1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

When you visit Kumbakonam, the first place you should visit is Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and devotees from all over the world visit this marvelous holy temple. Every year, countless devotees pay their homage to Lord Shiva in this temple. During the Mahamaham Festival, the place comes alive and it is considered the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath. From 5 am to 10 pm, this temple remains open every day of the week.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Address: Anna Nagar, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001

Website: Kashi Vishwanath Temple

2. Someshwar Temple

Someshwar Temple is also known as Kudanthai Karonam and is located in the Potramarai Kulam. As per legend, once the thread around the nectar pot fell here, and transformed into Shiv-lingam. Since the thread is called as ‘Sikkam,’ this temple got its name ‘Sikkeshwarar’ from the event. The Dravidian architecture of this temple will spellbind you with its incredible beauty.

Someshwar Temple

Address: Near Thanjavur Old Bus Stand, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 612001

Website: Someshwar Temple

3. Airavatesvara Temple

This temple is recognized by UNESCO, as the Chola temple built by Rajaraja Chola II. It is believed that the white elephant named Airavata of the King of Deities, Indra Dev, worshiped Lord Shiva here. Thus, the temple is called ‘Airavatesvara Temple’. Many people from around the world visit this holy spot.

Airavatesvara Temple

Address: Gurunathan Pillai Colony, Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612702

Website: Airavatesvara Temple

4. Mahamaham Tank

Kumbakonam is known for the Mahamaham Tank, where people gather in large numbers once in 12 years for a special celebration that occurs between February and March. This tank has always been the main attraction of the local and international tourists because of its holy significance. Though you can visit the temple any day, if you are planning to experience the Mahamaham Festival, it will take place in 2022.

Mahamaham Tank

Address: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India

Website: Mahamaham Tank

5. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

The temple is dedicated to the deity of Kumbakonam and the Lord’s consort Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika and is more than 1,300 years old. The Shiva lingam instituted in this temple is believed to be installed by Lord Shiva himself, when he mixed the nectar of immortality with sand. The temple has several silver Vahanas (vehicles), which temple’s priests used during festivals to carry the deities.

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Address: Main Road, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001

Website: Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

6. Oppiliappan Temple

This temple has a beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu in a standing posture and holding the Conch and the Disc. Rama Navami Festival is celebrated here with pious and joy, as this place is considered to be one of the 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The idols of Bhoomi Devi and Sage Markandeya can also be seen here.

Oppiliappan Temple

Address: Thirunageswaram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 612204

Website: Oppiliappan Temple

7. Sarangapani Temple

This is one of the holiest places in Kumbakonam, as Sarangapani Temple is considered as the major shrine of Lord Vishnu in India. It was renovated in the 16th-century during the period of the Nayaka Kingdom. You will also find one holy tank called “Porthamarai Kulam” in the premises of the temple. Devotees come here to worship Sarangapani Swamy and Komalavalli Thayar.

Sarangapani Temple

Address: Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 612001

Website: Sarangapani Temple

8. Nageswaran Temple

This is the finest early Chola temple and is believed to have been constructed in the reign of Parantak I (907 – 940). It is famous for its beautiful sculpture. The legend says, when the Adisesha was groaning under the weight of the world, he came to this place and did penance and worshiped Sri Nageswara. Delighted by his devotion, the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared before him and blessed him with strength. There is a holy well in the temple that is known as Naga Theertham. This is the oldest temple in the Kumbakonam.

Nageswaran Temple

Address: Gandhi Adigal Salai, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001

Website: Nageswaran Temple

9. Swaminathaswami Temple

Arulmigu Swaminathaswami Temple is located on the banks of Kaveri River. It is located about 5 kilometers (3 mi) west of Kumbakonam and is dedicated to the Lord. As per Mythology, saint Bhrugu got the boon that if anybody disturbs his meditation, he would forget all his knowledge. One day, the saint Bhrugu was doing arduous penance and the sacred fire started emanating from his head, which reached to the heaven. The frightened devas (deities) requested Lord Shiva to help them out. The Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint’s head with his hand. Thus, the saint’s meditation got disturbed and the Lord became oblivious of all his knowledge. Then, the Lord Muruga taught the Pranava mantra ‘OM’ to his own father, Lord Shiva.

Swaminathaswami Temple

Address: Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612302

Website: Swaminathaswami Temple

Find your spirituality in Kumbakonam!

If you are looking to visit some of the oldest temples in India, then visiting Kumbakonam should be on the top of your list. This town is full of ancient temples and all these holy places are perfect for peace seekers. It is quite easy to reach Kumbakonam. You can travel to the Trichy Airport and from there Kumbakonam is just 80 km (50 mi) away. Local buses and trains are the cheapest and most comfortable way to cover this distance. People from all over the world visit Kumbakonam just to experience the spirituality this place bestows. This is the best place for you to attain spirituality and meditate in the serene atmosphere.