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*[http://www.marskarthik.com/navagraha.html Navagraha Temple Tour Route Map with Satellite Locations - Tamilnadu]




Revision as of 06:40, 3 June 2009

Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam
city
Government
 • Municipal ChairpersonSu. Pa. Thamizhazhagan[1]
Population
 (2001)
 • Total140,021

Kumbakonam (Tamil: கும்பகோணம் (kumpakōṇam) is a town and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Kumbakonam is called as temple town because of the large number of temples within the town and the nearby areas. It is a very peaceful city and the festival of Mahamaham is celebrated every 12 years at the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam. The only place in the world which has temple for Lord Brahma. The town is known for its temples, intricately carved panchaloha idols, exquisite brass wares especially lamps, silk and betel leaves. The town has also been well - known for its prestigious educational institutions which have turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. The town is famous for brass vessels. It is primarily a market town for the predominantly agriculture based villages surrounding it. Betel leaves are cultivated more in Kumbakonam since it is also called as Kumbakonam Vettrilai (in Tamil). Now a days Kumbakonam is the favorite suiting spot for the Tamil film makers.

Kumbakonam is the headquarters of Kumbakonam Taluk. It is located 40 km from Thanjavur and 273 km from Chennai. Kumbakonam is one of the main town in Thanjavur district.

There is an oft quoted popular saying in Sanskrit noting Kumbakonam as even as more sacred than Varanasi(Kasi). A sin committed at some ordinary place is washed off by a visit to a holy place, sin done in a sacred spot is washed off by going on a pilgrimage to Varanasi(Kasi). If one dares to commit a sin in that sacred city too, that sin is wiped off at Kumbakonam and any sinful act done at Kumbakonam is atoned for there itself.

Origin of name

When it was time for the destruction of this world a huge Pralaya came up. In order to save the vedha's Amirtham (Tamil language) and tools necessary to create lives on earth, Lord Brahma collected all these things and put them in a mud pot and kept the pot safety on the top of the Mount Meru (mythology).

Pralaya kalam (ie) the period of non stop heavy rain came and the pot of Brahma was washed away by the flood. In due course moving in the south direction it came to halt at a particular place. Then for the wish of all Devar's (ie) heavenly people Lord Shiva broke the pot with an arrow. Immediately Amudham (ie) the liquid given eternity flowed from the pot and formed two tanks. One is known as Mahamaha kulam and the other is Potramarai kulam. The remains of the pot and Amudham joined together to form Lord Kumbeswarar otherwise called (Shiva) in the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. In the name of the broken pot (ie) Kumbam (Tamil language) that place was called Kumbakonam. The city of Kumbakonam, is linked to several instances & puranas in the Hindu mythology. Mythological legend has it that there was a deluge after the Dwapara Yugam; a pot of nectar and the seeds of creation were placed in a pot (kudam) and set adrift in the deluge. The drifting pot settled at Kumbakonam giving its ancient name Kudamookku. Kumbakonam is also colloquially known as Kudanthai, Thirukudanthai and Baskarashetram from time immemorial.

History

The earliest history of Kumbakonam could be traced to the town of Pazhaiyaarai, 8 kilometres from Kumbakonam which was the capital of the Chola Empire in the 9th century AD. Records from around the same time mention the nearby township of Kudanthai which grew into the present-day Kumbakonam. Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan; a semi-historical novel bring out the 10th century A.D., gives a detailed description of Kudanthai and elevates it to the status of a regional headquarters of the Chola governors.

During the Chola Empire rule this place had a local sabha with political autonomy to decide the administrative matters of the town. Krishnadevaraya, the emperor of Vijayanagara visited the town to attend the famous Mahamaham festival.

During the Maratha's rule Sankaracharya came as a refugee because of Hyder Ali and the person who gave asylum to him was Kabir. A ghat and a street in Kumbakonam were named after Kabir. The societal pattern formed in this town and the supremacy of the Brahmin community during the Maratha and the British rules were documented in the Encyclopædia Britannica.

Research on the name Tirukkudantai with other equivalents such as Kudavayil and Kumbam forms part of a chapter. It also mentions the negative connotations attributed to the place Kumbakonam as "a cheat" and "a crooked person" in the Winslow's dictionary (1862) and the Tamil lexicon. Later this was corrected and the historical reason behind this was also explained in the book.

Geography

Kumbakonam is located at 10°58′N 79°23′E / 10.97°N 79.38°E / 10.97; 79.38.[2] It has an average elevation of 24 metres (78 ft). Kumbakonam is located 273 km south of Chennai, 96 km east of Tiruchirappalli, and about 40 km north-east of Thanjavur. The town is bounded by two rivers, the Kaveri River on the north and Arasalar River on the south. There is a gentle slope from north of the town to south.

Minerals and Soil

The town is not having any commercially exploitable minerals. The soils available in the area can be broadly classified into two varieties namely alluvial and Rager. Since, the area lies on the Cauvery Delta, it contains more of alluvial soil which is the best for agricultural purpose. The major crop in the area is paddy for which the whole of Thanjavur District is famous.

Climate

The Climate throughout the year is moderate. The variation between maximum and minimum temperature is not much. Though summer is hot,occasional rainfalls and water stagnation in the wet fields due to irrigating channels of Cauvery give much relief from sweltering heat.

The Year can be broadly divided into the following three seasons:


Winter Summer Monsoon
December to February March to May June to November

Rainfall

The town gets its rain mostly during the North East Monsoon. The average annual rainfall for the town is 1250mm. The maximum rainfall is during the period from October to December. There will be Summer rain also during March, April and May which brings down the temperature during Summer.

Flora

The Predominant Flora of the Kumbakonam and its environs are Cocanut trees, Mango trees and Tamarind trees.

Business

The town which was originally a religious town become an industrial center during last quarter of the 19th Century and early period of 20th century. Predominance was gained for Silk Industries and Metal manufacturing.The Major Suppliers of Silk Sarees to the Indian Silk Saree Market is Kumbakonam Silk Industry. All the South Indian Brass Pooja articles and utensils are manufactured in Kumbakonam and these articles are manufactured nowhere in South India other than Kumbakonam.KuthuVilakku and Statues are the famous articles. Stainless Steel utensils are manufactured.Betelnuts, Suparis are manufactured in Kumbakonam.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[3] Kumbakonam had a population of 140,021. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Kumbakonam has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 86%, and female literacy is 70%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. The population is constituted mainly by the Hindus, Christians and Muslims.

Economy

Kumbakonam is primarily a market city for surrounding smaller towns and agricultural villages. The town is surrounded by small villages of great historical importance. The agricultural region around the town is famous for its betelnuts and betel leaves. It is a market town where people from all over the Kaveri delta region (Composite Thanjavur District) come for business purposes. The town is also home to many goldsmiths and ornament makers. And the city is world famous for sculpture because of the workshop in Swamimalai.

Temples

Kumbakonam is known as the City of temples as there are around thousand of temples in and around Kumbakonam.

Lord shiva temples

In Kumbakonam

1. Adi Kumbheswarar Temple.
2. Nageswara Swami Temple.
3. Someswarar Temple.

Temples to the East/North East of Kumbakonam

4. Thiruviyalur.
5. Thirunageswaram.
6. Thiruvidaimarudur.
7. Thirukkodika.
8. Tenkurangaduthurai.
9. Thiruneelakkudy.
10. Thirumangalakkudi.
11. Palaiyur.

Temples to the SouthEast of Kumbakonam
12. Kalayanallur(Sakkotai).
13. Thiru Chivapuram(Sivapuram).
14. Karukkudy(Marudhanallur).
15. Arisikaraiputhur(Azhagaputhur).
16. Penu Perundurai.
17. Thirunaraiyur.
18. Penu Perundurai.
19. Thirucherai.
20. Thirunallam.
21. Narayur Chitteswaram.
22. Nalur Mayanam.
23. Karuvili.
24. Kudavayil(Kudavasal).

Temples to the Southwest of Kumbakonam

25. Pattesvaram.
26. Thiruchathimutham.
27. Aavur.
28. Nallur.
29. Pazhayarai Vadathali.
30. Tiru palathurai.

Temples to the west of Kumbakonam

31. Kottaiyur.
32.Thiruvalanchuzhi.

Temples to NorthWest of Kumbakonam

33. Innambur.
34. Thiruppurambiam.
35. VijayaMangai.
36. Tiruvaikavoor.

Temples to the Northeast of Kumbakonam

37. Thirundudevankudy.
38. Thirucheynjalur.
39. Thiruvappadi.
40. Thiruppanandal.

Lord Vishnu Temples

In Kumbakonam

1. Sarangapani Temple.
2. Chakrapani Temple.

Temples to the SouthEast of Kumbakonam

3. Tiruvinnagar(Uppiliyappan Koil).
4. Nachiyarkovil.
5. Thirucherai.

Temples to the West of Kumbakonam

6. Pullabhudangudi.
7. Kapisthalam.

Temples to the SouthWest of Kumbakonam

8. Nandipura Vinnagram

Temples to the NorthWest of Kumbakonam

9. Aadanur.

Temples to the NorthEast of Kumbakonam

10. Thiruvalliankudi.

Adi Kumbeswara Temple

Main article: Kumbeswara Temple

Adi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivite temples and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. Shri Adhi Kumbeswara is the presiding deity of Kumbakonam and Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika is the lord's Consort. The temple complex is huge and has beautiful artwork.This temple covers an area of 30181 sq.ft. with a length and breadth of 750 feet, and 252 feet respectively. This temple comprises 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.

Goddess Sarashwathi Temple

Main article: Sarashwathi Temple

In Koothanur village which is very near to Nannilam the only temple for Saraswathi exists. During examination times, many students come to worship Goddess Sarashwathi, the goddess of Wisdom. Reaching the temple is convenient because of ample transport facilities from Kumbakonam, about 30 km away.

Sarangapani Temple

Of the many temples in Kumbakonam, the most striking is the Lord Sarangapani Temple, a Vaishnavite temple. This twelve storied 147 feet (45 m) high temple was built by the Nayak Kings during 15th century.

Ramaswamy Temple

The Ramaswamy Temple which depicts the paintings of Ramayana is another important Vaishanavite temple in Kumbakonam. The greatness of Ramaswamy Temple is said to be the only temple where Lord Rama, Goddess Sita are in the same platform and Lord Hanuman is playing the veena instead of reading the Ramayana. The entire deity is said to be made from Saligrama monolith. The Temple is filled with intricate carvings in its pillars.

Thousands of people take the holy dip at the Mahamaham Festival.

Mahamaham Tank

Mahamaham 2004 Festival details Mahamaham Tank images


Chakrapani Temple

Chakrapani Temple is situated about 1.5 km North of Ramaswamy Temple. Here the main deity is Chakraraja. The Sudharshana Chakra is also here. The temple is also an exquisite exponent of the early temple architecture. The important and peculiar point about this temple is that Vilva (Bilwa) archana which is normally performed in Shiva temples is also performed here for the Perumal (Lord Vishnu).Temple's Official Website is  : http://www.srichakrapanitemple.com/


Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Main article: Kasiviswanathar Temple

Kasi Viswanathar Temple is situated very close to the Mahamaham tank. Here the main deity is Kasi Viswanathar/Visalakshi. The important and 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. The temple can be accessed by alighting at the Head post office bus sto.

Nageswaran Temple

Nageswaran Temple, is dedicated to Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king. Also known as "Koothandavar Kovil", it is located near the Kumbakonam old bus stand. Aditya Chola constructed this temple during the 12th century. It stands as a great marvel of Chola architecture, building technology and astronomy. The design and orientation are structured in such a way that it allows sunlight inside the temple only during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May), therefore, it bears another name called Surya Kottam or Keel Kottam. The Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) of Nageswaran temple is similar to that of Sarangapani temple, as it is made in the form of a Chariot. The temple consists of three gopurams in the eastern western & southern directions.

This vast temple known is for its shrine to Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar

Sarangapani Temple

Main article: Sarangapani Temple

This famous pancharanga kshetram is in the midst of the busy market place. Before the Sri Rangam Temple gopuram/Tower was built, this temple used to hold the place for the tallest Temple Tower in South Asia.


Someswar Temple

Someswar Temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple. This temple faces east with a 5-tier Gopuram at the entrance. It also has an entrance in the south. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of the Chola period. Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex.

The temples at Thirunageswaram

Thirunageswaram is located 8 km east of Kumbakonam. There are two major temples at Thirunageswaram. One the famous Vaishnavaite temple of Oppliyappan (Oppliyappan Sannadhi), the other the ThiruNageswarar or NagaNathaswami (Naga in Tamil/Sanskrit means Snake and Natha means God) temple for Shaivaites. An important feature of this temple is that of Rahu bhagawan sannathi where milk abhishekham is performed daily during Rahukaalam. At this time, the milk that is poured on the statue turns blue when it passes over the body and once again to white after it reaches the floor. This wonder is watched by many daily during the raahu kaalam. This is also the only place wherein one can view Rahu bhagawan with his consorts.

Thirunageswaram Temple views

Pateeswaram temple

Sri Thenupureeswarar temple at Pateeswaram, 5 km south-east of Kumbakonam, was constructed during the 16th century by Govinda Dikshithar, a Minister of Nayak King Acchathappa.


Airavatesvara Temple

Main article: Airavatesvara Temple
Airavateswarar Temple

The temple at Darasuram, 4 km west of Kumbakonam is Airvatesvara (Airavat is the holy white elephant) Temple, constructed by Rajaraja Chola II (1146-63), is a superb example of 12 Century Chola architecture. Many statues were removed to the art gallery in the Thanjavur Palace, but have since been returned. The remarkable structures depict, among other things, Shiva as Kankala-murti - the mendicant. Stories from epics and Hindu mythology are depicted. Adjoining the Airavatesvara temple is the Deiva Nayaki Ambal temple.

In the year 2004, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated and restored the temple.

Darasuram Temple

The area surrounding Kumbakonam is home to a set of Navagraha temples dating from the Chola period.

Swamimalai temple

Main article: Swamimalai Murugan Temple

The Lord Murugan temple is located in Swami Malai, which is around 10 km from kumbakonam. It is located on the main road connecting Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. It is one among the six famous temples of Lord Muruga. This is the place where the Lord murugan in childhood taught the meaning of mandra "OM" to his father Lord Siva. Lord Murugas Fourth home.

Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple

Main article: Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple

This siva temple is famous for vinayakar sculpture which has been carved from white foam while churning the milky sea. So the name of the god in Tamil is "Vellai pillayar" meaning that "White vinayakar". This temple is located in small village "Thiruvalansuzi" which is 4 km from Kumbakonam and 2 km from Swamimalai. The name "Thiruvalansuzi" has come because the Cauvery river prayed the lord Siva by doing pradhaksana from right hand side to left hand side. (Usually it will be left to right). The name for lord Siva in this temple is "Sadai mudi nathar".Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple Photos

Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha Moola Brindavanam

We can find the moola brindavanam of Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha (Raghavendra Swamy guru's guru) here. It is in Solaippan Street. The great Vijayeendra Tirtha's Aradhana falls on Jyeshta Trayodashi.He was one of the greatest scholar what india has produced. He was a staunch vishnu bhakta & a great philosopher.He was an exponent of 64 vidyas.

Sri Rama Bhajanai Sabha

Sri Rama Bhajanai Sabha founded and nurtured by Venuganam Sri Sarabha Sastri about 125 years ago.It is in Solaiappan Street.Every year sabha celebrates Sri Rama Navami Utasavam and Sri Radha Kalyana Mahotsavam and committed to its various cultural and religious needs of the Hindu society with the grace of Lord Rama.

Thirbuvanan Sarabeswarer Temple

This is Siva temple who is the main god of the temple, Sarabeswarer is special one in this temple ,Sunday Particularly worshiping at 4.30-6.00 pm him is special .

Other places of worship

In 1853, a Protestant Church was erected in the town. And there are around 8 Mosques in Kumbakonam. St. Mary’s Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kumbakonam.

Thirubhuvanam

Thirubhuvanam is a small panchayat near the town of Kumbakonam. It has a Lord Sarabeswara (Shiva ) temple and Perumal temple located in the centre of the panchayat. This small town is famous for silk saris like Kanchipuram silk. The famous "Thico Silks" is located here. Silk weaving is the main business of this town. Thirubuvanam Temple Photos

Education

The Government Arts College at Kumbakonam (Autonomous), known as the "Cambridge of South India", is one of the oldest colleges in the Tamil Nadu State, well known Prestigious educational institution which has turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. This College's Porter Hall was built in the memory of a former principal of the college in 1885. This college was established during the time of the British rule in India. This college is located on the banks of the Kaveri River and a narrow bridge connects the institution and the city on either banks with the river flowing between them.This college has got Prestigious Victoria Jubilee Hostel which is more than 100 years old now and it is also located in the banks of the Kaveri River.The College has got one Bell Tower which is more than 150 years old.Most of the buildings in the college are more than 100 years old.The only college in Kumbakonam which has a vast play ground which has Four Helipads.Tamil scholars like George Uglow Pope, Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, U. V. Swaminatha Iyer served in this college.The famous Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan studied in this institution.

Other important colleges and universities in and around the city of Kumbakonam include:

  • Govt. Women's College.
  • Govt. Arts & Crafts College.
  • Idaya college arts & science for women
  • Annai college of Arts and science.
  • Arasu Engineering College can be found on Chennai Main Road.
  • SASTRA (Satellite Campus of SASTRA University,Thanjavur)
  • Mass college of Arts&Science and teacher training center.
  • SKSS Arts College, Thiruppanandal.
  • Sankara Arts and Science College, Neelathanallur road.

Other mentionable educational and welfare organizations include:

  • Little Flower Higher Secondary School
  • Christ The King Matric. Hr. Sec. School
  • St.Joseph Higher Secondary School
  • Sri Matha Matriculation School
  • ARR Matriculation School
  • Valallar Higher Secondary School
  • Town Higher Secondary School
  • Banadurai High School
  • Native Higher Secondary School
  • Saraswathi Padasalai Girls Higher Secondary School
  • National Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School (CBSE)
  • Gandhiadighal Narpani Kazhagham
  • Al-Ameen matriculation higher secondary school
  • A.J.C primary school and Junior college (CBSE)

Notable people from Kumbakonam

Politics

Kumbakonam assembly constituency is part of Mayiladuturai (Lok Sabha constituency).[4]

References

  1. ^ The Hindu dated 29 October 2006
  2. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Kumbakonam
  3. ^ Template:GR
  4. ^ "List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies" (PDF). Tamil Nadu. Election Commission of India. Retrieved 2008-10-12.


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