Thirubuvanam, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple

At a distance of 9 Km from Kumbakonam and 50 Km from Thanjavur, Thirubuvanam is a panchayat town in Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu. Situated on Mayiladuthurai - Kumbakonam road, the town is mainly known for the Kampaheswarar Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most sacred Shiva temples to visit as part of the Thanjavur packages as well as Kumbakonam packages. It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar, and is also considered in the line of Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and Airavatesvara temple in Darasuram.

History of Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple

The temple was constructed by Kulottunga Chola III (1178-1216) to commemorate his successful campaign in North India and is regarded as the final masterpiece of the Medieval Chola period. However, the completion of the temple was carried out by the Pandyan kings. Its architectural style is reminiscent of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. There are four inscriptions attributed to Kulottunga Chola, written in Grantha script. Additionally, there are two inscriptions in Tamil from the era of Jatavarman Tribuvanachakravarthin Parakrama Pandyadeva. One of these inscriptions documents a contract between the inhabitants of Tribhuvanavirapuram and Kulamangalanadu, who served as watchmen (urkaval) for the village, while the other inscription on the same wall records a similar agreement in the presence of Chief Udaiyar Kulasekharadeva.

Mythology of Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple

According to Hindu mythology, Shiva is said to have alleviated the suffering of a king named Kampa, who was tormented by evil spirits after accidentally killing a Brahmin. This incident led to the temple being named Kampaheswara. In addition to the principal deity, the temple features a significant shrine dedicated to Sarabeshwara. This was done to get Vishnu rid of his anger and fury after he turned into Lord Narasimha. The legend recounts that Lord Vishnu assumed the Narasimha avatar to vanquish the demon King Hiranyakashipu, who sought to kill his son Prahlad, a devoted follower of Vishnu. In a fierce confrontation, Vishnu lifted the demon into the air, placed him on his thighs, and tore him apart. However, his fury was not seeking an end which frightened all the Devas. In their desperation, the Devas turned to Lord Shiva for assistance in calming Vishnu. As it became increasingly challenging to manage Vishnu's formidable form, Lord Shiva manifested as Sarabeshwara, a composite of lion, bird, and human, which ultimately subdued Vishnu's fury. Since that time, Lord Sarabeshwara has been revered as both the protector and destroyer of evil.

Architecture of Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple

The temple exemplifies the Dravidian architectural style and bears resemblance to the Big Temple in Thanjavur, the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, and the temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. A notable characteristic of these temples is that the vimana, the structure above the sanctum, is taller than the gateway tower, which is a rare feature among Tamil Nadu temples. The temple's façade is crafted to resemble a chariot and stands at a height of 130 feet. The intricate carvings on both the chariot and the temple's interior walls illustrate scenes from the Ramayana.

Overall, the temple consists of two gopurams, an inner sanctum, artha-mandapa, mukha-mandapa, and maha-mandapa. The inner sanctum is square-shaped and contains a Shiva linga worshipped as Kampaheswarar. A striking sculpture of Sarabeshwarar, characterized by three legs, a lion's body and face, and a tail with four arms, is also present. In this temple, the Utsava murthy (procession idol) is the Sarabeswarar, believed to vanquish all evils and adversaries. Additionally, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan and Dharmasamvardhini Amman.

Festivals of Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple

The Kampaheswarar Temple located in Thirubuvanam hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. The most significant of these is the 18-day Brahmotsavam, which occurs during the month of Panguni (March/April). Following the Brahmotsavam, the Saraba Utsava is celebrated on a Sunday, featuring a procession in which the deity is paraded in a silver chariot. Other notable festivals at the Thirubuvanam Temple include Margazhi Thiruvadhirai, Karthikai Deepam, Puratasi Navaratri, and Masi Shivaratri. The temple designates Sundays, Fridays, Saturdays, and the eighth day of both the full and new moon as auspicious days for performing pooja.

Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Kampaheswarar Temple in Thirubuvanam, 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.

Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple Timings

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

Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan Available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple

The best time to visit Kampaheswarar Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. Another ideal time to visit the temple is during the 18 days long celebrations of the Panguni Brahmotsavam festival in between March and April when the temple is decorated with colorful lights and the festivities are in full swing. A visit to the shrine at the time is sure to be a memorable experience. 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 Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar 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 9 Km away, one can take a bus or hire an auto-rickshaw or cab from Kumbakonam to reach the Kampaheswarar Temple in Thirubuvanam.