Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu India

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is in this temple that the annual festival of Mahamaham is held. The temple is believed to be at least 1300 years old. The temple has been in existence since the 7th century when the Cholas were reigning over the town. The temple is mentioned in the hymns written by Saivanayanars who were 7th century poet saints of Tamil Nadu.

Kumbeswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu, India. The famous Hindu festival of Mahamaham is associated with this temple. The huge temple with built over an area of 30181 sq feet is reported to be more than 1300 years old.  Shri Adhi Kumbeswara is the presiding deity of Kumbakonam and Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika is the lord's Consort. The temple complex is huge and has beautiful artwork. The Mahamaham festival takes place once every 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March), when lakhs of pilgrims from various parts of India visit Kumbakonam to take a holy bath in the sacred Mahamaham tank which is located in the heart of the town.  

The temple was greatly worked upon and expanded by the Nayaks between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today, the temple is the largest Shiva temple in the town, boasting of a tall rajagopuram or gateway tower that is 9 storeys high and stands at a height of 125 ft. Within the premises of the temple are three large concentric compounds.

Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Adi Kumbeswarar, and the idol of the God is located right in the center of the temple in a shrine. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple is situated in the centre of the city. It spreads over thirty thousand square feet. There are three Praharas and three Gopurams. This beautiful temple is visited by thousands of visitors every year.