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

About Nageswaran Temple

At a distance of 2 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Nageswaran Temple, also known as Nageswaraswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Kumbakonam. This temple is one of the oldest and most prominent temples in Tamil Nadu, as well as Kumbakonam. The Nageswaran Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of Nagaraja, the king of serpents. The main deity is celebrated in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva text, the Tevaram, composed by the Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars, and is recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam.

History of Nageswaran Temple

The Nageswaran Temple was constructed by Aditya Chola in the 9th century. The oldest sections of the current masonry date back to the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while subsequent expansions, including the impressive gopurams, are credited to later periods, particularly the Thanjavur Nayaks in the 16th century. Numerous inscriptions linked to the temple reveal contributions from the Chola dynasty, the Thanjavur Nayaks, and the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. The temple has historically served as a center of learning, as evidenced by the inscriptions found within. In contemporary times, the temple is overseen and managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Nageswaran Temple

The Nageswaran Temple located in Kumbakonam is linked to the tale of Adisesha, the king of serpents. According to legend, Adisesha, burdened by the weight of the earth, sought relief from Lord Shiva, requesting the strength necessary to fulfill his duty. In response, Lord Shiva granted him the power to support the earth with a single head, despite Adisesha possessing a thousand heads. With this divine blessing, Adisesha arrived in Kumbakonam, where a leaf of Vilwa fell from the pot of nectar. He then established a Linga at this site and began to worship the Lord. As Nagaraja, the serpent king, worshipped the Lord here, the deity became known as Nageswarar. The location where the Vilwa leaf descended from the nectar pot, carried by the floods, is referred to as Vilwa Vanam. The Lord is also honored with various names, including Vilwa Vanesar, Padala Beeja Nathar, Madanthai Bagar, and Selva Piran.

Architecture of Nageswaran Temple

The temple stands as a remarkable example of Chola architecture, construction techniques, and astronomical alignment. It features three gopurams oriented towards the east, west, and south. The sanctum sanctorum of the Nageswaran Temple resembles that of the Sarangapani Temple, designed in the shape of a chariot. Notably, during the initial three days of the Tamil month of Chittirai (April - May), sunlight directly illuminates the presiding deity within the sanctum. Pilgrims from around the globe visit to receive blessings from the deity during this period. The temple is also referred to as Surya Kottam or Keezha Kottam.

The Devi shrine is a separate edifice located within the outer prakaram. The Nataraja shrine holds particular importance, featuring a hall designed to resemble a chariot, complete with stone wheels adorned with the 12 zodiac signs. The Nritta Sabha, or dance hall, boasts an elevated Mandapam accessible by a flight of steps. The Nataraja shrine is beautifully decorated with the 12 zodiac signs, two large horses, and four elephants. The Nataraja idol housed in the Nageswara temple is one of the largest and most exquisite representations from the Chola period. Additionally, visitors can view the Sri Gangai Vinayakar statue, a war trophy acquired by Chola King Rajendra's victorious forces during the Ganges expedition.

Festivals of Nageswaran Temple

The Nageswaran Temple in Kumbakonam celebrates several festivals throughout the year. Brahmotsavam is the major festival of this temple that takes place during the Tamil month of Panguni (March/April), when the Sun's rays fall directly on the image in the sanctum. Maha Shivaratri in February/March, Theerthavari, Navaratri, and Thiruvadhirai, etc. are the other festivals celebrated here with great pomp, and fervor.

Nageswaran Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Nageswaran Temple in Kumbakonam, 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.

Nageswaran Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9 PM

Nageswaran Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Nageswaran Temple

The best time to visit Nageswaran Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. The Mahamaham festival that takes place once every twelve years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) and Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Panguni (March/April) 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 Nageswaran 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. To reach the Nageswaran Temple, one can take a bus or hire an auto-rickshaw or cab from anywhere within Kumbakonam.