Nageswarar Kumbakonam

Padal Petra Sthalam, Thanjavur District

God

Nageswarar, facing east

Goddess

Periyanayagi (also Brahanayagi), facing south

Other Deities

Jurahara Vinayaka, Muruga, Sarabamurthy, Nalvar, Padaivetti Amman, Pralayakala Rudra, Indrakshi, Ayyanar, Sapthamaadar, Sapthalingam, Vishnudurgai, Vaitheeswarar, Surya, Chandikeswara, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanari, Brahma, Aadipoora Amman, Navagraha

Nageswarar Kumbakonam is a large temple with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and 2 Prakarams protected by immaculate compound walls. This is believed to be older than many other temples in the area. During the Tamil month of Chithirai (April – May) the suns rays fall on the lord in the early morning for three days. There is a shrine for Pralayakala Rudra here at Nageswarar Kumbakonam who is remove the fear of death. Also represented in the shrine are the images of the assistants of Yama, the god of death.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Nagatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Thirunavukkarasar (7th century CE) has visited and rendered Thevaram hymns for the lord here at Nageswarar Kumbakonam. The temple had been in a state of neglect for long and in 1923 a noble soul called Padagacheri Sree Ramalingaswamigal took up the cause and went street by street with a copper Hundi around his neck and collected money for the renovation of this important temple.

Legend

Lord Vinayaka is believed to have cursed the serpent (Naga) on the neck of Lord Shiva for his attitude. The serpent is said to have bathed in the pond and worshiped the Lord here at Nageswarar Kumbakonam to get relieved. Thus the Lord’s name is Nageswarar (lord of the serpent).

Directions

Nageswarar Kumbakonam is south-east of the Kumbeswarar temple and is walking distance from there.

Stay and Food

Kumbakonam has many good hotels and restaurants in various categories. As this is a very busy area it is advisable to make bookings well ahead.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Nageswarar, Kumbakonam