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Airavatesvara Temple
The Airavatesvara temple is located 4 km west of the Kumbakonam town. The Airavatesvara, constructed by Rajaraja Chola signifies the Chola architecture with stories from epics and Hindu mythology depicted across the temple.
The legend says that Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, worshipped Lord Siva in this temple. As originally Airavata worshipped the Lingam, it is named after him as Airavateswara. The Goddess in this temple is known as Deva Nayaki. The carvings contain different poses shown by females keeping their head at the centre and legs interwoven and these have been elegantly carved in.
Brahman Temple
Pleased by the prayers of Brahma, Vishnu appeared here as " Vedanarayan " and "Varadharaja". The temple is in the banks of Arasalaru river.
This temple is a must visit beacuse there is no such big temple for "Brahma" anywhere in this part of world.
Chakrapani Temple
With Chakraraja as the main residing deity, the Chakrapani temple is a superb exponent of the early temple architecture. Vilva archana, normally performed in Shiva temples is performed for Lord Vishnu here.
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.
Gomateswarar Temple
This temple is in the south western side of M' Tank. The main deities worshipped here are Yagnobhaveetheswar and Indaranayagi.
Kasi Viswanathar Temple
This temple has been praised by Sambandhar in his "Devaram". It is situated in the north eastern side of M' tank. God : Kaayarohanar. Goddess : Vishalakshi. The nine rivers called as Navakannigas are here in the form of statues. The corridors have very attractive sculptures.
Situated very close to the Mahamaham tank,the peculiar point about this temple is the navakanniyar, which are the 9 holy rivers. It is believed that the mahamaham function is closely associated with the 9 presiding deities namely Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Saraswati, Kaveri, Godavari, Tungabhatra, Krishna and Sarayu. Another important part is the stala lingam present in the southern part of the temple. It was worshipped by Ravana and is believed to grow with ages.
Appreciated by Sambandhar in his work 'Devaram', the temple offers to see statues of Navakannigas, the nine rivers. Exquisite sculptures can be seen in the corridors.
Kumbeswara Temple
With Shri Adhi Kumbeswara as the presiding deity, the temple is enormous and beautiful. The Mahamaham festival, which takes place once every 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi(February-March), is the main festival.
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.
Nageswaran Temple
Constructed by the Cholas, Nageswaran Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and depicts the Chola architecture and astronomy. The Sanctum Sanctorum of the Nageswaran temple is similar to that of Sarangapani 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.
Navagraha Temples
There is a cluster of Navagraha Temples near Kumbakonam.Each temple is located in a different village. Each of these temples is considered an abode of one of the Navagrahams. However, the majority of these temples are dedicated to Shiva. The Surya temple is the only one dedicated to the Graham. Surya Navagrahastalam at Tirumangalakkudi,Chandra Navagrahastalam at Tingaloor, Angaarakan Navagrahastalam at Puttirukku Velur,Budha Navagrahastalam at Tiruvenkaadu, Guru Navagrahastalam at Aalangudi,Sukra Navagrahastalam at Kanjanoor,Shani Navagrahastalam at Tirunallar, Raahu Navagrahastalam at Tirunageswaram, Ketu Navagrahastalam at Keezhperumpallam.
Ramaswamy 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.
The importance of the temple is that lord Rama, Goddess Sita are in the same platform and Lord Hanuman is playing the veen. The entire deity is said to be made from Saligrama monolith and filled with intricate carvings in the pillars
Sarangapani Temple
This temple is known for its tall towers(gopurams). The Chariot festival, which takes place every year, is one of the biggest festivals.
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.
Someswar Temple
The architectural style of Someswar temple resembles the Dravidian style of temple architecture of 13th century (Chola period).
Someswar 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.
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