Temple

Located at Kumbakonam, Tamil Badu, Abimukeswarar temple is the famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Abimukeswarar temple is one of the 12 Shiva temples connected with the Mahamaham festival which happens once in 12 years. Lord Abimukeswarar and Goddess Amirthavalli are the primary Gods of this temple. It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, renovated the temple during the 16th century.

Legend

When the Pralaya floods destroyed the world, Lord Brahma sat down in a state of desperation not knowing how and from where to re-start the creation. He approached Lord Shiva for advice.   Lord Shiva advised the Creator, saying "go to as many holy places as you can, gather the sands of the places, mix nectar and make a magic pot.  Place the Srushti Beeja (seed of creation ) in the pot and a coconut on the top and dress it (alankara)- with mango leaves and cover with threads circled on the pot.  It should be placed then on a hanging cradle - Uri in Tamil - carefully so that it does not oscillate this or that way and fall down in the floods.  Then the pot should be worshipped with Vilwa leaves chanting Shiva mantras.  The pot would travel towards south.." Explaining thus what Brahmma should do, Lord Shiva assured him that He would present Himself at the place where the Kumba was floating.  The coconut broke to pieces from which appeared Lord Shiva as Abhimukheswara. Abhi Mukham means straight look. The temple stands looking straight at the Maha Magam tank.

Architecture

This Abimukeswarar temple is located at the eastern bank of the Mahamaham tank. The crown is pyramidical with a flat top and the temple is decorated with beautiful carvings on the walls and the pillars. Statues of Nandi could be seen on the roof from afar.

Darsan Info

Temple is open from 7.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

No specific dress code to visit Abimukeswarar temple, Women and those wishing to perform special rituals may have to follow special regulations.

Famous Festival

South Indian Kumbhmela is also celebrated once every 12 years.

Culture

Thanjavur is an important pilgrim centre and a major tourist destination of Tamil Nadu. Tanjavur is a place of holy traditions. Mahamaham festival is organised once every 12 years and almost 5 million pilgrims take part in the festival. This festival is believed to have great religious and spiritual importance. The temples around Mahamaham tank are a mix of monuments to both Vaishnavite and Shaivite culture.

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Temple Rituals

Abhishekam, Lamp offering, Bathing in Mahamaham

Special Rituals

Librans (Tula Rashi) people perform special rituals here.

Additional Info