shivaheader.jpg (29087 bytes)

95. Kudandaikaaronam

குடந்தை  காரோணம் 

Location: Kumbhakonam near Kumbhakonam.
(Chola Naadu-South of Kaveri)
Shiva: Kasi Viswanathar
Ambal: Tenaar Mozhi, Kasi Visalakshi
Theertham: Maamaga Theertham
Patikam : Sambandar
Travel Base: Thanjavur
Tvm7.jpg (55426 bytes)
Description:   The Kasi Viswanathar Temple in the temple town of Kumbhakonam is associated   with the Mahamagam festival which occurs once every 12 years; when 9 of the saters of the revered rivers in India are believed  to assemble in the Mahamagam tank. This temple is considered to be the 28th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. 

The major Shivastalams in Kumbhakonam are the Kumbheswarar Temple, Kudandaikkaronam, and the Nageswarar Temple (Kudandaikkeezhkottam). This is one of the 3 Kayarohana Stalams in Tamilnadu, the other 3 being Kanchikkaronam and Naagaikkaronam.  The term Kayarohana stalam is equivalent in meaning to a shrine where all beings become one with Shiva during the great deluge. Other temples in Kumbhakonam include the Ramaswamy temple and the Vaishnava Divya Desam Sarangapani temple.

Legends: Rama and Lakshmana are said to have worshipped Shiva here during their search for Sita, and acquired Rudramsam, to enable them to fight Ravana. Legend has it that the nine sacred rivers of India, prayed to Shiva at Banares (Viswanathar)to be absoved of the sins washed away by bathers, and were directed to bathe in the Mahamagam tank and worship Aadi Kumbheswarar. Viswanathar of Kaasi is believed to have manifested himself here at Kumbhakonam at Kudandaikkaronam.

History: The name Kayarohana is associated with the Lakulisa Pasupata Saiva sect which originated in Gujarat. This sect of saivism is said to have been widespread in Tamilnadu during the days of Mahendravarma Pallavan.

The Temple: This temple with 2 prakarams and a 72 ft high Rajagopuram   is situated on the Northern bank of the Mahamagam tank. Images of the 9 river Goddesses (one of which is Kaveri) are seen in this temple.

Festivals: Four worship srevices are offered each day here. Masi Magam is the most important annual festival celebrated. Other festivals include Arudra Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam, Aadi Pooram and Navaratri.

WB01343_.gif (599 bytes)         WB01345_.gif (616 bytes)

[Abodes of Shiva - Home] [The Templenet Encyclopedia][Temple Architecture][Travel & Tourism] [[Festivals& Fairs]Beliefss & Legends]]
The Templenet Homepage