Kali and to build an unique Maharashtrian style temple for Sri Pandurangan and Rukmini Devi. Govindapuram Kumbakonam is 20 Minutes Traval time.

       

The Vedas and Puranas recommend that human beings should respect the cow. GO’ which denotes cow in Sanskrit, play a very important place in Hindu Tradition. Go signifies many aspects. She is identified with Goddess Lakshmi We use her milk and its products extensively in our cooking. Protection of Cows is the most important principle towards saving the world from both moral and spiritual degradation. Protection and adoption of cow should be a most important activities of human beings.

‘"Go" means Cow and "Shala" means a Shelter Place

                                   

On May 9, 1907 Sri Maha Periyavaa (Jagadguru Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal) "Pattabishekam" as the 68th Peetathipathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam was performed at the Kumbakonam Math. Maha Periyavaal was the head of the Mutt for eighty-seven years. During this period, the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam acquired new strength. He attained Mukti (died) on January 8, 1994 at the age of 100 .  Mahaperiyava Thapovanam have come up and endless bhakthas are blessed to receive the spiritual gain throughout the year in the  Govindapuram  spiritual village. Here 67 Bana Lingam (67 Acharya)  Prathista was done at Sri Sri Sri Maha periyavaa Thapovanam Govindapuram.

     

Sri Muralidhara swamiji believes that Nama Sangeerthanam  (singing the name of the Lord) is the easiest way to perform Bhakthi  and attain liberation in this Kali Yuga.. So, He built a Place which is called Chaithanya Kudeeram near Govindapuram Bodhendral Adhishtanam as a memory of Puri Jaganth Temple which is the temple to prove the greatness of Sri Bothendral Rama Bhakthi.

                                                     

Journey Tips  : Govindapuram is located at a distance of  10 Kms from Kumbakonam in the Bus Route of Kumbaknam to Mailaduthurai.  Better to stay in Kumbakonam and visit Govindapuram is advisable. Because from Kumbakonam   to Govindapuram is only 20 Minutes Journey and 45 Minutes Journey from Mailaduthurai. Sri Bodendral Mutt, Sri Vittal Rukmini Temple, Sri Maha Periyaval Tapovanam are important places.

A "Varuna Japa"   seeking rains will be held at Govindapuram Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (24 , 25 , 26 – 05 – 2013) morning 7 A.M. to 12 Noon with farmers.

TEMPLE TIMING

PATHA SEVAI (TEMPLE)

Moring  : 8.00 AM-11 AM
Evening : 4.30 PM – 8 PM

GOSHALA DARSHAN (COW)

Moring  : 8.00 AM-11.30 AM
Evening : 4.30 PM – 7.30 PM

Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan
Dakshina Pandaripuram  Govindapuram
Kumbakonam
Tanjore District - 612 101
Tamil Nadu, India
Phone: 0435-2472300, 09345154953

GOKULASHTAMI FESTIVAL FROM 04.08.201\2 TO12.08.2012 at Vittal Rukmini Temple

Temple for liberation from all sufferings and pain - Mahalingaswami Koil Thiruvidaimaruthur

                                          Mahalingaswami Koil Thiruvidaimaruthur Kumbakonam

Mahalingaswamy Temple at Thiruvidaimarudhur near Kumbakonam is one of the three Shiva temples having Marudha tree as its sthala vruksham. Thiruvidaimarudhur is 8 kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam Mayiladuthurai Road.The other two are Sri Sailam (Andhra) and Thiruppudaimarudur, Ambasamudram. As this is located between the two it is known as Thiruvidaimarudhur (Thiru + Idai + marudhur); thiru, Idai and Marudhur meaning Sacred, middle and place where Marudha tree is the sthala vruksham. The presiding deity in this temple is Mahalingeswarar. His consort is Brihathsundarakujambigai or Nanmulainayaki. Some consider this temple equivalent to Kasi. The pooja is first performed to Mahalingaswamy in this temple and only then to Vinayakar. This is a huge temple with three praharams (circumambulatory paths). They are ashvamedha praharam, kodumudi praharam and pranava praharam. Ashvamedha praharam is the outermost praharam and circumambulation of this Praharam equals the benefit of performing an Ashvamedha Yagnam. Benefits include; relief from illness caused due to seivinai (evil spirits). Kodumudi Praharam is the middle one, and circumambulation of this Praharam is equivalent to circumambulation of Mount Kailash which is the primary abode of Lord Shiva. The innermost praharam is the Pranava Praharam or Omkara Praharam. Circumambulation of this Praharam will result in Moksham (liberation from all sufferings and pain).

Mahalingeswarar here is the main deity of the Parivara sthalams. Parivara Sthalams are a group of temples which together form a much larger temple. The Presiding deity of such a huge temple is Mahalingeswarar at Thiruvidamarudhur. The Group of temples which form this large temple is as follows: 

• Mahalingeswarar at Thiruvidaimarudhur
• Vinayakar at Thiruvalanchuzhi 
• Murugan at Swamimalai
• Ambal at Thirukkadaiyur 
• Dakshinamurthy at Alangudi
• Navagraha Sannidhi at Suryanar Koil 
• Saneeswaran at Thirunallar
• Durgai at Patteeswaram
• Chandikeswarar at Sengalur 
• Bhairavar at Sirkali  
• Natarajar at Chidambaram  
• Somaskandar at Tiruvarur
• Nandikeswarar at Tiruvavaduturai  

There are four other main Lingams viz Viswanathar, Rishipureeswarar, Aatmanathar and Chokkanathar around the Presiding Deity. Since there are five Lingams, this place is a Panchalinga sthalam. Apart from these five Lingams there are also Lingams dedicated to each of the 27 nakshatrams (Birth Stars). All these 27 birth stars installed a Lingam each and worshipped Lord Shiva here. This is the temple for performing parihara pooja (remedial pooja) for the malefic effects of the Birth stars.

This temple is closely connected to the life of a Pandya King by name Varaguna Pandyan. Once when Varaguna Pandyan was returning from a hunting expedition, his horse accidentally trampled upon and killed a Brahmin. Since he was the cause of the death of a Brahmin he was afflicted with Brahmahatti Dosham (Sin due to murder of Brahmin). As a result, he was constantly haunted by the Brahmin’s ghost. The King prayed to Somasundarar at Madurai seeking relief from this sin. Lord Somasundarar appeared in the King’s dream and directed him to pray Him at Thiruvidaimarudhur for relief. Thiruvidaimarudhur was under Chola rule and they were bitter enemies of the Pandyas. There was a war between the two in which the Cholas were defeated. The King then visited the temple at Thiruvidaimarudhur as per the Divine guidance and prayed to Lord Mahalingeswarar. He entered the temple through the Eastern entrance and the Brahmahatti and the ghost could not enter the temple and waited outside the temple for the King to return. As advised by Mahalingaswamy, the King left by the Western Gopuram (Tower) and hence got rid of the Brahmatti dosham and the Brahmin’s ghost. Even today, devotees use different gopurams to enter and exit the temple premises. 

The Shiva Lingam here is a swayambhu (self manifested) Lingam. In the process of teaching and demonstrating the Worship procedures to the Seven Great Sages, Lord Shiva is believed to have worshipped himself here. Lord Shiva blessed Markandeyan by appearing before him in the form of Ardhanareeswarar. There is a shrine for Mookambiga in this temple which is to the south of the Goddess’ shrine. Apart from Thiruvidaimarudhur the only other place in India to have a shrine for Mookambiga is Kollur in Karnataka.

Temple for Guru (Jupiter) -Guru Bagavan Temple Alangudi

                                                       Guru Bagavan Temple Alangudi 

Alangudi is the divine place, where Lord Guru can be propitiated in the form of Sri Dakshinamurthy. This sacred shrine of Jupiter is renowned for its tri-glories, i.e. Moorthy (The Presiding Deity), sthalam (Place of divinity) and theertham (The Holy Water). Lakhs of people throng his place, particularly on the day of Jupiter’s transit to the next sign., to solicit Jupiter’s protection from afflictions. Lord Jupiter’s benign look (Drishti) can shower a lot of blessings from him. He is Deva guru. He is also known as Brihaspathi, due to his excellence in education and fine arts, possessing supreme intelligence.

About Alangudi
Alangudi is the holy abode of Jupiter and a divine place where one could propitiate Jupiter. Lord Shiva is manifested here in the form of Lord Guru. Sri Dakshinamurthy is to be worshipped as he is worshipped, as Guru Bhagwan here. Alangudi is renowned for its 'triglories’ i.e Moorthy (The Presiding Deity), Sthalam (Place of divinity) and Theertham (The Holy Water).

Temple History
274 Sthalams of erstwhile Chola Country have been sung in Devaram and Alangudi is one among the 127 Sthalams, situated on the southern banks of Cauvery river. Sage Sukha, Rishi Viswamithra, Sage Agastya, Adisankara and several other hoy men have worshipped at this shrine. The Lord of this Sthalam is Swayumbhu (Natural origination of the idiol). Hence, the period of this temple could not be fixed accurately. The temple is existing from ancient times.

This temple was believed to be constructed by an ardent of Lord Shiva. 'Amuthokar’, the minister of the King Masukuntha Chakravarti. He was beheaded by the Chakravarti, as he refused to give half of his Punya, (merit) to the King. On his death, the sthalam reverberated with the sound 'Amuthokar’. The King got frightened at this constant diabolic echo, realizes his mistake and worshipped the Lord Abadsahayeswarar with ardent devotion. Then, he was relieved from all Doshas.

Alangudi is a tiny village in Thiruvarur Dt. of Tamil Nadu. It is 7 Kms South of Needamangalam Railway station and 17 Kms South of Kumbakonam, on the road that leads to maanargudi. Kasi Arranyam, Thiru Erumpoolai and Alangudi are the names by which this holy place is known. The Divine poet, Thirugnanasambandar has blessed this Sthalam as beautiful place filled with flowers.

Sthala Viruksha
Poolai Shrub is the holy tree of this Sthalam and it is an object of worship here.

Theertham
Alangudi is surrounded by three holy rivers. They are Cauvery, Kolidam and Vennaru. Fifteen theerthams are around this temple, among which the Amrita Pushkarani encircling the temple is very famous. Chakra theertham is in front of the temple. It is said that this theertham, was created by Maha Vishnu’s Chakra (Disc).

Miracles:
Once a Chola Raja, who ruled over Thiruvarur, was fascinated by the idol of Sundaramurthy at Alangudi and desired to have it installed at Thiruvarur for worship. On learning this, temple priest at Alangudi become panic stricken. He disguised the idol as a child affected with chicken-pox, hid it inside a swing and brought it back safely to Alangudi. The traces of Chicken-pox can still be seen on this image. What a miracle! It reinforces our Spiritual faith in the Almighty even in this Kali yunga!

Temple for Moon - Chandran Temple Thingalur

                                                     Chandran Temple Thingalur 

Thingalur temple is dedicated to Moon (Chandra). Thingalur is on the way from Thiruvaiyaru to Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District of Tamilnadu State, India. It is around 25 Kms away from Thanjavur in the North direction. Thingalur means land (Oor) of Moon (Thingal). Thingalur is the sthalam for Chandran. Thingal in Tamil means Chandran and hence the name Thingalur. The presiding deity is Kailasanathar and his consort is Periyanayakiamman.

When Lord Vishnu was distributing the Amrutham amongst the devas, at the behest of Sukracharya, one of the asuras in the guise of a deva consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran noticed this and complained to Lord Vishnu.  An angry Vishnu used his chakrayudham (discus) to cut the asura into two and threw them away. The head joined with a snake’s body to become Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion kept growing because the asura had consumed Amrutham.  This later joined with the head of a snake and became Kethu Bhagavan.  Now, Rahu and Kethu did not forgive Suryan and Chandran.  Rahu went after Chandran and started consuming him.  It is here that Chandran prayed to Lord Siva and got his blessings. Shiva blessed Chandran with the power to grow back to full size in 15 days after being consumed by Rahu.  That is why we have the waxing and waning moon.  Shiva also blessed Chandran by adorning Chandran on his forehead so that anyone who prays Shiva will have to pray Chandran.

There is also another interesting story pertaining to the waxing and waning periods of Chandran, which goes thus.  King Dakshan gave all his 27 daughters in marriage to Chandran. Those 27 wives of  Chandran are the 27 stars in Tamil Calendar. As Chandran’s favourite was Rohini and he spent most of his time with her, the others complained about this to their father. King Dakshan asked Chandran to treat all of them equally, which Chandran refused.  An angry Dakshan, cursed Chandran that all his beauty and brightness will disappear slowly everyday. A worried Chandran, on the advice of Lord Brahma, then performed penance on Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him and adorned his forehead with the crescent-shaped Chandran. Shiva then came to be known as Chandrasekaran also.  He blessed Chandran to regain his beauty and brightness slowly day by day.  This waxing period of the moon is called Sukla Paksham or Valarpirai.  Chandran gets back all his beauty and attains full brightness on Full moon day or pournami.  From Pournami to the full moon day he again starts loosing his beauty and brightness till the New moon day or Ammavasai.  This waning period of the moon is called Krishna Paksham or Theipirai.

There is another legend of Apputhi Adigal, an ardent follower of Thirunavukkarasar.  Apputhi Adigal was born in Thingalur. He indulged in lot of charity and social work in his village, all in the name of Thirunavukkarasar, whom he had not even seen. Thirunavukkarasar heard about Apputhi Adigal and visited the village.  Thirunavukkarasar accepted the invitation of Apputhi Adigal to have lunch at his place. Apputhi Adigal’s son died when he had gone to fetch a plantain leaf. Apputhi Adigal, going by the saying “Athithi devo bhava” put his personal sorrow behind and served food to his mentor.  Thirunavukkarasar came to know about the young boy’s death and carried the corpse to Kailasanathar temple in Thingalur.  Here he implored to Lord Shiva and brought him back to life.

Pooja

Chandra Dosham causes concern in mother’s health, mental imbalance, skin and nervous disorder & jaundice.  Chandran blesses his devotees who pray here with wealth, mother’s well being, wife’s happiness, prosperity, marriage and offspring.  Mondays are special days for Chandran.  Offering of raw rice pudding mixed with jaggery, white flowers (White Arali) and white clothing are made to Chandran here.

Recite the following mantras facing North West

Chandra Moola Mantram: Aum sram srim sraum sah chandraya namah.

Chandra Gayatri: om nisakaraya vidmahae kala nadhaya dheemahi tanno chandra: prachodayaath

Who are affected by seven and a half year Saturn will be relieved - Chakrapani Temple

                                                        Chakrapani Temple Kumbakonam

The Temple is the solitary temple for Sri Chakrapaniswami in the subcontinent of India. This temple is situated on the Southern Bank of the Cauvery in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District.Tamil Nadu. This is located 2 Kms, away towards North West from the Kumbakonam Railway Station.  

The Sacred Sri Chakra was aimed at Jalandarasura by this swami and after killing him it emanated from the earth and settled on the banks of the Sacred Cauvery. Lord Brahma established this in this new place and began to workship it. As its brightness was thousand times better then the Sun.

So he became jealous of the vishnu Chakra and increased his brightness more than that of the Sri Chakra to suppress his pride, the chakra drew its brightness to its self and taught him a lesson. Then the sun realized his folly and surrendered to its holy feet. On this holy placeSri Chakrapani Swamy came out of shri Chakra and gave Dharsan to the sun. Having been blessed by Sri Chakrapani Swami, the sun built a temple for this Lord and requested Him to give him a boon that this holy city of Kumbakonam should be named after him as the "BASKARA KSHETHRA". It was granted. The Baskara Kshetra became a renowned Pranthana Stala offering benefits to so many who worship Sri Chakrapani Swami. The Sun God is supposed to be the head of all the planets (Nava Grahas). He surrendered completely to the main deity of this temple. So if any one worships Sri Chakrapani Swami, all the Doshas due to nine planets (Nava Grahas) will vanish.

Those who are affected by seven and a half year Saturn, Ashtama sani, Ragu dosha, Ragu buddhi, Kethu dosha etc., will be relieved of the dosha on coming to this kshetra and praying to this Lord. Those who do pradhakshna of this temple will get all they desire. The unmarried will get married soon and beget good children. The flowers and leaves Viz. Thulasi, Kumkum, Vilvam, Vanni, Chemparuthi, Arali are offered to this Lord as the holy gods Surya, Agni, Brahma and the sages Markandeya and Ahirbudhanya Maharishi did archana with the above said flowers and leaves. Prarthanas of the devotees are fulfilled by doing Sudarsana Homam at this sacred shrine.

In the north side of this temple there is one tank named Amirtha Pushkarani. The Ganges is Holier than the river Yamuna. One Brahmin named Surya Bandu taking the asthikalasa of his father along with his disciple came to Kumbakonam on his way to mix the ashes of his father in the holy Ganges. He placed the kalasa on the banks of the Holy Chakrapadithurai and did his Sandyavadana in the Holy Cauvery. The disciple was hungry and he opened the kalasa to know if it contained some eatables. Then to his wonder he saw the red lotus flowers and so closed it. They reached Kasi. There the Brahmin opened the kalasa and saw the bones & ashes. At that time his disciple told him when had happened in Kumbakonam. So he returned to Kumbakonam. He opened the pot and mixed the ashes in the water of the holy Chakra Theertha. It is told that his father had informed him to mix the ashes in such a tank where they turned to be lotus flowers. A dip in this holy tank is a blessing on the day of the Thula month of Tamil year. The Sthala Purana has spoken very high of this Thula masa dip and giving 'Dana’ to the deserving.

God of Bow & Arrow-Bana Pureeswarar Temple

                                                      Bana Pureeswarar Temple Kumbakonam

During the Pralaya the Puranakumbam (amirtham in a pot-bowl of nectar) moved from Mahameru to south direction and reached Kumbakonam, Shiva in the form of Kirathamurthy (as hunter) aimed the Puranakumbam with the bow and arrow( banam in Sanskrit language) and breaked it, the bowl split and the Amirtham got stagnated in two places at Portramaraikulam (golden Lotus pond) and Mahamahamkulam.

A Shiva Lingam formed at the place where Kirathamurthy aimed the Amithrakudam. Since the lord used the arrow (Banam) the deity lingam is called Banabureeswarar.The nectar spilled over, creating a pool, and the broken pot took the form of a Shiva lingam. Since the lingam originated from a pot (Kumbham), and was the fist form taken at the beginning of creation, this lingam came to be known as Adi Kumbheswarar and this place is known as Kumbakonam (Kumbham = pot, and Konam = crooked, for the pot broke crookedly). The pool formed by the nectar is the holy Mahamagham tank, where, it is believed, the nine holy rivers come to take a bath and purify themselves once every 12 years. This is celebrated on a grand scale, and thousands and thousands of devotees arrive here to have a dip in this sacred pond on that day.

Kumbakonam has an amazing number of temples, most of them huge. On almost every road, you come across at least a couple of them. It is not surprising, for there are a number of temples connected to the legend of the pot of nectar, and there are others which are related to the visions and experiences of the large number of holy men who came to this holy city in their quest for knowledge or liberation.

There are six major Shiva temples in Kumbakonam, all related to the pot of nectar shattered by Shiva as Kiratamurthy. 

For Normal Delivery-Akhilandeshwari Temple Karuvalarcheri

                                          Akhilandeshwari Temple Karuvalarcheri Kumbakonam

This temple is devoted to Mother Akhilandeshwari in Karuvalarcheri. From conception to birth, this Goddess is the giver and protector of life. For those who want to have children and those who are worried about the birthing process, this is an important temple, just like the famous Garbharakshambika temple.

 Maha Guru Agasthiar and his consort Mother Lopamudra Devi (Lobha Matha) offer worship here on Maha Shivratri and Navratri days. Karuvalarcheri is home to one of the most important temples of the Agasthiar Siddha Lineage – the Agasthiar Guru Padhuka Shakti Temple of Mother Sri Akilandeswari and Lord Agastheesvara Shiva. Adjacent to this temple is the temple of Lord Sri Lakshmi Narayana, making Karuvalarcheri a wonderful Siva-Vishnu sacred spot.

Mother Sri Akilandeswari here is known as Karu Valarkkum Nayagi – the Goddess who blesses the foetus with growth. In other words, the Universal Mother in this temple gives the blessing of development to the foetus. Thus this temple complements the famous temple of Garbha Rakshambika which is some miles from here. Mother GarbhaRakshambika is Karu Kaakkum Nayaki – the Goddess who protects the foetus. The Universal Mother in that temple gives the blessing of protection to the foetus. Thus pregnant women get the blessing of growth at one sacred spot and the blessing of protection at the other.

Meditate on these two specific blessings that these two sacred spots give to expectant mothers. Just thinking about this, one should bow down in gratitude to the Universal Mother’s compassion for us and Her meticulous attention to our varied needs.

Things To Buy:

1) Ghee

2) Beetlenut and leaves(vetrilai paaku)

3) Turmeric

4) Kumkum

5) 7 turmeric pods

6) Agarbatti

7) Camphor

8 )Flowers.

Procedure :

It is suyambhu i.e formed by its own.and it is in the form of puttu, so is very powerful.Those who want children go to this temple and clean the steps with ghee and put a kolam and she helps them to form the baby.There is no abhishekam for amman only oil bath.Also this amman only face will be shown to the devotees.We can have the darshan of the full amman only on Sivarathri and Navarathri 9 days.All archana is done only to the moola sri chakra maha meru and sri chakram.

Steps To Follow in Karuvalarcheri Temple:

Devotee needs to bring 7 Vangala Manjal(Bengali Manjal) and a lemon for the padi pooja. The pooja procedures will be explained in details by the temple authorities.

Famous Hindu festival of Mahamaham-Adhi Kumbeswarar Temple Kumbakonam

                                              Adhi Kumbeswarar Temple Kumbakonam

The Kumbheswara temple in Kumbakonam is considered to be the 26th in the series of Thevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. This temple is situated at the center of the town which is 38 km north east of the neighbouring big town Thanjavur and 35 km. west of Mayiladuturai.

During the great deluge, it is believed that Shiva caused the Amritakalasam  to stall here. This shrine is said to  have been established built and consecrated by Bhrama. Amirthakalasam - The pot holding the divine nectar. The Saivaite Saint Tirugnana Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar  praised this kshetra as Kudamookku and among the Alwars Periyalwar, Sri Andal  and  Tirumalisai Alwar called this as Kudanthai while Boodhathazhwar, called this  as Kudamukku.

As Arunagirinathar points  out this kshetra as Kumbakonam, we can safely conclude that kudamukku turned into kumbakonam during the intervening period of the Azhwars and  Arunagirinathar.

The Temple

Kumbeswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the center of the Tamilnadu town Kumbakonam, India. The famous Hindu festival of Mahamaham is associated with this temple.

The huge temple with built over an area of 30187 sq ft is reported to be more than 1300 years old. This temple covering an area of about 4 acres in the heart of the temple town of Kumbakonam.

The Raja Gopuram at the east rises to the lofty height of 128' with nine  terraces, a symbol of grandeur and splendour of the deities as also the  majesty, immensity and all pervasiveness of the universal consciousness. In the northern and western sides there are  small Gopurams and the Mottai Gopuram at the South. Four prakarams line this temple and are lined with local shops, that it is hard to visualize the spread of the temple by looking at its entrance.

At the  eastern end of the first circumambulatory path of the Mulavar shrine in the Southern  side there abide the sixty three saivaite saints. In the northern part there  are Bhairava, Kalabhirava, Jvarahareswara, Chasta, Sivalingam, Govinda  Dikshitar and his consort Nagammal and ChandraSurya. In the South there are the  Big Four of Saivism, 63 Nanmars, Sapta Kannikas. In the west there are  Vinayaka, Bhikshatana, Subramanya Kartikeya Shrines and continuing there are Tejo  Linga, Akshaya Linga, Kotilinga, as also Annapurani, Gajalakshmi, Mahalakshmi,  Saraswati. At the center of the northern circumambulatory path there is Navaneetha  Vinayaka and to the west is the chamber of rest and respite of the Lord and Sri  Ambal and to the east abides Sri Kirathamurti holding the bow and arrow facing  south in the standing posture. He is the principal Deity of this temple.

The  centre of attraction at the inner circumambulatory path is the shrine of the  Mulavar at the Sanctum sanctorum. The Mulavar Sri Parameswara in the self -  originated linga form abides in all splendour and grace facing east. At the  entrance of the Arthamandapa the sentinels - Dhwarapalakas - Chandi and Mundi  stand in vigil on either side. At the Mandapa - Swami Mandapa - western to this  and in its southern side there is Aarukula Ganapati. At the centre of the  mandapa there abides the Nandi followed by the sacrificial altar and behind  this is Nandi made of brass, all facing Sanctum sanctorum. Passing through the  southern gate of Mahamandapa we have the statue of Soma Skanda facing east.

Western  to the Sabhamandapa in the souththere is SabhaVinayaka and at the entrance  towards Mahamandapa there are sentinels on either side and continuing we have  NandiDeva and Kasiviswanatha. Northern to this mandapa Lord Nataraja abides in  all glory and grandeur persecuting the cosmic dances.

At the  Navaratri Mandapa situated inside the second circumambulatory path -  Mahamandapa - Nandi abides facing the Mulavar and behind it there is the  sacrificial alter. Southwest to Nandi there abides Vallabha Vinayaka and at the  northwest there is Shanmukha with six faces and twelve hands. Northern to Nandi  abides Navagraha shrine.

Southeast  to second circumambulatory path is situated the temple kitchen and at the Northeast  the Yagasala. Southern to the Yagasala there abides Lakshmi Narayana Perumal and eastern to this there is the flag mast of the temple.

At the  outer circumambulatory path in the southwest, Kumbha Muni Siddha abides in meditation,  upon the Gopura in bas - relief. Vinayaka of this shrine is called Adi  Vinayaka, in the northwestern end there is Adhi Linga shrine facing east. To the  east of this circumambulatory path at the gateway of Kailasagopura are Mutra  Vinayaka to the left and Balan Dandayuthapani to the right. Northwest to the  Rajagopuram there is Mangalakupa a well and adjacent to it is the elephant shed  and the Tirukkalyanamandapam. Southern to the Rajagopuram is the flower garden  west wards to the flower - bower abides the Vannimara Vinayaka shrie facing  east.

The Navaratri mandapam bears a carvings of the 12 zodiac signs and the 27 asterisms. This temple also houses two nadaswarams made of stone. Many images in this temple deserve mention, especially those of Kiratamurthy and Subramanyar. The Kalyana Mandapam hall in the temple, is the seat of the Tirukkalyana Utsavam. 

Kumbeswarar is represented as a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth - said to have been made by Shiva in the guise of a hunter - Kiratamurthy. Shiva is also known as Amudha Kumbhesar and Amudheesar. The Kumbariya Vinayakar shrine is situated near the tank, while Aadi Vinayakar is worshipped in the temple. Moorka Nayanaar is one of the 63 Nayanars associated with this temple.

The Saptastanams of Kumbeswarar are Kalayanallur, Valanjuzhi, Darasuram, Swamimalai, Kottiayur, Melaikkaveri and Kumbakonam.

Festivals

Six worship services are offered each day here. The annual festival in the month of Masi (February 15 to march 15) is well attended. The Mahamaham tank is the center of great festivity once every 12 years - when Jupiter is positioned in the zodiac sign of Leo, and the sun is positioned in Aquarius and the moon is in the asterism of Magam - when Kumbeswarar is taken in procession there. Thousands of pilgrims converge for a dip in the Mahamagam tank during that time. Several other minor      festivals are celebrated each month here.

During Vaikasi the Thirukkalyana Utsava of Sri Mangalambhigai with Sri  Adi Kumbheswara is celebrated. Moreover festivals of different months  are celebrated on a grand scale, namely Ani Tirumanjanam, Dakshinayana,  Adi Perukku, Adi pooram, Avani Mulam, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navaratri,  Kandashasthi, Kadaimukham, Kartigai Somavaram, Kartigai Deepam, Tiru  Adirai, Mahaditi padam, Sankranti, Sivaratri, and Amudhu Padayal.

For financial stability and good luck-Yoganandeswarar Temple Thiruvisanallur

                                Yoganandeswarar Temple Thiruvisanallur Kumbakonam

Yoganandeswarar Temple at Thiruvisanallur is a very ancient temple.  The presiding deity of this temple, Yoganandeswarar is also known as Sivayoginathar. Eight Shiva yogis after severe penance on Lord Shiva, merged with the Lingam and hence the name Sivayoginathar.   This place was a vilva forest at one time and hence He is also called Vilvaranyeswarar. He is also known as Puradhaneswarar.  His consort here is known as Soundaryanayaki or Shantha Nayaki.  The sthala vriksham is Arasa maram and the Theertham Jatayu Theertham.Chatur Kala Bhairavar is famous here. The four Bhairavars with Saneeswara Bhagawan and Sivalingam on their sides denote different periods of life and praying here will solve our problems for our entire lifespan.The four Bhairavars, (Chatur Kala Bhairavars) each representing the four phases or four Ashramas in the lifespan of a human being are as follows:Gnana Bhairavar :The Brahmacharya phase of the human life is dominated by his quest for knowledge. Gnana Bhairavar bestows good education and good employment on his devotees.Swarna akarshana Bhairavar:In the Grahasta phase, Swarna akarshana Bhairavar blesses his devotees with excellent growth in career and material gains.Unmattha Bhairavar:In the Vanaprastha phase, His devotees are blessed with good health, financial stability and good luck.

Yoga Bhairavar:

In the Sanyasa stage of life, a man is supposed to be totally devoted to God. By praying to Yoga Bhairavar and the Kailash Lingam beside the Yoga Bhairavar, man attains salvation. The objective of existence is to try to merge the jivatma with the paramatma. This is known as moksham or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The four ashrams prepare a person to undertake the process in a controlled but directed manner.
Devotees who worship Chatur Kala Bhairavar during the 8th day of the waxing period (ashtami of Sukla paksham or valarpirai) gain in prosperity and advancement in business and career. Devotees worship during the 8th day of the waning period (ashtami of Krishna paksham or theipirai) to get cured of their diseases, peaceful family life, protection from evil spirits and envy.

Lighting oil lamps with black pepper on eight consecutive Sundays during Rahu kalam 4.30PM to 6.00 PM at Bhairavar’s sannidhi results in getting back lost property and wealth. Kala Bhairava Gayatri Mantra Om Kaalakaalaaya vidhmahey Kaalaatheethaaya dheemahi Thanno Kaala Bhairava Prachodhayaath.Once a man who was a habitual sinner was about to be taken away by Yama.  This man had only indulged in evil deeds and had not not anything good to anybody all his life.  This man came running into the temple to escape from Yama and was shouting and pleading to Lord Shiva to save him.  Nandi trained his ears towards the entrance of the temple to hear the cry of the man and informed Lord Shiva about the same.  Though, this man was a habitual sinner, Lord Shiva blessed him with papa vimochanam (absolution of sin) and Mukthi because he had come to Shiva with total devotion.  It is to be noted that you can see the idol of Nandi with its head turning to a side. It is believed that those who pray to Him here during the Pradosham (Twilight period in the evening on the 13th day of every Lunar fortnight) will be absolved of all their past sins.

There is also a sannadhi for Lakshmi and Narayanan which is a rare.  Vishnu and Lakshmi are supposed to have got the blessing of Shiva here for their marriage.  Worshiping Lakshmi Narayanan on shravan nakshatra, ekadasi and Saturdays is considered special.  Devotees who light 6 oil lamps and offer Tulasi garland to this deity for six consecutive weeks are blessed with progeny, peaceful family life, removal of obstacles in marriage and general prosperity.

There is a Sun Dial in the periphery wall of this temple opposite to Ambal’s Sannidhi, which is a symbol of the scientific advancement during the Chola period.  This is the temple for Rishabha Rasi.  People born under Rishabha rasi are recommended to visit and pray at this temple regularly.

Sridhara Ayyavals ashram is in this village.  There are few miracles about his life. Devas and Pithrus are believed to have partaken in a meal when he conducted Shraddham for his father, although the local Brahmins refused to attend.

Once on a New Moon day, he brought Ganges to the well in his house for purification.  He is also credited with restoring life to a young man, out of compassion for his parents.

Sridhara Ayyaval is reported to have vanished after entering the Sanctum Sanctorum of Madhyarjuna Siva temple at Thiruvidaimaruthur. From Thiruvidaimarudhur this is at a distance of about 6 kms across the Cauvery.  Thiruvisanallur is on the Suryanar - Thirumangalakudi - Swamimalai Road.