Adi
Kumbeswarar Temple :
Kumbeswarar temple is a famous Hindu temple with presiding
deity of Kumbakonam and the Lord’s consort Manthrapeeteswari
Mangalambika. The famous Hindu festival of Mahamaham
is associated with this temple. This temple was built
more than 1300 years old with an area of 30181 Sq ft,
a length and breadth of 750 feet and 252 feet respectively.
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It
contains a lingam said to have been made by Shiva
himself when he mixed the nectar of immortality
with sand. A Unique feature here is the depiction
of 27 stars and the 12 Zodiac signs carved on
a large block of stone in the Navarathri Mandapa.
It also has a superb collection of silver Vahanas(Vehicles)
which are used during festivals to carry the temple
deities.
This temple comprises of three Praharas and three
Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western
directions. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories
with a height of 128 ft. |
It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain
of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, revoted this oldest
temple during 16th Century. Mangalatheertham and Mangalambigai
are other major constituents of this temple.
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