2025 Kumbakonam Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

This is a relatively small temple, but we didn't have any problems locating it as almost every person in town was familiar with the temple. There were two differentiating elements about this temple - Brahma as everyone else pointed out and the fact that it's a Sourashtrian Vaishnavite traditional site. Pros: * Priest was interested in providing a clear, detailed history of the temple * Pretty old temple (about a 1000 years old, per the priest) * Not very crowded, peaceful environment * Uniqueness about Brahma's shrine and Yoga Narasimha in Rudra form Cons: * I'm all about vibrations, and personally, I couldn't connect too well with the place * You need to pay to see Gayathri's face behind Brahma (we didn't pay), which is outrageous, given that people visit this place to see Brahma * Accessibility is pretty tricky, given that the backstreets are pretty narrow (you can still access the temple by car through the road facing the temple, but it does require some extra driving around if you are coming from downtown) In essence, if this is a temple on your way to some other place or if you are staying close-by, it's definitely worth a visit. If not, I personally don't think it's worth the detour.

Maruthavakudi Shri Airavatheswarar Temple: This temple is otherwise called Vruchika Rasi Kshetram. This is another part of Aduthurai. As I indicated in the write up on the previous temple, this place came to be called Maruthuvakudi after an Asura by name Maruthuvasuran. He was causing lot of hardships to everyone and finally, Lord Shiva destroyed him. The temple is believed to have been constructed during the period of Chembian Maadevi, the Chozha Queen ( around 10th Century). The last Kumbabishekam was performed in 2006, after a gap of around 200 years. The Temple is having a six tiered Rajagopuram. The Rice Research Institute about which I had already mentioned, is situated very close to this temple. How to Reach: The temple is easily reached from Aduthurai . Auduthurai is a small village between Mayavaram and Kumbakonam Take the road next to Aduthurai bus stand towards south, Thiruneekakudi and in 5 kms you can see the temple . similarly on the Kumbakonam Karaikal road from Kumbakonam take a left after Thiruneelakudi and in 10 kms you will reach Mel Maruthuvakudi and this temple is a prominent place here. Apart from the Main shrine of Lord Airavatheswarar, this temple is more popular for the Vinayakar shrine on the south west part of the temple. The idol of the Lord is fully covered with images of scorpion (Vruchikam) and the the trunk is shaped like a scorpion. As per Sthala Puranam, when Chandran was facing the curse of Daksha Prajapathi and losing his brightness, he came to this place and first he created a theertham ( Chandra Theertham ) and worshipped this Vinayaka. Pleased with his prayers, Vinayaka advised him to pray to the Shiva of this temple. Chandran followed the instructions and got relief. As he had done it on the Anusha star which falls in the Vruchika Rasi ( Zodiac sign ) the belief is that those who are born in Viruchika Rasi should offer prayers here and all their problems will be resolved. Hence it is well known as Viruchika Rasi Sthalam. It is also believed that when one prays in this shrine, he is cured of the after effects of any insect or snake bite. The main shrine is that of Swamy Airatvatheswarar. Once again, there is an uniqueness associated with Him. Unlike other temples where the Lingam is made of stone, here He is made of White Clay! He is believed to be a Swayambumurthy. The Nandi before the Lord is not aligned in a straight line; in stead He is slightly away. One can see the small holes/pores on His body. It is believed that when Maruthuvasuran fought with the Lord, Nandi came in between and the arrows landed on His body and hence the pores! Due to this reason, He is called Baana Nandi ( Baanam in Tamil means arrow).

Mahamaham Tank is one of the most sacred water tanks which is located in India. This water tank is located in Kumbakonam town of Tamil Nadu. The tank is a very holy place among the Hindus, and many tourists come every year to visit this place. So, you should visit this temple if you are going for your Kumbakonam trip. It is believed that Lord Brahma built the temple. There is one story behind this, when Lord Brahma was creating the tank on the ground with his fingernail, that time Lord Brahma filled the tank with all the holy water from all sacred rivers that are present in India. Not only this, there is one more story, once upon a time Lord Shiva took a dip in the tank at the famous temple festival. This temple festival happens every 12 years. Another fascinating fact about this temple is that the annual festival celebrated here is very famous in the city. The festival is celebrated during the month of Masi. Masi Month happens from February to March. During this time, it is said that the tank has more positive energy because of God's blessings. The tank is constructed in an area of 6.2 acres. With this big area, this temple is one of the largest Temple Tanks that is present in Tamil Nadu. So, if you visit the temple, you can easily go to the nearby places to visit also. Along with this scene, nearby temple locations are also really nice. There are Ghats present near the Temple Tank. These ghats have very beautiful carvings and sculptures. The carving present here depicts scenes from Hindu mythology. During the Chola dynasty's rule, kings used to take baths in the holy tank. During that time, water was used for irrigation also. However, due to the pollution issues, the temple tank faced various problems. However, various types of installations like sewage treatment plants and pollution control measures have been taken to take care of the Temple Tank. Architecture of the Tank: Mahamaham Tank follows a blended style of architecture. The tank is present in a rectangular shape, and a total of 16 step Ghats are present. All the Ghats have very beautiful carvings and designs. You can easily reach the holy water as you go down the steps. There is a mandapam located on the eastern side of the tank. This Mandapam is known as Mahamaham Mandapam. The architecture of the Mandapam follows Dravidian architecture with beautiful carvings and sculptures. Not only this, but the walls present inside the Mandapam have very intricate carvings and sculptures. Different dynasties ruled this place. So, the tank has various types of mixed architecture and style. Overall, Mahamaham Tank is a famous holy tank surrounded by beautiful temples in Kumbakonam. The tank follows a Dravidian and Vijayanagara-style architecture. The scenery surrounding the tank is also really amazing. If you are a person who loves visiting temples and beautiful historical places, you should add this place among the different places in Kumbakonam.

Shri Swamimalai Swaminatha Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Swamimalai. This place is located near Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. Shri Swamimalai Swaminatha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Not only this but the temple is considered as one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan is also known as Swaminatha Swamy. Inside the temple, you can see very beautiful Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings and designs. A large number of devotees are coming here to worship Lord Murugan. There is a unique ritual that is done in this temple, and it is known as Padikasu. In this ritual, an offering of coins is made to the deity. It is believed that this ritual will bring goodness and blessing. So, while going for your Kumbakonam trip, visit this temple also. Temple History: The Shri Swamimalai Swaminatha Swamy Temple has a very rich history. The person who built the temple is not known. There are various stories behind the construction of the famous temple. Among those stories, one great story is that it is believed that Lord Murugan himself built the temple. Lord Murugan taught the meaning of “Om” to his father, Lord Shiva, at this place. After that, he asked the father to recite in reverse order. Lord Shiva was pleased. After that, Lord Shiva Put the idol of Swaminatha Swamy in the temple. The architecture of the temple: Shri Swamimalai Swaminatha Swamy Temple has very beautiful architecture. When you enter the temple, you will find Gopuram and Towers. The Gopuram has a height of 70 feet. There are 5 tiers inside Gopuram. The whole Gopuram has very intricate carvings and cultures. The carvings present on the Gopuram depict scenes from Hindu mythology. There is a main sanctum sanctorum Which is present inside the temple. The main sanctum has having deity of Lord Murugan. The idol of Lord Murugan is made up of granite, and it is 6 feet high. The Shri Swamimalai Swaminatha Swamy Temple is considered one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in South India. Not only this, but the nearby places of the temple are also very amazing, and you will love that. So, while going to the different places in Kumbakonam, you should visit this temple, also.

Thirunageswaram Naganatha Samy Temple is also known as Rahu Temple. This temple is a very famous Hindu temple. The temple has very beautiful architecture and style. Thirunageswaram Naganatha Samy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of Rahu and Naganatha Swamy. It is believed that if the Rahu planet is worshiped, it will remove all the ill effects and bring good luck to life. Along with the shrine of Lord Vishnu that is present here, you will also find shrines of various other deities. The other shrines here are devoted to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Murugan, and God Ganesha. The main shrine inside the temple is dedicated to Naganatha Swamy. There is a very famous Rahu kala Puja that happens inside the temple. This pooja is done during the time of Rahu kalam. Rahu kalam is one and a half hours each day, considered inauspicious. During this time, pooja is done so that they can remove the problems and bring good luck. Mahashivratri is again a famous festival celebrated in Thirunageswaram Naganatha Samy Temple. During the time of Mahashivratri, devotees come here to participate in the pooja. So, among the different places to visit Kumbakonam, you can also add this temple to your list during any special festival. The architecture of the Thirunageswaram Naganatha Samy Temple: Thirunageswaram Naganatha Samy Temple has a blend of different styles of the dynasty that ruled that place. When you enter the temple, the temple has a very beautiful Gopuram or Tower. The height of the tower is 100 feet. Not only this, but the whole tower has very beautiful carvings. The carvings and sculptures present on the tower depict scenes from Hindu mythology. There is a main sanctorum which has a deity of Lord Naganatha. The sanctorum is built in a very beautiful Dravidian style of architecture. There is a raised platform over which the sanctorum is built. There is a Mandapam also present inside the temple. The Mandapam has very beautiful architecture and carvings. Various pillars support the Mandapam. These pillars depict various gods, goddesses, and celestial creatures. There is an underground Shrine also which is dedicated to Rahu. You have to go some steps to reach the small Phantom, which has a statue of Rahu. The Phantom also has beautiful paintings and carvings. Another interesting fact about the temple is that it is considered one of the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Not only this, the temple even has a holy water tank. The Name of the Holy Water Tank is Surya Pushkarni. It is believed that whoever is having a dip in the water will eliminate all the problems. Overall, Thirunageswaram Naganatha Samy Temple is a very beautiful temple having a rich history in South India. The temple has beautiful carvings depicting stories from the Hindu mythology. If you are looking for different places to visit Kumbakonam, you should visit this temple.

Ramaswamy Temple is a very famous Hindu temple located in Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. This place is one of the most famous and popular pilgrimage spots among Hindus. A lot of people from all over the world are coming here to worship. The Ramaswamy temple has very beautiful architecture. Not only this, but this temple is very famous because of the famous festivals that are happening here. Rama Navami festival is one of the most famous festivals that you can see. The festival is celebrated with whole joy in a very grand way. Along with this, an annual festival also happens here from February to March. The annual festival is known as the Float Festival. In this festival, boats are decorated with beautiful flowers and light. After that, the boat is taken to the Temple tank and then the devotees will pray from the bank. History of Ramaswamy Temple Ramaswamy Temple was constructed during the 16th century when Nayak Kings were ruling the place. King Achyuta Deva Raya was a very famous king of the Nayak dynasty. He built the very famous Ramaswamy Temple. However, later on when Raja Serfoji 2 came to rule the place. He did the renovation and reconstruction work of the temple. It is believed that once upon a time when Lord Rama was on his journey to Lanka for the rescue of goddess Sita. During that journey, Lord Rama performed a Pooja to Lord Shiva at this place. It is also believed that earlier forest was present here and Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana stayed at this place during the exile. A very beautiful Dravidian style architecture is followed inside the temple. Not only this, but inside this Temple you will see Gopuram, Mandapams, and a lot more. The main Gopuram that is present inside the temple has a height of 37 m. This temple stands out as one of the most renowned among the various places in Kumbakonam. Ramaswami temple architecture The Ramaswamy temple has five main Gopurams. All the gopurams that are present inside the temple have very beautiful carvings and cultures. The carvings that are present on the temple depict the scenes of Hindu mythology. Inside the temple, you will see Lord Rama deity in a standing posture. Along with this, there are various other shrines also present. The other shrines are of the goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana, Lord Hanuman, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganpati. Various mandapams are present inside the temple boundary. Among those mandapams, Kalyana Mandapam is one of the most famous ones. In Kalyana Mandapam, different types of wedding and ceremony rituals were performed. Another famous mandapam was Vasantha Mandapam. In this Mandapam, different types of concerts were done. On the walls of the temple, you can see beautiful frescoes. These frescoes also depict scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Overall, Ramaswamy temple is a very beautiful temple that has amazing architecture and heritage. So, while going for your KUMBAKONAM, you can go for this beautiful place.

Located in the town of Darasuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Airavatesvara Temple is a revered Hindu temple and a UNESCO world heritage site. Part of the popular trio known as the Great Living Chola Temple along with Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Airavatesvara Temple was built by the Chola King Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. Presided by the Hindu God Lord Shiva, the temple is among the eighteen medieval-era Hindu temples in the Kumbakonam area. The shrine displays the Vaishnavism and Shaktism legs of Hinduism, and the traditional Nayanars- the Bhakti saints of Shaivism. Constructed in the chariot structure and built in stone, the temple has smaller shrines dedicated to several Vedic and Puranic deities including Indra, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Saptamtrikas, Durga, Saraswati, Sri devi (Lakshmi), Ganga, Yamuna, Subrahmanya, Ganesha, Kama, Rati and others. Lord Shiva’s spouse has a smaller shrine towards the northern side of the temple premises known as Periya Nayaki Amman. Lately, some of the temples is in a crumpled state with the gopurams entirely in ruins. However, the main shrine and the associated sanctums still stand sturdy. The temple attracts pilgrims and devotees in thousands annually especially during the month of Magha for several special poojas.

Oppiliappan Temple is also known as Thiruvenkadamudaiyan Temple. The temple is a very famous Hindu temple which is located in Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. The Oppiliappan temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that the temple is specifically dedicated to the incarnation of the Lord Oppiliappan. All over the year, a large number of tourists come to seek blessings in this Temple. During the rule of the Chola dynasty, the temple was constructed. So the first construction that happened toward the temple was done in the 9th Century CE. Later on, different types of reconstruction and rework happened inside the temple. As the place was ruled by different types of dynasties like Vijayanagara and Pandya. All of them contributed to the development of the temple. The Oppiliappan temple did not have Gopuram in the beginning. This was constructed during the 16th century by the Vijayanagar dynasty. Along with this, various other shrines were also constructed inside the temple which include shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Goddess Lakshmi, and a lot more. All over the temple, you will find very beautiful architecture and carvings. The carvings that are depicted on the wall of the temple will feel very real. On the carvings, you will find God and goddess depictions. The main Gopuram that is present inside the temple is 130 feet high. On the whole gopuram, you will find carvings and sculptures of gods, goddesses, and celestial bodies. There is an inner Sanctorum which is present inside the temple. Brahmotsavam festival is a very famous annual festival that is happening inside the temple from April to May. Thousands of people are coming to this place to be a part of the festival. So, there are different places to visit in Kumbakonam,, but this temple holds a very special and holy spot.