Kumbakonam Kalahasteeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Kumbakonam Kalahasteeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Madathu Street, Kumbakonam,

Kumbakonam,

Tamil Nadu 612001

Moolavar

Kalahasteeswarar

Amman

Gnanambikai

Introduction

• Location: Kalahasteeswarar Temple is situated in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deities: The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Kalahasteeswarar; the goddess is Gnanambigai (also known as Gnanaprahalambigai).
• Mahamaham Association: One of 12 Shiva temples in Kumbakonam linked to the Mahamaham festival, celebrated every 12 years.
• Renovation: Last major renovation done by Sarfoji Maharaja in the 18th century; recent consecration held on October 26, 2015.
• Mythology – Maha Pralayam:
  • During Maha Pralayam (great deluge), a pot created by Brahma containing life seeds, Vedas, and Puranas drifted and settled in Kumbakonam.
  • Lord Shiva, as Kirata Murthy, split open the pot, restarting life on earth. Fragments of the pot became Shiva Lingas, marking sacred temple sites.
• Kalahasthi Equivalent: Temple is considered equivalent to the Kalahasti Temple, known for remedies from Rahu Dosha.
• Beliefs and Healing: Worship here is believed to offer relief from prolonged and critical illnesses. Jwarakeswara abishekams are done with hot water for ailments like fever.
• Special Features:
  • Architecture: East-facing temple with a five-tier Rajagopuram; Sthala Vriksham is the Vilwa tree.
  • Koshta Deities: Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhava, and Durga surround the main sanctum.
  • Unique Shrines:
    • Jwarahareswarar: Three-legged form representing healing of body ailments.
    • Kalyana Sundareswarar and Katyayini: Depict marriage attire, symbolizing the Kasi Yatra ritual.
    • Durga: Known as Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi Durga with 18 hands, the Rahu guardian.
  • Other Shrines: Siddhi Vinayaka, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Kasi Viswanathar, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Ganga, Navagrahas, Anjaneya, and Rahu.
• Temple Bell: Known for its resonance resembling “OM.”
• Festivals:
  • Lord Kalahasteeswarar’s Wedding: Celebrated annually on Makara Sankranti (Thai Pongal).
  • Mahamaham Festival: During this festival, Lord Shiva is taken for Theerthavari.
  • Durga Pujas: Special offerings during Rahukalam.

Century/Period

18th Century CE

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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