A town for spiritual devotion. Many pilgrims travel through this, aptly called, temple town.

Kumbakanom is a popular destination for spiritual tourism, upholding India’s reputation as a religious country. This is even more evident as the major rivers originating from Himalaya and running through various regions of India, have religious significance. There are pilgrimage sites with a major river running through, whether in North India or South India. 

History of Kumbakonam

Even the ancient history of Kumbakonam has spiritual roots with the myth of Lord Shiva appearing as Lingam in this town, steeped in rites and prayers. Famously known as the once capital of the Chola Kingdom in the 7th century, Kumbakonam still remains tall with the numerous tapered temple gateways (known as gopuras) dotting its streets. 

Tourism in Kumbakonam

Temples

This temple town, living up to the nickname, has more than 30 temples within a town radius of 20km. The total number of temples stands at 188, originating from various periods in history. Not surprisingly, pilgrimages are common affair in this ancient religious centre of South India. Devotees arrive from all regions of India to offer prayers to the various ancestral deities or fulfill spiritual vows. All tours to this town include visits to the various temples where one can learn the history and spiritual significance of the temple. The historical background of each temple has considerable influence on the its architecture, which can be a fascinating study. 

Mahamagam festival 

This town is famous for the Mahamagam festival which is held every 12 years (the last was held in 2004). During the time of festival, pilgrims take bath in the Mahamagam tank (a water reservoir usually an artificial lake commonly found in the temple compound) where it is believed that the holy stream from the sacred rivers mingle. According to Hindu religtion, bathing in this holy combination which originates from the melted ice in Himalayas, will wash away sins of the past. One of the temples with Chola architecture and deemed to be the most spectacular despite the crumbling wall is the Airavateshwara temple in Darasuram. Despite the smaller size than other grander towers nearby, it is exquisite in detail and proportion. The temple’s finest sculpture is said to be the Chola black basalt images of various Hindu deities on the wall niches. 

The other remarkable religious site, Swamimalai is revered as one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva. Here is the location of one of South India’s holiest shrines in Swaminatha Temple. Non-religious visitors will be amazed at the work of the bronze casters. These local casters still employ the ‘lost wax’ technique perfected by the Cholas to create the temple idols that are in high demand from all over South India. Watching these skilled craftsmen at work will be a memorable experience.