Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam Kumbakonam
city
Government
• Municipal Chairperson	Su. Pa. Thamizhazhagan
Population  (2001)
• Total	140,021

Kumbakonam (Tamil: கும்பகோணம்) is a city and a 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 town is known for its temples, intricately carved panchaloha idols, exquisite brass wares especially lamps, silk and betel leaves.

Kumbakonam is the headquarters of Kumbakonam Taluk. It is located 40km from Thanjavur and 293Km from Chennai. Kumbakonam is the heart of Thanjavur district

Origin of name

According to legend, Kumbakonam is the location where the kumbha (pot) in which Brahma placed the seed of creation during the great deluge came to rest. Kumbakonam is thus said to be the location from which life in the current cycle of creation first came forth. This town also has another Tamil nick name Kudanthai.

History

Pazhaiyaarai, Cholas in the 9th century.

Geography

Kumbakonam is located at 10.97°N 79.38°E / 10.97; 79.38. It has an average elevation of 24 metres (78 feet). 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.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, 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.

Economy

Kumbakonam is primarily a market city for surrounding 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. In the pre-independence era, it was a market town where people from all over the Kaveri delta region came and sold their goods. The town is also native to many goldsmiths and ornament makers. And the city is world famous for sculpture because of the workshop which is in swamimalai.

Temples

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

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/

Kumbeswara Temple

Main article: Kumbeswara Temple

Kumbeswara Temple is an important Saivite temple situated at the central part of the town. 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. The important festival of the town is the Mahamaham festival. This takes place once every 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March), when lakhs of pilgrims from various parts of India visit Kumbakonam to take a holy bath in the sacred Mahamaham tank which is located in the heart of the town.

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 stop.

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.

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. The Chariot festival which happens every year is one of the big festivals in the town.

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 Thirupureeswarar 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.

Nearby Navagraha Temples

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 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 another name for lord siva in this temple is "Sadai mudi nathar". To see the temple pictures, follow the link Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple Photos

List of temples in and around Kumbakonam

• Tiruvidaimarudhur MahalingaSwami temple
• Tirudevankudi karkateshwara temple ( kadaka Rashi temple)
• Oppiliappan temple
• Tirupullam Boothangudi rama temple
• Kabistalam Gajendra Varada perumal temple
• ThiruKandiyur HaraShapa Vimochana Perumal temple
• ThiruKandiyur BramhaSiraKandeewarar temple
• Ayyavadi Pratyankira temple
• Tirucherai Saranatha Perumal temple
• Nachiyar Koil Perumal temple
• Tirunaraiyur Ramanatha Swami temple
• Suryanar Koil
• Tirumangalakudi Shiva temple
• Thiruneelakudi Manokyanathar Shiva temple

Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha Moola Brindavanam

We can find the moola brindavanam of Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha (Raghavendra Swamy gurus guru) here. It is in solaippan street. The great Vijayeendra Tirthas Aradhana falls on Jyeshta Trayodashi

Other places of worship

In 1853, a Protestant Church was erected in the town. And there are around 8 Mosques in kumbakonam.

Shri Ragavendra Swami lived here during his younger days. Town is still home for one of his Mutt.

Thirubhuvanam

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

Rotary International

There are Seven Rotary clubs in Kumbakonam Rotary Club of Kumbakonam Central meets every Monday at C.V.Narashimma hall Rotary Club of Kumbakonam Holy town meets every Monday Rotary Club of kumbakonam East meets every Tuesday Rotary Club of Kumbakonam meets every Wednesday Rotary club of Kumbakonam Mahamaham meets every Thursday Rotary club of kumbakonam Temple city meets every Friday Rotary club of kumbakonam mid town meets every Sunday

Education

The Government Arts College at Kumbakonam, known as the "Cambridge of South India", is one of the oldest colleges in the Tamil Nadu State. This College's Porter Hall was built in the memory of a former principal of the college in 1885.

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 University.
Other important schools are:

• Vallalar higher sec school (also has an orphanage)
• Town Higher Sec School (where the great mathematician, Architect Balaji & Srinivasa Ramanujan, studied)
• ARR Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• ARR Municipal Higher Secondary School
• The Native Higher Secondary School
• The Little Flower Higher Secondary School
• Banadurai Higher Secondary School
• St. Joseph's Girls Higher Secondary School
• Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School
• Al Ameen Matriculation Higher Sec. school
• Christ The King Matriculation Higher Sec. school
• Sri Matha Matriculation School
• St. Anne's Girls Higher secondary school

In 2004, tragedy struck Kumbakonam when a school caught fire killing 92. [1].

Famous people from Kumbakonam

• K.K.Neelamegam who was one of Leader when DMK was Originated in ROBINSON Poonga, Chennai. He was also the Treasurer in DK & DMK Party. He was also running a Cigar factory.

• K.K.N.M.Sundarapandian He is Grandson of Leader K.K.Neelamegam. He is now leading the DMK party in Kumbakonam. K.K.N.M.Sundarapandian has CONTESTED and WON consecutively FIVE Municipal Election in Kumbakonam. In the recent election which was held in 2007, he contested in ADMK Region. This is the first in the KUMBAKONAM ERA, the constituency came to DMK. He won this election by getting maximum number of votes in Tamilnadu Municipal Election.

 Postion Held: 
    President: Arignar Anna Building Society
    Member of Muncipality: Since 1986 - Till Now.
    Member of General Body(DMK)
    Deputy Secretary(DMK) Kumbakonam.

• Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R did schooling here
• Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan
• Er. K.Venkataraman is the first Certified Lighting Design Engineer from Kumbakonam by using latest lighting design software, is now at PHILIPS Lighting Doha, Qatar.
• Saint Dorothy who lived as an Evangelist and breathed her last for Jesus was born and brought up in Kumbakonam. She was a Martyr who gave her life for Lord Jesus. She died in Tanjore and her mortal remains lie in Anaikkadu, near Pattukottai.
• LIC Agent & Lions club ex president Ln. T.Sampath
• Orator Silver tongue Srinivasa Sastry
• Engineer Jones who constructed the worlds first Multi-Aircraft docking system for Emirates in UAE studied in LFHS Kumbakonam. He also designed the largest man made berth/Quay wall inside Sharjah seaport. He is a Businessman and philanthropist.
• Tamil thatha (grandpa) U.VE.Swaminatha Iyer
• Father of Green Revolution M.S. Swaminathan was born on Aug 7, 1925
• Late Rajam, Founder of Madras Institute of Technology, chromepet was born in Kumbakonam
• Aramanai Rangasamiyer[philanthropist]
• RaoBahadur Aramanai R Ramaiyer [philanthropist]Donated the bridge to Govt. Arts college for women
• Raman and Raman Bus Transport was founded here by Late Mr. P.S Narayana Iyer
• Kali Material Handling Systems, Manufacturers of Conveyor Idlers and Pulleys
• Raman and Raman Kasiraman S/O P.S Narayana Iyer Ex-MLA, designed the first town planning and underground flood and drainage system. A concept that is used wide across the state today
• Rtn. Er. M.B.Venkatesh is the first structural engineer in the city to design RCC structures with the aid of high techniques using latest civil engineering software in accordance to Bureau of Indian Standards
• Famous Tamil Film Directors Sharavanan Subbaiya, S. Shankar and N. Linguswamy were born in Kumbakonam
• City Union Bank Chairman belongs to Kumbakonam only
• A.R.Manikandan CEO of Bell systems born in Kumbakonam
• M.A.Mohamed Khalid Chairman for the Crescent Investment & company
• Miss Selvarasi Ramanujam was born in kumbokonam. She was known for being mad and gave trouble to many kids there.

M.Mohaideen Batcha Advocate general & puplic Notary in Kumbakonam