Mahalingeswarar Temple
About Mahalingeswarar Temple
Far From City: 8 kms from city center
Cost:
About Mahalingeswarar Temple
Weather:
Time Required:1 - 2 hrs
Open Time:6:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost:No Entry Fee
Legend of Mahalingeswarar Temple
The temple as well as the city Kumbakonam has a really interesting legend attached to it. It says that when Brahma created the universe he had a jug (kumbha) which had the seeds of all living beings in it. The jug got misplaced during a massive storm (pralaya) and was ultimately found at the spot where the town currently stands now. That?s where the town of Kumbakonam gets its name from- Kumba meaning ?jug? and konam meaning ?corner?. The drops of nectar from the jug were believed to have fallen at five different spots near Kumbakonam which were later developed into five shrines- namely Mahalingeswarar temple at Tiruvidaimarudur, Tirudharasuram, Naganathar Temple at Tirunageswaram, Tiruvorgam and Tirupadalavanam.
Another theory related to the temple states that once a Chola prince was killed a Brahmin and was chased by his spirit. In order to escape, the prince entered the Mahalingeswarar Temple and prayed to his favourite God Shiva to save him from the stray spirit, after which he exited from the second gopuram. It is tradition at the temple till date- pilgrims enter the temple from the chief gopuram and exit the temple from the second gopuram post worshipping.
Architecture of Mahalingeswarar Temple
The temple has been constructed in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture following a rectangular area plan. Boasting of a five tiered Rajagopuram, it has three precincts enclosed within impressive walls led by magnificent gateways. Enshrined by the Mahalingum, it also houses five temple tanks inside the temple, namely Karunyamirdha Theertham, Soma Theertham, Kanaga Theertham, Kalyana Theertham and Iravatha Theertham. A shrine for Mookambiga isi built separately where supposedly Goddess Parvathy performed her penance. Other shrines include Pattinathar, Bhadragiriyar, Ambal, Muruga, Nataraja, Padithurai Vinayagar and Agora Veerabadrar etc.
Among the three renowned precincts of Aswametha Pradakshina, Kodumudi and Pranava, the last one has the most notable inscriptions and sculptures dating back to the Nayak Period in the 16th century. The most splendid and famous amongst which is the chariot with twelve pillars denoting twelve lagnas. At present, the temple premises also house a Saiva Siddantha library which sells palm leaf scriptures and Saiva literature.
Rituals and Festivals at Mahalingeswarar Temple
The temple has daily rituals performed six times a day by the temple priest- Ushathkalam at 6:00 AM., Kalasanthi at 8:00 AM., Uchikalam at 12:00 noon, Sayarakshai at 6:00 PM., Irandamkalam at 8:00 PM and Ardha Jamam at 9:00 PM. The rituals involve the worship of both Mahalingeswarar and Pirguchuntaragujambigai amidst music from nagaswaram and tavil. The puja comprises four steps- abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps).
The weekly rituals are somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals called pradosham and monthly rituals called amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.
Thaipoosam is the most revered festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai (mid January - mid February). The festivities involve dressing up the deities and carrying a procession in the temple and across town in different vehicles. The ten day festival is celebrated with much pomp and show.
Best time to visit Mahalingeswarar Temple
The ideal time to visit the temple is during the Tamil month of Thai (mid January - mid February) when the grand festival of Thaipoosam is celebrated. The occasion is a ten day long event and is celebrated with much zeal and enthusiasm.
How to Reach Mahalingeswarar Temple
Kumbakonam bus stand is 9 kms away from Mahalingeswarar Temple and direct public buses are available to the shrine. You can travel in any local bus numbered- 1, 17, 27, 33, 46, 54 and 64.
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