Sri Nageswaraswamy Temple, Thirukkudandai Keezhkottam, Kumbakonam - 275 Shiva Temples

27. Sri Nageswaraswamy Temple, Thirukkudandai Keezhkottam, Kumbakonam (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Nageswara Swamy, Sri Vilvavaneswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Bruhath Nayaki, Sri Periya Nayaki
Holy water (Theertham) : Maha Maka Theertham, Surya Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilvam
Thevaram : Thirunavukkarasar
District : Thanjavur.
Location : Kumbakonam.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 27th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Nageswara temple is in the heart of Kumbakonam. The granite walls of the sanctum are of 9th century make - they are profusely inscribed and have splendidly crafted near life size human figures. The superstructure is garishly multicolored just like any modern roadside shrine and this overlay of unabashed kitsch on authentic antiquity makes for a strangely interesting spectacle. A sad discordant note is struck by a pvc pipe that runs right across the ancient walls.

One of the most ancient temples in Kumbakonam, the small Nageswara Swami - Shiva temple, one of the finest early Chola temples, is noted for the quality of its sculpture, thought to have been completed a few years into the reign of Parantaka I (907 - 940). Adisesha and Surya had worshipped Sri Nageswara here. When Adisesha was groaning under the weight of the world, he came to Kuvinvanam, the present Nageswara temple and did penance. Siva and Parvati appeared before Adisesha and blessed him with enough strength. A well in the temple is called Naga Theertham.

Important Features:

Nataraja saba is called as perambalam, in the shape of Ratham. Stone wheels on both sides and 2 horses and 4 elephants statues in pulling posture.
Separate sannadhi for padai vetti Amman.
In Koshtam moorthis of Dhakshinamoorthy, Arthanareeswarar.
Separate Temple for Ambal.
It was learned that Padakacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal done kumbabisekam during the year 1923 through begging in the streets with chembu hanging from his neck.

The temple has a five tier Rajagopuram. Entering inside, we find the Nandavanam-flower garden at the left and the Singamukha theertha-sacred spring-at the right. Mother Brugannayaki and Nataraja Sabha are on the right side. The Nataraja Sabha is beautifully designed as a rath-car. The 12 cross wires of the wheel are (joining the wheel and the axis) are said to represent the 12 zodiac signs. The mandap is aesthetically designed in the form of a rath drawn by two horses and 4 elephants. The other noteworthy feature is Mother Sivakami is playing the Tala to the dance of the Lord Nataraja and Lord Vishnu playing the flute feasting the eyes of the devotees.

The temple was surrounded by bushes. It was the year 1923. A Shiva devotee, Padagacherry Ramalingaswamy collected funds by tying a brass bowl around his neck begging all. He renovated the temple with the funds he thus collected little by little. He also conducted the consecration of the temple. The next consecration took place in 1959 and finally again in 1988. Lord Nageswara is seated on a big Avudayar. He is small in size.

Sun God prays to Lord with his rays on Panguni 11, 12 and 13 in March. People pray to Lord Nageswara on Mondays and Thursdays for relief from the adverse aspect of serpent planet Rahu delaying marriage and child boon. Mother Periyanayaki graces the devotees with Her blessing hand-Abhaya Karam. The reputation of the temple is in its Pralayakala Rudra Shrine-Sannidhi. There are also shrines for Mother Vishnu Durga and Sun.

History / Legend:

Divine serpent Adisesha was bearing the whole weight of earth. As the weight grew due to the sins committed by the wicked, he could not tolerate the excess weight and felt exhausted. He visited Mount Kailash and begged Lord Shiva to bless him with the adequate energy needed to do his job. Lord promised him the energy to hold the earth with a single head (Adiseaha has 1000 heads). Adisesha, with the blessings of Lord Shiva came to this part of Kumbakonam where one leaf of Vilwa fell from the nectar pot. He installed a Linga here and worshiped the Lord. As Nagaraja the king of snakes worshiped the Lord here, He is praised as Nageswarar.

The place where the Vilwa fell from the nectar pot floating through floods, was called Vilwa Vanam. Lord is also praised as Vilwa Vanesar, Padala Beeja Nathar, Madanthai Bagar and Selva Piran.

Location: Private Town buses are available from Bus stand up to Uchipillayar Koil. From there, it is located at a walk-able distance. On Kaliamman Koil street, near Sri Somesar Temple. This sivasthalam temple is located in Kumbakonam town.