Adi
Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivite temples
and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street.
This temple covers an area of 30181 sq.ft. with a length
and breadth of 750 feet, 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 Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar
of Thanjavur, renovated this oldest temple during 16th century.
The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of
128-ft. Mangala Theertham, Marriage hall and small temples
for Muruga, Ganapathi and Mangalambigai are other major
constituents of this temple.
Sarangapani
Temple
Sri Sarangapani temple is located
near to Uchipilliar Kovil Junction at Sarangapani East Street.
This temple is considered one among the three major shrines
of Lord Vishnu and it was renovated during the period of
Nayaka Kingdom of 16th century. Sarangapani temple consists
of the biggest Gopuram (150ft), and five Praharas and one
holy tank, known as "Porthamarai Kulam", which is located
behind the temple. The Karuvarai and Vimanam are made with
12-sculptured columns shaped like a chariot.
Nageswaran
temple
Nageswaran temple otherwise known as "Koothandavar Kovil",
is located near the old bus stand area and Adithya Cholan
of Chola dynasty constructed this temple during 12th century.
This temple stands as a great marvel of Chola's architecture,
building technology and astronomy. The design and orientation
are structured in such a way that it allows the sun rays
inside the temple only during the month of Chithirai, therefore,
it bears another name called " Soorya Kottam " or "Keel
Kottam ". The Karuvarai of Nageswaran temple has similarity
with that of Sarangapani temple, as it is made in the form
of a Chariot. The temple consists of two Gopurams in the
eastern and western directions.
Somessar
temple
Somessar temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri
Sarangapani temple. This temple is facing the northern side
with a small Gopuram at the eastern portion near the entrance.
The architectural style and element of this temple resembles
the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of Chola period.
Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located
in this temple complex.
Ramasamy
Temple
Achutha Nayaka of Thanjavur constructed
the Ramasamy temple during 16th century. This temple is
located on the southeastern portion of "Porthamarai Kulam"
and southern side of "Uchipilliar Kovil" junction. This
temple consists of one Gopuram, one Maha Mandapam and Karuvarai.
The columns of Maha Mandapam are enriched with intricate
stone carving works of Rama-Katha. Vamana Avatharam, Meenakshi
Kalyanam, Sukreeva Pattabisekam 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 "Ramayanam". Alwar Sannathi, Sreenivasa
Sannathi, and Gopalan Sannathi are the other temples located
within the temple complex.
Chakkarapani
Temple
Chakkarapani Temple is located in the northern portion of
Big Bazaar Street near the river Cauvery and second biggest
Vaishnavite temple in Kumbakonam town. The eastern and western
entrances of the temple are known as "Thatchinaya Vayil"
and "Utharayana Vayil" respectively and outer Prakara of
this temple is made in the form of Balcony. Agampara Vinayakar,
Panchamuga Aancheneyar and Vijayavalli are the important
idols located in this temple complex.
Kambatta
Viswanathar Temple
Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is located in the southern side
of Adi Kumbeswarar temple. In the olden days this area is
known as Malathi Vanam and it is believed that a famous
saint called "Thoomakehu" found this temple. Mankayarkarasi
and Sekkizhar are other major statues placed along with
the main idols in this temple.
Pana
Pureeswarar Kovil
This temple is located in the northeastern portion of Kumbakonam
Town surrounded by traditional houses of Panapuri Agraharam.
This temple is facing the eastern side and comparatively smaller
in size. It is believed that "Saint Vyasa" visited and worshipped
this temple.
