Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Kalyanasundareswarar Temple

At a distance of 13 Km from Kumbakonam, Sri Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, also known as Panchavarneswarar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine located at Nallur in the outskirts of Kumbakonam. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is revered here as Kalyansundaresar, while his consort Parvati is represented as Girisundari. The main deity is celebrated in the 7th-century CE Tamil Saiva canonical text, the Tevaram, composed by the Tamil saint poets referred to as the Nayanars, and is recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is one of the most sacred places to visit as part of the Kumbakonam pilgrimage tour packages.

History of Kalyanasundareswarar Temple

The original masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485 CE), the Saluva Dynasty, and the Tuluva Dynasty (1491-1570 CE). There are inscriptions from the Chola dynasty document various donations, including land, sheep, cows, and oil, made to the temple in honor of the dynasty's numerous victories. Numerous inscriptions from the Vijayanagara Empire rulers also highlight their contributions to the temple mailny land endowments, followed by donations of goods, cash, cows, and oil for lamp lighting. Since the early 13th century, the temple has been preserved and managed by the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam.

Mythology of Kalyanasundareswarar Temple

According to the legend, during the divine Shiva-Parvathi wedding in Mount Kailash, the place went down due to the heavy weight of the presence of all the gods. To balance the level of the earth, Lord Shiva sent Sage Agasthya to South. The sage had to sacrifice his wish of witnessing the wedding. Lord assured him that he would grant the wedding darshan to him in this holy place. The sage installed a lingam behind the main lingam in the temple to worship Shiva.

Architecture of Kalyanasundareswarar Temple

Kalyanasundaresar Temple, designed in the Dravidian architectural style, is categorized as Perunkoil or Madakkoil, signifying a big temple constructed on an artificially elevated platform or hillock. The temple features an intricate five-tiered rajagopuram, along with a smaller gopuram situated within the temple grounds. It comprises three precincts and is surrounded by granite walls.

The main sanctum houses the image of the presiding deity, Kalyanasundareswarar, represented as a lingam on a pedestal. Behind the primary lingam is a second one, believed to have been installed by the sage Agasthya. The principal deity is also referred to as Panchavarneswarar, as the Shiva Lingam in this temple changes color five times daily, transitioning through shades of copper, light red, molten gold, emerald, and multicolor every two and a half hours. The interior walls of the sanctum are adorned with sculptural depictions of Shiva and Parvati to the west, Vishnu to the north, and Brahma to the south.

In the first precinct, facing west lies the shrine of Girisundari Amman. The temple also features bronze images of Nataraja, Ganapathi, sage Agasthya, and the three Saiva saints: Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar. Additionally, there is a separate shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali at the base of the hillock. Outside the main entrance, the temple is complemented by a large tank known as Sapthasagaram.

Festivals of Kalyanasundareswarar Temple

The Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, located in Nallur and commonly referred to as Thirunallur, is renowned for its significant festival of Masi Magam, which occurs in February or March, during which the Somaskanda Murthy is paraded in a procession. Additionally, the temple observes other important festivals annually, including Shivrathri in February/March and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December/January.

Kalyanasundareswarar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Kalyanasundareswarar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Kalyanasundareswarar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 550

Best Time to Visit Kalyanasundareswarar Temple

The best time to visit Kalyanasundareswarar Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. Masi Magam Festival in February/March offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the temple's lively ambiance, drawing thousands of devotees. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple in the peak summer months from April to June, as temperatures can rise significantly, complicating outdoor activities.

How to Reach Kalyanasundareswarar Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station offers extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services are available to Kumbakonam from all regions of Tamil Nadu. About 13 Km away, one can take a bus or hire an auto-rickshaw or cab from Kumbakonam to reach Kalyanasundareswarar Temple in Nallur.