KUMBAKONAM
Kumbakonam also spelt as Coombaconum in the records of British India, is a town and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 40 Kms from Thanjavur and 273 km from Chennai and is the headquarters of the Kumbakonam taluk of Thanjavur district. Kumbakonam dates back to the Sangam period and was ruled by the Early Cholas, Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks and the Thanjavur Marathas. It rose to be a prominent city between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas. The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the British Raj when it was a prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture; and it acquired the cultural name, the “Cambridge of South India”.
Connectivity
Kumbakonam is well connected to all the major cities of India through air, rail and road.
By Flight
The nearest international airport is at Tiruchirapalli, which is 91 km (57 mi) from Kumbakonam. It is the 10th busiest airport in the country in terms of international traffic. The airport handles fivefold more international air traffic than domestic services, making it the only airport in India with this huge variation. It serves as a gateway to immigrants from South-east Asian countries There are regular flights to Abu Dhabi, Chennai, Colombo, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Singapore.
By Train
Kumbakonam railway station is connected to all major cities in India viz Kanyakumari, Madurai, Rameswaram, Chennai, Mysore etc.
By Road
The town has around 141 km (88 mi) of roads, 544 municipal roads making up 122.29 km (75.99 mi). There are also around 18.71 km (11.63 mi) of state highways running through Kumbakonam. There are regular government and private bus services to Chennai, Thanjavur, Mannargudi, Tiruchirapalli, Chidambaram, Nagapattinam, Coimbatore, Madurai, Pondicherry, and The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates daily services from Bangalore and Mysore to Kumbakonam.
Festivals
Kumbakonam is known as the “temple town” due to the prevalence of a number of temples here and is noted for its Mahamaham festival which attracts people from all over the globe… Among the various festivals MAHAMAHAM that is celebrated once in twelve years is of very great importance. During the time of Mahamagam festival, it is also believed that taking bath in the holy stream of water from the famous rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Sarayu, Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmatha, Pavoshnl and Cauvery, which are mixed together in Mahamagam tank, would get rid of sins according to Hindu religion. The modern Kumbakonam is the nerve – centre of all the commercial activities in Tanjore District. Plenty of diverse small scale industries thrive in this town, chief among them being Silk, Scented & Shredded Supari, Chewing Tobacco, Brass & Stainless Steel Wares, Icon & Pith ware, Cosmetics etc.
The town has also been well – known for its prestigious educational institutions which have turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. It is perhaps because of this fact that the premier college of this ancient town namely the Government Arts College is proudly acclaimed as the “Cambridge of South India”. The famous Mathematician Ramanujam studied in this Institution. During the early period of 20th Century, the town has gained importance especially for the silk and metal manufacturing activities which supports extensive number of workers in the town. Kumbakonam being the headquarters of Kumbakonam taluk has different names like Kudanthai, Kudamooku and Baskarashetram from time immemorial.
Adi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the Saivite temples and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. This temple covers an area of 30181 sq.ft. With a length and breadth of 750 feet, and 252 feet respectively. This temple comprises of three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, renovated this temple during the 16th century. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128-ft. Mangala Theertham, Marriage hall and small temples for Muruga, Ganapathi and Mangalambigai are other major constituents of this temple.
Sarangapani Temple is located near to Uchipilliar Kovil Junction at Sarangapani East Street. This temple is considered one among the three major shrines of Lord Vishnu and it was renovated during the period of Nayaka Kingdom of 16th century. Sarangapani temple consists of the biggest Gopuram (150ft), and five Praharas and one holy tank, known as “Porthamarai Kulam”, which is located behind the temple. The Karuvarai and Vimanam are made with 12-sculptured columns shaped like a chariot.
Someswara temple Someswara temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple. This temple is facing the northern side with a small Gopuram at the eastern portion near the entrance. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of Chola period. Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex.
