Temples of Kumbakonam

By Sanjeev Nayyar Sanjeev@esamskriti.com | 2003

59507 Views
  • 1
  • /
  • 1

Kumbakonam is a city full of temples. This is the entrance to the Sri Nagnathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaran. Called Sri Raghu abode it is about 30 minutes drive from Kumbakonam.

The Temple Tank known as Mahamagam Tank is 12 Acres in area and has well-laid out steps on all the four sides. In the centre of the tank, there are 9 wells in which the Holy Rivers converge. On the four banks of the Tank, there are 16 Sannathis for 16 Mahalinga Swamis, known as Shodasa Lingas. (These 16 temples are said to have been built by one Sri Govinda Deekshitar, who was the Chief Minister for the King, Achuthappa Naicker around 1545 A.D. The King gave him gold by his weight, with which he has built these temples)

Here is a local craftsmen busy making brass statues. His shop is outside the Nagaswamy Temple. What attracted me to his shop was the loud Tamil, English & Hindi music that was playing, believe me all the latest English numbers.

Outside the shop, a collection of his work. His father was a master craftsman; saw pictures of him receiving awards from former PM Smt Indira Gandhi.

Gopuram of the Sarangapani Temple. This is a huge and very impressive temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A must see. Has huge inner hall with well carved pillars.

A closer view of the Gopuram. How did they make it?

Another view of the gopuram.

Entrance to the Ramaswamy Temple, located close to the Mahamanglam Tank, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Entrance to the Chakrapani Temple.

Receive Site Updates