Kumbakonam Veda Narayana Perumal Temple (Brahma) Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Kumbakonam Veda Narayana Perumal Temple (Brahma) Temple, Thanjavur

Kumbakonam,             

Thanjavur District – 612 001

Mobile: +91 94865 68160

Moolavar

Veda Narayana Perumal

Amman

Veda Valli Thayar

Introduction

• The Brahma Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in Kumbakonam Town, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
• The presiding deity is Veda Narayana Perumal, and the consort is Veda Valli Thayar.
• Despite being a Vishnu temple, it is popularly referred to as the Brahma Temple.

Puranic Significance

• Lord Brahma’s Arrogance:
  • Lord Brahma grew arrogant, believing he was the sole creator and superior to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
  • To humble Brahma, Lord Vishnu sent a ghost (Bhooda) that terrified Brahma.
  • Brahma sought Lord Vishnu’s help, who revealed that the ghost was his creation to curb Brahma’s pride.
• Penance and Redemption:
  • Lord Vishnu advised Brahma to perform penance on Earth to regain his lost power of creation.
  • Brahma chose Kumbakonam, a place unaffected by the Pralaya floods, for his penance.
  • With the help of the Devas, Brahma performed rigorous penance.
  • Pleased, Lord Vishnu taught the Vedas to Brahma and reinstated him as the creator.
  • Hence, Vishnu came to be called Veda Narayana Perumal, and his consort as Vedavalli Thayar.
• Hari Sollaru (Arasalaru):
  • Lord Vishnu created a river with his club to facilitate Brahma’s final bath after the penance.
  • This river is now called Arasalaru, derived from Hari Sollaru.

Beliefs

• Devotees pray to Lord Brahma and Mothers Saraswathi and Gayatri before admitting children to school.
• Special Pujas:
  • Thursdays: Pujas for Lord Brahma and his consorts.
  • Fridays: Pujas for Mother Mahalakshmi for prosperity.
  • Saturdays: Pujas for Veda Narayana Perumal for relief from debt burdens.
• Yoga Narasimha Homas:
  • Performed for longevity during 60th, 70th, and 80th birthdays.
• Offerings: Devotees perform abhishekam to Lord and Mother, offering vastras (clothes).

Special Features

1. Historical Significance:
   • The temple is over 1200 years old.
   • A small temple with an entrance arch featuring stucco images of Narayana Perumal, Brahma, and Yoga Narasimha with their consorts.
2. Unique Deities:
   • Veda Narayana Perumal:
     • Main deity in the sanctum, seated with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
   • Lord Brahma:
     • Separate shrine to the right of the sanctum, standing with Saraswathi and Gayatri.
     • Brahma’s fourth face, covered by a cloth, is reflected in a mirror and represents Mother Gayatri.
   • Yoga Narasimha:
     • Shrine to the left of the sanctum, seated with consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
     • Unique as Narasimha is usually seen only with Lakshmi.
3. Other Shrines:
   • Vedavalli Thayar: Located in the prakaram.
   • Srinivasa Perumal, Dhanvantari, and Andal: Also present within the temple premises.

Festivals

• Vaikuntha Ekadasi: Celebrated with grandeur and devotion.
• Saraswathi Pooja: Observed with much fanfare, attracting numerous devotees.

Century/Period

1200 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Kumbakkonam

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakkonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple