This is the 114th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 27th sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Sri Nageswara Swamy temple is called as Kudanthai Keezh Kottam / Kudanthai Keelkottam. Since this temple is on the eastern side of Kumbakonam, so called as Kudanthai keelkottam.
In Periya Puranam Sekkizhar records that THirunavukkarasu Swamigal, came to this temple after worshiping Thiruvalanchuzhi. Sekkizhar didn’t mentioned Kudanthai Keelkottam separately.
நல்லூரில் நம்பர் அருள் பெற்றுப் போய்ப் பழையாறைபல்ஊர் வெண் தலைக்கரத்தார் பயிலும் இடம் பலபணிந்துசொல் ஊர்வண் தமிழ்பாடி வலஞ்சுழியைத்தொழுது ஏத்திஅல்ஊர் வெண்பிறை அணிந்தார் திருக்குடமூக்கு அணைந்து இறைஞ்சி........ திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் புராணம்
Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Ayyadigal Kadavarkon and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
சொன்மலிந்த மறை நான்காறங்கமாகிச் சொற்பொருளும் கடந்த சுடர்ச் சோதிபோலும்கன்மலைந்த கயிலைமலை வாணர் போலும் கடல்நஞ்சம் உண்டுஇருண்ட கண்டர்போலும்மன்மலிந்த மணிவரைத் திண்தோளர்போலும் மலையரையன் மடப்பாவை மணாளர்போலும்கொன்மலிந்த மூவிலைவேற் குழகர்போலும் குடந்தைக்கீழ்க் கோட்டத் தெங்கூத்தனாரே......... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்கடுவடுத்த நீர்கொடுவா காடிதா என்று நடுநடுத்து நா அடங்கா முன்னம் – பொடியடுத்தபாழ்க்கோட்டஞ் சேராமுன் பன்மாடத் தென்குடந்தைக்கீழ்க்கோட்டஞ் செப்பிக்கிட.......... ஐயடிகள் காடவர்கோன் -“மாணுற்றோர்காழ்க்கோட்ட நீங்கக் கருதுங் குடமூக்கிற்கீழ்க்கோட்ட மேவுமன்பர் கேண்மையே.......... திரு அருட்பா Moolavar : Sri Nageswaran, Sri Naganathar, Sri VilvavaneswararConsort : Sri Birukandha Nayagi, Sri Periya Nayaki
Some of the important features of this temple are...The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Padagacheri Ramalinga Swamigal’s stucco image is on the inner side of the east Rajagopuram 1st level who was instrumental in constructing this Rajagopuram. Nirutha Ganapathy, balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, Rishabam are before sanctum entrance arch. Nandhavanam and Simha Mukha theertham. The Simhamukha are made of stucco. In sanctum sanctorum moolavar is Swayambhu, short with piraisoodi and Nagaparanam. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy and Arthanareeswarar as Rishabanthikar, Brahma and Durgai.
In prakaram on the right side is the Ambal Periya nayaki Sannadhi facing south. 16 pillar mandapa is on the left and natarajar sabha is on the right. Natarajar Sabha is called as Perambalam also called as Anantha Tandava Nataraja sabha. Sivakami is playing thalam, Maha Vishnu is playing flute and on the opposite wall Saraba murthy, Shiva Linga, Nandhi / Rishabam, Vinayagar, Ambal, Murugan, nalvar painted on the wall. Sabha was built like a chariot. The wheels has the bas-reliefs of 12 rasis, 2 horses and 4 elephants are there in pulling posture. Also a Separate sannadhi for Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar and Padai Vettu Amman.
Also Pralayakala Rudrar, Valanchuzhi Vinayagar, Ayyanar Saptamatrikas, Subramaniyar, Sapta Lingas, Bhagavathrishi under bilva tree, Vishnu Durgai, Vaitheeswarar, Suryan, Somaskandar, Chandikeswarar, Siva Siva sound / oli mandapa and navagrahas are in the prakaram. Gangai Vinayagar was brought from Hanga region as a war trophy and installed in this temple.
Ambal is in a separate temple with palliyarai. Next to that is Aadi poora Amman sannathi. Ambal is with Abhaya and Varada hastam in standing posture.
Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. A Vesara vimana is on the sanctum. Nataraja sabha is called as perambalam, in the shape of ratham. stone wheels on both sides, 2 horses and 4 elephants statues in pulling posture.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSThere is a saying that “கோயில் பெருத்தது கும்பகோணம்”, the Kumbakonam has many temples both Saivam and Vaishnavam. Even though in literatures, this place was mentioned as Kudamooku, now called as Kumbakonam. Once in 12 years Mahamaham is conducted in Mahamaha Theertha Tank on the day when Guru stands in Simha rasi and Chandran in Kumbha Rasi.
The Mahamaha Theertha tank is spreads over 15 acres and it has 9 wells and 16 sannadhis around the 4 banks. Apart from small temples, the Kumbakonam has 14 big temples with 14 tanks. They are Brahma theertheesam, Mukunthesam, Thanesam, Rishabesmm, Banesam, Konesam, Bhakthesam, Bhairavesam, Agasthesam, Vyakesam, Gangadharesam, Bramesam and Moothatheerhesam. In addition to this temples, it has 14 Theerthas has, 7 Thadahas, 3 wells and 4 rivers steps. The maintenance of these tanks and Vimanas of 16 Shiva temples was built during Vijayanagara period by Achuthappa nayak’s minister Govinda Dheekshithar. He carried out all these with Gold with thulabaram ie equal amount of his weight. His stone image is in Kumbeswarar Temple.
Govinda Deekshithar was instrumental in establishing Raja Veda Padasala, Schools, Pushba mandapas with Jodi / twin Vimanas, Velvi Sala next to Raja Veda Pada Sala, The Silver Chariot & Rishaba vahana at Thiruvidaimaruthur and extension of Mandapas at temples, atc. Hope next to Chozhas, he was the person who had done this yemon service. He was also called as Ayyan so some of the places like Ayyampettai, Manakal Ayyampettai, Ayyan Street at Kumbakonam and Thanjavur are name after him. Hence he was praised is Kumbakonam Kshethra Mahathmiyam as...
கோவிந்த தீக்ஷிதோ நாம மஹாநாஸீத் கலெள யுகேதேந ஷோடசலிங்காநி ஸ்தாபிதாதி ஸரோவரே
During pralaya, as per the wish of Brahma the Amutha Kalasa stayed at this place, hence called as Amuthasarorukam and Kumbakonam. It is believed that 9 holy rivers starts with Ganga, Sarayu, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sindu, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri came in the form Nava Kannis took bath, hence called as “Kanniyar Theertham”.
பூமருவும் கங்கைமுதல் புனிதமாம் பெருந்தீர்த்தம்மாமக்ந்தான் ஆடுதற்கு வந்து வழிபடுங்கோயில்..... பெரிய புராணம்
The Paadal Petra Sthalangal Kumbeswarar Temple, Nageswara Swamy Temple and Kudanthai Karonam are there in Kumbakonam.
It is believed that main temple / sanctum Sanctorum was built by Kandaraditha Chozha, Inner mandapam was built by sekkizhar and Outside mandapa was built by the Achuthappa Nayak’s minister Govinda Deekshithar.
It was learned that Padagacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal had done kumbhabhishekam during the year 1923 through begging in the streets with chembu hanging from his neck. His stucco image is on the inner side of the east Rajagopuram 1st level.
Gandraditha Chozha’s 3rd reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 90 sheeps are gifted to this temple by Kumaran Tuduvan a Kaikola, resident of Thanjavur, who was amember of Vira Chozha Terinja Kailkolar ( a community / a regiment ). The 90 sheeps are handed over to two shepherds, who in turn has to supply 7 nali and 1 uri ghee per month.
Another Gandraditha period inscription records the gift of 10 veli land including a portion situated at Arisalur which had been granted to the Mula paradaip-perumakkal of Thirukudamukkil by the king as a abhisheka dakshinai, to the temple of Tirukkeelkottathu Paramaswami, in return of 1500 kalanju gold. It refers as a fine of 3000 kalanju gold received by Madurai Konda Udayar ( Parantaka-I ) and to the pandippadaiyar regiment.
The Chozha king Parakesarivarman Rajaraja-I, 3rd reign year inscription records the endowment of 70 Ilakasu ( Sri Lankan coin ) in gold, who took the head of veera Pandya, by Devan Kuppai, Of the Veerachozhan Terinja Kaikolar community / regiment, to the temple is Thirukilkottathu Paramaswami at Thirukudamukkil.a devathana of Pambur Nadu, on the northern bank of Kaveri. Out of the interest earned three times pooja with naivedyam has to be done To the Silver image set up in the temple by the donor. This agreement was lapsed and the reason is not known.
Kulothunga Chozha-III, 35th reign year inscription records that Alvar Thirupurambiyam Udayar, alias Sembiyan Pallavaraiyan of Velur had established an image called Thirupurambiyam Udayar, and presented 17000 kasu for naivedyam and burning of sandhi lamps to that image and for a makara thorana 9 thiruvasi .. ?) to Thirukilkottam Udayar
The Pandya King Maranjadayan’s 8th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning two perpetual lamps for which 138 cows and 100 kasu, by the king for the supply of milk 10 nali ) and ghee/ daily to the Bhatara of Thirukkilkottam in Thirukkudamukku, ie Kumbakonam
Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 29th November 1985 after maintenance works through Sri Kanchi Kamakodi Peedam and on 07th Feb 2003.
LEGENDSDuring ancient period this place was called as Vilvavanam, Surya Kottam, Keezha Kottam. Since this temple is on the eastern side of Kumbakonam, so called as Kudanthai keelkottam.
It is believed that it will be auspicious to worship Lord Shiva of Kudanthai Keezhl Kottam in the morning, Thirunageswaram in the afternoon and Thirupampuram in the evening on a single day.
At the end of each yuga, lord destroys the living things on the whole earth through Pralaya. Brahma asked Lord Shiva from where to creates new lives and the procedure to be adopted. Lord told Brahma to create a magical pot and fill it with the seeds of all living things, soil of various holy places and the amirtha in the pot. At the end of the yuga Lord Shiva asked Brahma to leave the pot to float in the pralaya flood water. When the pot reached this place Lord Shiva in the form of Kirathamurthy shoots the pot with an arrow. The pot had broken and the amirtha mixed with soil spilled and spreads on this place Kumbakonam. The soil with amrita formed a Shiva Linga. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Adi Kumbeswarar, temple is called as Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and this place is called as Kumbakonam.
The arrow shot by Lord Shiva creates nostrils around the post. The amirtha flowed through the nostril. Hence this place is called as “Kudamooku” ( Kudam – pot, mooku – nostrils ). The Mango leaves, the sacred grass ( Tharpai ), hoop ( uri ), bell tree leaves ( bilva ), Coconut and the sacred thread ( poonool ) which adorns the pot had fallen in different place due to swirl of the pralaya wind. They formed Shiva Lingas and latter as temples around this place. As per the puranas, the life of the living things started from this place and this is treated one of the Thiruvilaiyadal of Lord Shiva. It is believed that vilva leaves had fallen on this place and form a shiva Linga, hence called as Vilvavaneswarar.
Astronomically the Mahamaham happens on full moon day occurs as the moon is passing the Magha nakshatra ( leo sign ),and Sun is on the other end in the opposite Aquarius sign ( Kumbha Rasi ). Mahamaham occurs occurs once in 12 years,when the Planet Jupiter's residence in Leo coincides with full moon in Leo.
PoRRamarai tank is in front of the temple. Mahamaham festival or the Kumbh mela is celebrated once in 12 years in the mahamaham tank. It is believed that 9 celestial maidens had a dip in the mahamaham tank. It is believed that it is the confluence of 9 holy river Goddesses namely Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Kaveri and Sarayu. According to Periyapuranam Lord Shiva rejuvenate all the 9 holy rivers.
It was believed that Surya worshiped Lord shiva of this temple. Sunrays falls on moolavar, three days ie 11th to 13th during the month of Chithirai ( April- May ).
As per another legend The king of serpent Adiseshan, holds this earth with his 1000 heads. At one stage, he couldn’t hold the earth and requested Lord Shiva to give him enough strength to hold. Lord Shiva advised him to go this place and worship him. Adhiseshan came to this place, installed a shiva Linga and worshiped Lord Shiva. Lord blessed Adhiseshan and gave him enough strength to hold this earth with one head instead of 1000 head. Hence Lord shiva is called as Nageswarar and this temple has become a parihara sthalam for Raghu. It is further believed that Serpents Dakshan, karkodakan and King Nala was also worshiped Lord shiva of this temple.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular Poojas, Special poojas are conducted on Theerthavari festival is conducted in Mahamaham Tank on Masi maham day, Maha Shivaratri ( Feb – march ), Panguni Festival in the month Panguni ( March – April ), Saptasthana festival in the month Chithirai ( April – May ), Thirumanjanam in the month Aani ( June –July ), Aadi Perukku & Aadi pooram in the month ( July – Aug ) and monthly pradoshams
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS : Land line number +91 435 243 0386 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH : Private Town buses are available from Bus stand up to Uchi Pillayar Koil. From there, walk-able distance.On Kaliamman Koil street, near Sri Someswaran Temple.This temple is 37.5 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 39 KM from Thanjavur 398 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway station is Kumbakonam.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Stucco image of Ramalinga swamigal who constructed this Rajagopuram
Ramalinga Swamigal's sannathi
Rajagopuram ceiling painting 
Ashtadikpalakas
12 Rasis on the wheels of sabha mandapam
Sabha mandapam stucco images 
Pichadanar and Brahma
Miniature Sculptures
Miniature Sculptures
Miniature Sculptures
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
கடுவடுத்த நீர்கொடுவா காடிதா என்று
.......... ஐயடிகள் காடவர்கோன்
.......... திரு அருட்பா
Govinda Deekshithar was instrumental in establishing Raja Veda Padasala, Schools, Pushba mandapas with Jodi / twin Vimanas, Velvi Sala next to Raja Veda Pada Sala, The Silver Chariot & Rishaba vahana at Thiruvidaimaruthur and extension of Mandapas at temples, atc. Hope next to Chozhas, he was the person who had done this yemon service. He was also called as Ayyan so some of the places like Ayyampettai, Manakal Ayyampettai, Ayyan Street at Kumbakonam and Thanjavur are name after him. Hence he was praised is Kumbakonam Kshethra Mahathmiyam as...
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs.
Ramalinga Swamigal's sannathi
Rajagopuram ceiling painting
Ashtadikpalakas
12 Rasis on the wheels of sabha mandapam
Sabha mandapam stucco images
Pichadanar and Brahma
Miniature Sculptures
Miniature Sculptures
Miniature Sculptures
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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