Aadhi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam - Mahamaham Festival

Considered to be the oldest temple in Kumbakonam, the world renowned Hindu festival of ‘Mahamaham’, that happens once in every 12 years, is associated with this temple. The temple has been in existence since the 7th century when the Cholas were ruling over the town. This Shiva temple is mentioned in a lot of saivite hymns. Aadhi Kumbeswarar temple is connected to the story of the deluge. When the Earth is completely immersed by water, existing even before the arrival of Kaliyuga, a celestial pot that had been filled with the nectar containing the seeds of all forms of life was floating. When the waters receded, the ‘kumbh’ (pot) came to rest in this place. Lord Shiva was a hunter, shot the arrow at the pot and broke it. And so acquired the name Kumbeswaran.

The nectar spilled out and thus life was revived on the Earth and this place got its name ‘Kumbakonam’. A few drops of the nectar fell into a natural cavity in this spot and it became the Mahamaham tank. This temple covers an area of around 30000 Sq feet, a length and breadth of 750 feet and 250 feet respectively. Vijayanagar emperors had contributed a lot to this temple. The structure of this temple is monumental and carries the glory of the historical period. The temple tower is fantastic and is rich in architecture. On the east side, Parvati temple is located and the deity is Mangalambigai. The present majestic masonry structure was built during the Chola empire in the 9th century with the attributions contributed by Vijayanagar rulers of Thanjavur.