KUMBAKONAM TEMPLES
Complex of temples at Kumbakonam, including one dedicated to Vishnu with a 53 m high gopuram and several others dedicated to Shiva
Kumbakonam is a city famous for its temples. These are closed from noon to 4 pm, the time of evil spirits.
Sarangapani Temple. Dedicated to Vishnu, it is one of the most impressive. Its gopuram culminates at 53 meters and is the highest of the city. In Hinduism it is considered the3rd most important Vishnu temple, after the Srirangam of Tiruchirapalli and that of Tirupati. Inside, a huge chariot carved in stone is pulled by elephants and horses.
Kumbeshwara Temple. Built in the 16th century, it is dedicated to Shiva. An elephant welcomes the faithful and the visitors. Frescoes tell an episode of Hindu mythology: Shiva wanted to start a flood, but Brahma tried to prevent it to spare the creation.
Nageshwara Temple. Temple where Shiva is venerated under the shape of Nagaraja, sovereign of snakes. One can see there large mobile statues of peacocks, elephants or bulls on which the statues of gods are walked during the festivals.
Someswar Temple. Dating from the 13th century, it is dedicated to Shiva. Its particularity lies in the sculptures representing erotic postures on the first floor of its gopuram.
Mahamam Tank. It is a large basin (theertham) located in the heart of the city which is filled with water from the Ganges every twelve years. Thousands of pilgrims flock to bathe there. On a daily basis, the water comes from the Cauvery river. The population uses it to carry out its ablations, to wash itself and to make its washing.