Kumbakonam-in TamilNadu

"Kumbakonam is a town and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. It is located 40 kms from the city of Thanjavur and 273 kms from Chennai. It is famous for large number of temples and tanks. Kumbakonam being the headquarters of Kumbakonam taluk, is called by many names Kudanthai, Kudamooku and baskarakshetram from time immemorial.
The town has 188 temples belonging to various historical periods. Kumbakonam town I very famous for Mahamagam festival, which is celebrated one in 12 years. At the time of festival, at the holy mahamagam tank, water streams from famous rivers like, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Sarayu, Godavari, Mahanadi, Payoshni and Cauvery mingle together; it is believed that bathing in the tank at the time of festival will remove all sins according to Hindu mythology.
The town was originally a religious centre due to the presence of many temples, it has gained importance as a commercial and industrial (small scale) centre during the last quarter of the 19th century. During the early period of 29th century, town has gained importance especially in the silk manufacturing activities, which support sizeable number of workers in the town."

1.Historical Significance

"The government Arts college that exists is the oldest colleges in south India, it is called the Cambridge of South India. The famous mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujam studied at this college.
Town is famous for brass idols, articles and utensils. Manufacturing of these items of brass are done in a large scale when compared to any other places in Southern India. Kumbakonam silk industry is the major contributor of silk sarees to the Indian market."

2.Rules and regulations of the Sate city or country

-- Not Applicable.

3.Nearby Attractions

-- "Among the 188 temples in town, most prominent ones are:
1) Nageswaran Koil
2) Ramaswamy Koil
3) Adi Kumbeshwara koil
4) Sarangapani koil
5) Mahamagam Tank

Nageswaran koil :
Nageswaran Koil otherwise known as the “Koothandavar Koil” is located near the old bus stand area of the town. It was constructed during the 12th century by the Aditya Chola dynasty. The temple stans as the marvel of chola’s architecture, building technology and astronomy. The design and orientation of the structure are done in such a way, that it allows the sun rays inside the temple only during the month of “chitirai”, it got its name “Soorya Kottam” or “Keel Kottam”. It has structural resemblance with Sarangapani temple where it is built like a chariot. The temple has two gopurams in the eastern and western directions.

Ramasamy temple :
The ramaswamy temple was constructed in 16th century by king Achyutha Nayaka. The temple is located on the southeastern portion of “Porthamarai kulam” and southern side of “Uchipilliar kovil” junction. Temple consists of one gopuram, mahamandapam and karuvarai. The columns of mahamndapam are enriched with intricate stone carving works of rama-katha. Vamana avatharam, meenakshi kalyanam, sugheerava pattabhishekam are some of the famous carving works of this temple. The outer prahara consists of all 219 wall paintings, which explains the series of incidents from the great epic “Ramayana”. Alvar sannithi, gopalan annithi and srinivasa sannithi are the temples located within the complex.

Adi Kumbeshwarar Temple :
Adi Kumbeshwara temple is the major one among the saivite temples and is located in the center of kumbakonam at big bazaar street. This temple covers an area of 30181 sq feet with a length and breadth of 750 and 252 feet respectively. This temple comprises of three praharas and three gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. It is believed that govinda teekshitan, the chieftain of Achyuthanayakar of Thanjavur renovated this oldest temple during the 16th century. The eastern gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128 feet. Mangalateertham, marriage hall and small temples are the constituents of the temple.

Sri Sarangapani Temple :
Sri sarangapani temple is located nearto “Uchipillar kovil” junction. This temple is considered one among the three major shirines of Lord Vishnu and it was renovated during the period of Nayaka’s in 16th century. Sarangapani temple consists of the biggest gopuram (150 mts), and five praharas and one holy tank (Koneru) known as pothamarai kulam. Which is located behind the temple. The karuvarai and vimanam are made with 12 sculptured columns shaped like a chariot.

Mahamagam tank :
Mahamagam tank is a giant pool of water stored in a holy tank like structure known as “koneru”. The famous mahamagam festival that is performed once in every 12 years takes place in this holy tank, during which the stream of waters from holy rivers across the country is believed to enter the tank through hidden channels and bathing in the tak at that time would wash out all the sins. It is located close to the Kasi Visveshwara temple."

4 Additional Charges if any
-- If travelling by road, entrance tax is collected by the local panchayat system.

5.Place
Place -- Kumbakonam,Thanjavur District
State -- Tamil Nadu
Country -- India

6.Connectivity.
(Road, Air, Water) Nearest city - Thanjavur (40 kms) , Chennai (273 kms).

7.Medical
"Kumbakonam Cancer Center4.8
(4) · Private hospital
100, Thukkampalayam St
Open ⋅ Closes 9:01PM · 070106 00532
DIRECTIONS
M.s.clinic
5.0

(1) · Private hospital
Kamaraj Rd
DIRECTIONS
Sacred Heart Hospital
4.6

(21) · Hospital
Kumbakonam - Karaikkal Main Rd
Open now · 0435 241 1976
DIRECTIONS
Man Polyclinic
4.5

(2) · Hospital
Dr Besant Rd
DIRECTIONS
anandham heart care clinic
4.5
(2) · Heart hospital
70/142

8.Services Geo Location and Tagging
094439 99783"10.97°N 79.42°E