Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple Kumbakonam

The Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the town of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Adi Kambatta Viswanathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalambigai Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical, greatest work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

History of Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple:

The exact date of the construction of the temple is unknown, but it is believed to be over 1,000 years old. The temple is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars. The temple is also mentioned in the 11th-century Sanskrit work, the Periya Puranam, written by Sekkizhar.

The temple is located in the Valayapettai Agraharam area of Kumbakonam. The temple complex is spread over an area of about 2 acres and houses a number of shrines, including the main shrine of Adi Kambatta Viswanathar. The main shrine is located in the center of the complex and is surrounded by a number of other shrines dedicated to other deities, including Parvati, Ganesha, and Murugan.

The temple is known for its architectural features, including its towering gopurams. The main gopuram is 72 feet tall and is decorated with intricate carvings. The temple also has a number of other gopurams, including a 60-foot-tall gopuram on the west side of the complex.

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Legend of Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple:

The legend of Dhumaketu

Dhumaketu was a sage who lived in the Himalayas. He was a very learned man, and he had studied the Vedas and other holy scriptures. However, he was still searching for enlightenment.

One day, Dhumaketu was meditating in the Himalayas when he saw a vision of Shiva. Shiva told Dhumaketu to go to Kumbakonam, where he would find a lingam that would lead him to enlightenment.

Dhumaketu traveled to Kumbakonam and found the lingam. He began to worship the lingam with great devotion. After many years of worship, Dhumaketu finally achieved enlightenment.

The legend of Rama and Lakshmana

Rama and Lakshmana were the sons of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya. They were exiled from Ayodhya for fourteen years after Rama’s stepmother, Kaikeyi, tricked Dasaratha into banishing them.

During their exile, Rama and Lakshmana traveled to the forest. One day, they came to Kumbakonam. They saw the lingam and decided to worship it.

As they were worshipping the lingam, Shiva appeared before them. Shiva told Rama that he would be able to defeat Ravana and rescue Sita if he continued to worship the lingam.

Rama and Lakshmana continued to worship the lingam with great devotion. After many years of worship, Rama was able to defeat Ravana and rescue Sita.

Other legends

There are a number of other legends associated with the Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple. One legend tells the story of how the temple was visited by the nine sacred rivers of India. The rivers prayed to Shiva at Varanasi, and he told them to bathe in the Mahamagam tank in Kumbakonam and worship the lingam.

Another legend tells the story of how the temple was visited by the sage Agastya. Agastya was a powerful sage who was said to have the ability to control the monsoon rains. He came to Kumbakonam to worship the lingam, and he blessed the town with prosperity and rain.

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Myths of Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple:

The myth of the pot of nectar: The pot of nectar is said to have been filled with the nectar of immortality, which is a drink that gives eternal life. The pot is said to have fallen from heaven, and it is believed that the water from the pot still flows from the temple well.

The myth of the sage Agastya: The sage Agastya is said to have helped to establish the temple at the spot where the pot of nectar had fallen. He is also credited with bringing the Tamil language to India, and he is said to have helped to establish Hinduism in the country.

The myth of the demons: The demons are said to have been trying to steal the nectar of immortality from the pot. Agastya defeated them and helped to protect the pot.

Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple Timing and Poojas Offered :

The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The timings for the various poojas are as follows:

• Mangala Aarathi: 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM
• Eka Kala Aarathi: 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM
• Ucchikala Aarathi: 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM
• Nitya Aarathi: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
• Rajarajeswara Aarathi: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
• Ekadanta Aarathi: 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Palliyarai Aarathi: 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The temple also offers a variety of special poojas, such as the Abhisheka Puja, the Homam Puja, and the Navagraha Puja. These poojas can be performed on request for a fee.

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Specialties of the Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple:

The temple is one of the 12 Shiva temples associated with the Mahamaham festival. The Mahamaham festival is a major Hindu festival that is held once in every 12 years. It is believed that bathing in the Mahamaham tank during the festival can cleanse one of all sins.

The temple is believed to have been built by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I in the 11th century. The Cholas were a powerful dynasty that ruled over much of southern India from the 9th to the 13th centuries. They were known for their patronage of art and architecture.

The temple has a number of beautiful sculptures. The sculptures on the temple walls depict scenes from Hindu mythology and epics. They are a testament to the skill and artistry of the Chola sculptors.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Hindus believe that the temple is a holy place where they can seek the blessings of Shiva.

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Places to visit near Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple:

Kasi Viswanathar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is one of the 12 Shiva temples in Kumbakonam that are associated with the Mahamaham festival. The temple is located near the Mahamaham tank, and is known for its beautiful architecture.

Someswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is one of the oldest temples in Kumbakonam. The temple is known for its intricate carvings, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nageswaraswamy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is located near the Cauvery River. The temple is known for its 9-tiered Rajagopuram, which is one of the tallest in Kumbakonam.

Kalahasteeswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is known for its unique architecture. The temple is built in the Dravidian style, and features a number of unusual features, such as a 12-storeyed gopuram and a 5-headed Nandi.

Gowthameswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is located near the Mahamaham tank. The temple is known for its beautiful sculptures, which depict a variety of Hindu deities.

Kodeeswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is known for its unique architecture. The temple is built in the Chola style, and features a number of unusual features, such as a 10-storeyed gopuram and a 3-headed Nandi.

Amirthakadeswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is located near the Mahamaham tank. The temple is known for its beautiful sculptures, which depict a variety of Hindu deities.

Banapuriswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is located near the Cauvery River. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, and is a popular pilgrimage destination.

Abhimukeswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is located near the Mahamaham tank. The temple is known for its unique architecture, and is a popular pilgrimage destination.

Ekambareswarar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Shiva, and is one of the most important temples in Kumbakonam. The temple is located near the Cauvery River, and is known for its beautiful architecture and its annual Mahamaham festival.

The Saraswati Mahal Library: This library is one of the largest and most important libraries in India. It houses a collection of over 60,000 manuscripts, as well as a number of rare books and artifacts.

The Kumbakonam Government Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara periods. The museum also has a number of exhibits on the history and culture of Kumbakonam.

The Theerthakundram: This is a large tank that is located near the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. The tank is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.

The Aththiyur Fort: This fort was built by the Cholas in the 10th century. The fort is located near the Cauvery River, and is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.

FAQ:

What is Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple?

Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, located in the town of Kumbakonam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is one of the most important Vishnu temples in Tamil Nadu and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

When was Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple built?

The exact date of construction of Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the 8th or 9th century CE. The temple was renovated and expanded several times over the centuries, most recently in the 16th century CE.

What is the significance of Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple?

Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy places of Vishnu, in Tamil Nadu. The temple is also associated with the legend of the sage Kambatta Munivar, who is said to have worshipped Vishnu here.

What are the main features of Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple?

The main temple complex is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a tall gopuram, or gateway tower, that is decorated with intricate carvings. The inner sanctum of the temple houses a murti, or image, of Vishnu in the form of Viswanathar. The murti is said to have been installed by the sage Kambatta Munivar.

What are the festivals celebrated at Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple?

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the annual Brahmotsavam, or grand festival, which is held in the month of May. Other important festivals celebrated at the temple include the Vaikunda Ekadasi, the Krishna Janmashtami, and the Deepavali.

How to reach Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple:

By Road

Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple is well-connected by road. The temple is located on the Kumbakonam-Tiruvarur Highway, which is National Highway 67. There are regular bus services from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities in Tamil Nadu to Kumbakonam. The temple is about 1 kilometer from the Kumbakonam Bus Stand.

By Rail

Kumbakonam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple. The station is located about 1 kilometer from the temple. There are regular train services from Chennai, Trichy, and Madurai to Kumbakonam.

By Air

Tiruchirapalli International Airport is the nearest airport to Adi Kambatta Viswanathar Temple. The airport is located about 100 kilometers from the temple. There are regular flights from Chennai, Bangalore, and other major cities in India to Tiruchirapalli. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kumbakonam.

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