Situated in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu is Nageswaraswamy temple which is a Hindu temple and is dedicated to lord Shiva. In the center of the temple is lord Shiva in the appearance of Nagaraja, the serpent king. The temple is believed to be constructed in the supremacy of Parantaka I (907-c.940).

Legend

The temple was constructed in the 9th century, which displays a great sight of Chola architecture. The building is constructed in such a way that the sunlight reaches inside the temple, exactly in the temple hall during the months of April & May (Tamil month of Chithirai). The Nageswaraswamy temple is also called by another name “Keezha Kottam” or “ Kottam”. The Karuvarai or the chamber of the Nageswaran temple resembles to Sarangapani Temple because it is made in the form of a Chariot. The temple also a shrine of Rahu, one of the grahas or bodies from the Navgraha.

History

Surya and Adisesha had worshipped Sri Nageswara at this point, when Adisesha was crying under the burden of the world he came to the present Nageswara temple and did reimbursement. Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati emerged before Adisesha and blessed him with strength. A temple has a well which is called as Naga Theertham.

Nageswaraswamy temple is one of the oldest temples in Kumbakonam. It is believed that serpents like Dakshan, Kaarkotakan and Adiseshan who were present in the mythology worshipped lord Shiva; also King Nala worshipped lord Shiva in Thirunallar. The locals believe that every day morning and evening worship and prayers should happen in the monsoon season in the three temples.

Architecture

Aditya Chola created the Nageswaraswamy temple in the 9th century, which displays Chola architecture in the finest form of human figures. The chamber in the temple of padabandha-padmaka type stands on padmopana, which are made of carved lotus leaves stamped with excellence and vigor. The historic carvings of Dakshinamoorthy, Ardhanari and Brahma are positioned on the outer side of the wall. The other statues on the walls are of huge sizes dazzling the contemporary prince and princesses or either the humans who have given donations to the temple.

The outer areas of a temple include Devi Shrine, which is a self-sufficient structure which is standing apart from the main temple and faces towards south. The other complex has the shrine of Nataraja, which is the outline of a chariot on the wheel pulled by horses as seen in Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

Festivals

Theerthavari is the key festival of the temple, it is said Lord comes to Mahamagam tank. The other festivals celebrated in the temple are Purattasi Navarathri which comes in the month of August-September. Panguni Peru Vizha is a great festival celebrated in the month of March-April and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai is celebrated in December-January.

Temple Rituals

The deity is worshipped between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m, also the prayers during the Rahukala time on Sundays is believed to give relief from all ailments. Puja and Prayers are offered Lord Umai Oru Bagan (Lord Shiva and Uma as part of His body).

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Kumbakonam is between Octobers to March. The Nageswaraswamy temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m, and then it opens again at 4.30 p.m. till 9.00 p.m all months during the year.

How to Reach

All major cities in Southern part of India take you to Kumbakonam by railways, roadways and airways.

By Train

Regular trains ply from metro cities like Chennai, Tirupathi, Rameshwaram, Mumbai and Delhi.

By Air

Kumbakonam does not have an airport, but the nearest airport is Trichy (Tiruchirappalli International Airport) which is situated at a distance of 96 kilometers from Kumbakonam.

By Road

The temple can be visited by travelling through a State transport or private bus which run from Tiruchirappalli, Chennai and Chidambaram and take you to Kumbakonam.