Kumbakonam, a picturesque temple town located in Tanjavur District of Tamil Nadu, is known for its age old temples including famous Kumbeswarar and Sarangapani temples. Kumbakonam literally means the place of pot (Kumbam). This beautiful town is naturally set between the rivers Cauvery and Arasalar. This city was the capital of the historically important Chola dynasty ruled the region during the medieval period.Legends points the birth of Kumbakonam towards the period in which a huge pralaya (flood) occurred to destruct the whole universe. Lord Brahma collected all tools and Vedha’s Amrutham, which are required to recreate the Universe, in a pot and preserved it on the top of Mount Meru. In the flood, the pot washed away and stopped at a holy place. Lord Shiva had broken this pot at that place and the Amrutham from the pot was filled in two tanks. The parts of the pot and the Amrutham merged together to form the idol of Kumbeswar, a form of Lord Shiva. The place at which Kumbeswar got placed is Kumbakonam. Apart from Kumbeswarar and Sarangapani temples, there are many other important temples, numbering almost thousand, in and around Kumbakonam. A rare temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, Sri Abhimugheswarar, Kasi Vishwanathar, Nageswaran, and Ramaswamy are some of the temples. Kumbakonam is famous for the Kumba Mahamaham, celebrated once in 12 years. The Mahamaham tank in which devotees take holy dip is a prime attraction in Kumbakonam. It is believed that a visit to this temple town will wash off all sins committed in the life. Kumbakonam is famous for aesthetically carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass and metal wares, electrical goods such as lamps and prestigious educational institutions.
Kumbakonam, Sarangapani Temple
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Pilgrim
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 612001
STD Code: 435
Info Website: http://www.kumbakonam.com/
Best Time to Visit: October – March
HistoryEdit
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Places to VisitAdd
How to ReachEdit
By Air : The nearest airport to Kumbakonam is Trichy at distance of 96 km away. Domestic flights operate from this aerodrome. Regular flights are available to Chennai International airport. Taxis are available from Trichy to Kumbakinam and it charges about Rs 1,000.
By Train : Kumbakonam railhead is connected by trains from Chennai, Quilon, Tirupathi and Rameshwaram. Travellers can use trains to reach this place comfortably from Chennai and other places.
By BUS : Tamil Nadu state transport corporation buses connect Kumabkonam with almost all cities in Tamil Nadu. Regular buses are available from Trichi, Chidambaram and Chennai to Kumbakonam.
By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.
By Other : N.A.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
- Hotel Vinayaga ; 132, Kamarajar Road, John Selvaraj Nagar, Opposite Railway station, John Selvaraj Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001. ; Ph – 0435 240 0356 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Elevators, Laundry, Parking.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Sivamurugan Hotels ; 60, Feet Main Road, Near New Bus stand, Kumbakonam – 612 001 . ; Ph – 0435 242 4276 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Banquet facilities.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Athityaa ; 48, (11-12), Thanjavur Road, Kumbakonam, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001. ; Ph – 090 43 177277 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking.
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
- Hotel Raya’s ; 18, Head Post Office Road, Gandhi Adigal Salai, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001. ; Ph – 0435 242 3170 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Bus Parking.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- Vinayaga Pure Veg Restaurant ; 132 Kamarajar Road, Opposite Railway Station, John Selvaraj Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001. ; M – 0435 240 0356 ; Food Serve : N.A.
- Thanmayi Restaurant ; New Railway Road, Kumbakonam, India ; M – 435 2555555 ; Food Serve : N.A.
Must Eat FoodAd
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Safety / WarningEdit
- Beware of pickpockets as Kumbakonam is a major tourist city in India.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 100
ItineraryEdit
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