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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Thiru Kudanthai or Kumbakonam as it is commonly referred to is one of the ancient towns of India and a very important centre of Hindu pilgrimage. This sacred and celebrated place has been famous as a seat of learning, culture, art and tradition. And therefore, it is extended the highest respects from time immemorial. Steeped in antiquity, the ancient town of Kumbakonam by the side of river Kaveri derives its name from its presiding deity Kumbeshwara. Known as Kudamukku in the earlier days, it is said to have been ruled by the Pallavas. It is located between the two rivers, the Kaveri in the north and Arasalar in the south. It extends about two miles in length from North to South and one mile in breadth from east to west and is surrounded by a number of Vishnu and Shiva temples.  

Thiru Kudanthai or Kumbakonam as it is commonly referred to is one of the ancient towns of India and a very important centre of Hindu pilgrimage. This sacred and celebrated place has been famous as a seat of learning, culture, art and tradition. And therefore, it is extended the highest respects from time immemorial. Steeped in antiquity, the ancient town of Kumbakonam by the side of river Kaveri derives its name from its presiding deity Kumbeshwara. Known as Kudamukku in the earlier days, it is said to have been ruled by the Pallavas. It is located between the two rivers, the Kaveri in the north and Arasalar in the south. Just as in Srirangam, the two rivers on the two sides of Kumbakonam enhance the town as a grand necklace. The town extends about two miles in length from North to South and one mile in breadth from east to west and is surrounded by a number of Vishnu and Shiva temples.  

The huge Sarangapani temple is in the centre of the town and all roads are paved in such a way that they lead us to the shrine. It is considered a hub of spiritual life and prime attraction for every devotee of Narayana. Mahavishnu here is worshipped here as Sarangapani and Mahalakshmi goes by the name Komalavalli thayar. The much-hallowed kshetra is known as Bhaskara kshetra. The vimana is known as Vaidhika vimana and the Pushkarni is named Hema Pushkarni.   

The huge Sarangapani temple is in the centre of the town and all roads are paved in such a way that they lead us to the shrine. It is considered a hub of spiritual life and prime attraction for every devotee of Narayana. Mahavishnu here is worshipped here as Sarangapani and Mahalakshmi goes by the name Komalavalli thayar. The much-hallowed kshetra is known as Bhaskara kshetra. The vimana is known as Vaidika vimana and the Pushkarni is named Hema Pushkarni.   

[[Category:Temples]]

[[Category:Temples]]

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== Structure ==

== Structure ==

Sarangapani temple occupies a prominent position in the city of Kumbakonam. It covers an area of over 3 acres and has one gopuram and two praharas which is then surrounded by the town and the busy market. The temple with oonjal mandapa, door panels, paintings, Garud shrine, Sheesh Mahal, etc is enclosed by stone walls and strengthened by pillars.   

Sarangapani temple occupies a prominent position in the city of Kumbakonam. It covers an area of over 3 acres and has one gopuram and two praharas which is then surrounded by the town and the busy market. The temple with oonjal mandapa, door panels, paintings, Garud shrine, Sheesh Mahal, etc is enclosed by stone walls and strengthened by pillars. However, the imposing tall tower dominating the landscape is visible even from a distance. It stands on a base of 30 mtrs x 18 mtrs. While the temple itself measures 90 feet by 51 feet at the base. It has eleven tiers and there are steps to reach the top tier from where one can have a panoramic view of the entire town.   

Just as Srirangam, on the two sides of Kumbakonam flow Kaveri and Arasalar rivers as a grand necklace. The temple has two separate entrances. The two entrances have nine steps each which is symbolic of the nine steps leading to Moksha. There are two entrances to the shrine, south and north. The southern entrance is used during Dakshinayana (14th Jan-15th July) and the northern side used during Uttarayana (16th July-13th Jan). The Dakshinayana entrance is known as the doorway to marriage as Lord Sarngapani came out of this corridor after his marriage to Komalavalli.   

The temple has two separate entrances in the south and north with nine steps each which is symbolic of the nine steps leading to Moksha. The southern entrance is used during Dakshinayana (approx. January to July) and the northern side entrance is used during Uttarayana (approx. July to January). The Dakshinayana entrance is known as the doorway to marriage as Lord Sarngapani came out of this corridor after his marriage to Komalavalli.   

An imposing tall tower dominating the landscape is visible from a distance. It stands on a base of 30 mtrs. x 18 mtrs. The temple measures 90 feet by 51 feet at the base. It has eleven tiers and there are steps to reach the top tier from where one can have a panoramic view of the entire town. The sanctum and the front mandapam are designed to look like a chariot on wheels and horses. The temple is 147 feet tall with 9 tiers. The Pottramarai, the Golden Lotus tank is behind the temple. The temple tank measures 361 feet by 285 feet. The tank is known as Lakshmi theertha and Amudavani. A mandapam with sixteen pillars is right at the middle of the tank. The front Mandapam is of Nayak style. It is called ThiruMamaniMandapam and is supported by 12 pillars.   

The sanctum and the front mandapam are designed to look like a chariot on wheels and horses. The front Mandapam called Thiru Mamani Mandapam is of the Nayak syle and is supported by 12 pillars. Inside the sanctum the atmosphere is calm and serene and darkness adding to its sublime glory. This serenity in the sanctum is the most remarkable feature of the shrine. Goddess Lakshmi is enshrined separately near the Uttarayana steps. The sanctum of Komalavalli is near the Uttarayana steps.   

Inside the sanctum the atmosphere is calm and serene and darkness adding to its sublime glory. This serenity in the sanctum is the most remarkable feature of the shrine. Goddess Lakshmi is enshrined separately near the Uttarayana steps. The sanctum of Komalavalli is near the Uttarayana steps.  

The Pottramarai (the Golden Lotus tank) behind the temple measures 361 feet by 285 feet and is known as Lakshmi teertha and Amudavani. The tank also has a mandapa with sixteen pillars right at the middle of the tank.  

It is one of the most impressive structures remarkable for its ornamentation and rhythmic harmony. Its elegant construction and gigantic proportion are truly remarkable. The temple is noted for its excellent sculpture which includes royal procession, dancing damsels, hunting scenes and devas in a infinite variety of poses and postures. The shikara presents a well-developed phase of Dravidian architecture. The carvings on the pillars on both sides are very elaborate and attractive. The style of the craftsman is very forceful and effective in the depiction of the puranic themes. A large number of cultural panels reflect the prolific Hindu deities in numerous aspects. Standing on par with Srirangam and Tirupathi, this DivyaDesa has a planned elevated fleet of steps at short distances.  

It is one of the most impressive structures remarkable for its ornamentation and rhythmic harmony. Its elegant construction and gigantic proportion are truly remarkable. The temple is noted for its excellent sculpture which includes royal procession, dancing damsels, hunting scenes and devas in a infinite variety of poses and postures. The shikara presents a well-developed phase of Dravidian architecture. The carvings on the pillars on both sides are very elaborate and attractive. The style of the craftsman is very forceful and effective in the depiction of the puranic themes. A large number of cultural panels reflect the prolific Hindu deities in numerous aspects. Standing on par with Srirangam and Tirupathi, this DivyaDesa has a planned elevated fleet of steps at short distances.