Adi Kumbeswarar temple, Kumbakonam

The Adi kumbeswara temple is a hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva and is located in the town of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district of TamilNadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Adi Kumbheswara, which is represented in the form of a lingam along with his consort goddess Parvati as Mangalambigai Amman.

The goddess is worshipped in the 7 th century Tamil Shaivite official work known as the Theervam classified as a pedal petra site. The temple complex covers an area of 30,181 sq ft with four gopurams. The tallest is on east side with layers and a height of 128 ft. 

Significance:

The temple houses several shrines, the most prominent of them are Kumbeshwarar and Mangalambigai Amman. The temple complex has a 16 pillared hall, built during the Vijayanagara period with a total of 27 stars and 12 zodiac signs carved in a single stone.

The temple has been in existence since the 9th century Chola period, and was maintained by Nayakas in the 15th-17th centuries. The temple complex covers an area of 30,181 sq ft, with four gopurams. It also has five silver plated chariots to carry the deities during festivals. 

The main deity of the Adi Kumbheswarar temple is located at the centre of the temple. It is believed that Shiva himself made it when he attained immortality, mixing sand and honey. The temple has a pillared hall, a good collection of silver vahanas whose vertical representation is shown in painted brackets leading to a yali(a mythical animal) gopuram.

How To Reach:

Kumbakonam bus stand is located at a distance of around 2.5 KM from the temple. You can reach the temple by taking a local auto or taxi from bus stand