Sunday Feb 09, 2025

Kudanthai Karonam Sri Someswara Temple, Kumbakonam

Address

Kudanthai Karonam Sri Someswara Temple, Kumbakonam Post & Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu – 612 001. Tele: +91 435 243 0349.

Deity

Sri Someswarar, Sri Kayarokanar, Sri Viyazha Somesar, Sri Sikkesar Amman:Sri Thenar Mozhiyammai, Sri

Introduction

Someswaran Temple is dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Someswaran, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Somasundari. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.The temple complex covers two acres and is located close to the Sarangapani temple. It houses two gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the western tower, with five stories and a height of 72 feet (22 m). The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Someswaran, Somasundari and being the most prominent. Theertham (Holy water): Mahamaha Theertham (tank), Potramarai tank Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Vilvam tree

Puranic Significance

  • Pralayam & Amutha Kalas:
    • At the end of every yuga, a massive flood (Pralayam) destroys all life.
    • Lord Shiva, through Brahma, preserved the seeds of life, Vedas, and Puranas in a pot (Amutha Kalas).
    • The pot, filled with nectar (amirtham), was decorated and placed atop Mount Kailash.
    • During the Maha Pralayam, it floated on the seas before settling in Kumbakonam.
    • Lord Shiva, as Kiratha Murthy, split open the pot with his arrow, allowing life to flourish again.
  • Formation of Shivalingams:
    • When the Amutha Kalas broke, its decorative items fell in different places.
    • Each of these pieces transformed into Shivalingams, which are now worshipped in various temples.
  • Story of Nava Kannikas & Name Origin:
    • When the Nava Kannikas (Nine Maidens) came to Mahaamaha tank for a dip, chaos ensued.
    • Goddess Parvati, out of fear, embraced Lord Shiva, who was in the form of Arokanam.
    • This act led to the place being named “Kaya Arokanam” (Kayam meaning body, Arokanam meaning embrace).
    • Over time, “Kaya Arokanam” became “Karonam”, and Lord Shiva came to be known as Sri Kayarokanar.
  • Worship by Lord Vishnu & Other Celestial Beings:
    • Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here for a year to receive a boon to fight demons.
    • As a result, Lord Shiva here is also called Sri Maleesar (Mal meaning Vishnu).
    • Planet Jupiter (Guru/Viyazhan) and Lord Chandran (Moon) also worshipped Shiva at this temple.
    • Since Chandran (Soman) prayed here, the place came to be known as “Somesam”, and Lord Shiva as Sri Viyazha Someswarar.
  • Chola King Paranthakan’s Worship:
    • Chola King Paranthakan installed a Shivalingam here and worshipped for child boon (santhana prapthi).
    • The lingam he installed is revered as Sri Chozheesar (derived from Chola).

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Lord Kalyana Vinayakar in this temple for 11 consecutive Mondays in order to seek the lord’s blessings and remove obstacles from their marriage proposals.

Special Features

Other than the Shrines and idols of lord Shiva and goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords “Kalyana Sundara Vinayakar” and Murugan with his consorts, Nalvar, Bairavar, Saneeswarar, Navagraham and Suryan can be seen in the corridor. Procession idols of Natarajar with Sivakami and Somaskandhar are placed in the hall in front of the sanctum. There is also a separate shrine for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar near Goddess Parvathy’s shrine. In the “koshtam” (place surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), idols of Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma, Durgai and Chandikeswarar can be seen. There are shrines of Lord Chozheesar and Goddess Thiripurasundari, believed to have been worshiped by King Paranthakan. There are also shrines for Lord Maleesar and Goddess Mangala Nayaki, believed to have been worshiped by Lord Mahavishnu.

Festivals

“Maasi Maham” Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) is celebrated here in a grand manner. Almost all festivals related to Shiva temples are celebrated here.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Karonam

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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