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Thiru Kudanthai is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples (divya deshas). The temple is situated 200 kms from Chennai. This temple is one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetras, the other four being, Adirangam (Mysore), [[Thiru Pernagar|Appalarangam]] (Thiruper), [[Srirangam|Madhyarangam]] (Srirangam) and Pancharangam of Indalur (Mayavaram).   

Thiru Kudanthai is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples (divya deshas). The temple is situated 200 kms from Chennai. This temple is one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetras, the other four being, Adirangam (Mysore), [[Thiru Pernagar|Appalarangam]] (Thiruper), [[Srirangam|Madhyarangam]] (Srirangam) and Pancharangam of Indalur (Mayavaram).<ref name=":0">Prof. S. Narayanan (April 2004), 108 Temples of Azhvars, Volume 1, Maharashtra: Sri Ramanuja Mission.</ref>  

== 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. 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.  

Thiru Kudanthai or Kumbakonam as it is commonly referred to is one of the ancient towns of India and a very important center 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 is worshipped here as Sarangapani and Mahalakshmi goes by the name Komalavalli thayar. He is also known as Dravida Veda Darshaka. This tirtha is called Bhaskara kshetra as the Sun deity is said to have regained his brightness after performing a penance here. The vimana is known as Vaidika vimana and the Pushkarni is named Hema Pushkarni.   

The huge Sarangapani temple is in the center 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 is worshiped here as Sarangapani and Mahalakshmi goes by the name Komalavalli thayar. He is also known as Dravida Veda Darshaka. This tirtha is called Bhaskara kshetra as the Sun deity is said to have regained his brightness after performing a penance here. The vimana is known as Vaidika vimana and the Pushkarni is named Hema Pushkarni.<ref name=":0" />  

[[Category:Temples]]

[[Category:Temples]]

  {| class="wikitable"

  {| class="wikitable"

|+Thiru Kudanthai at a glance

|+Thiru Kudanthai at a glance<ref name=":0" />

|Vishnu here is referred to as

|Vishnu here is referred to as

|Sarngapani, Aravamudan, Amudan, Sarngaraja, Sarnga Dhanan, Sarnga Kesan, Apryapthamrudhan.

|Sarngapani, Aravamudan, Amudan, Sarngaraja, Sarnga Dhanan, Sarnga Kesan, Apryapthamrudhan.

The temple has two separate entrances - one in the south and one in the 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.   

The temple has two separate entrances - one in the south and one in the 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.   

The sanctum and the front mandapa are designed to look like a chariot on wheels and horses. The very concept of a temple on a chariot in motion is novel. The vimana is called Vaikunta Vimana. Since the chariot landed with great force, the elephants are seen arresting its speed. The chariot is so sculptured that it seems ever ready for flight. The front mandapa called Thiru Mamani Mandapa is of the Nayaka style and is supported by 12 pillars. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu who is bhaktavatsala and as he wields a bow called Sarnga, he is known as Sarngapani. In the sanctum, the deity Aravamudan (Mahavishnu) is seen in Uthanga shayana posture on the Sesha facing the east with his head slightly raised giving darshan to Thirumazhisai Piran flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi. And Brahma is seen rising from his navel. Hemarishi, Saptharishis, Kaveri and Devas are also seen paying homage. Here the Alwars have sung in praise of both the deities, the presiding deity and the processional deity. Therefore the shrine is known as Ubhaya Pradhana Divya Desha where both the presiding and processional deities are given equal importance. Goddess Lakshmi as Komalavalli is enshrined separately in a sanctum near the Uttarayana steps. There is also a Srinivasa Sannidhi which is situated underground. And due to this location, the deity is known as Pathala Srinivasa and the Sannidhi is called Pathala Srinivasa Sannidhi. Behind the temple there is a Pottramarai (the Golden Lotus tank) that measures 361 feet by 285 feet and is known as Lakshmi teertha and Amudavani. The tank also has a mandapa with sixteen pillars right in its midst.   

The sanctum and the front mandapa are designed to look like a chariot on wheels and horses. The very concept of a temple on a chariot in motion is novel. The vimana is called Vaikunta Vimana. Since the chariot landed with great force, the elephants are seen arresting its speed. The chariot is so sculptured that it seems ever ready for flight. The front mandapa called Thiru Mamani Mandapa is of the Nayaka style and is supported by 12 pillars. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu who is bhaktavatsala and as he wields a bow called Sarnga, he is known as Sarngapani. In the sanctum, the deity Aravamudan (Mahavishnu) is seen in Uthanga shayana posture on the Sesha facing the east with his head slightly raised giving darshan to Thirumazhisai Piran flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi. And Brahma is seen rising from his navel. Hemarishi, Saptharishis, Kaveri and Devas are also seen paying homage. Here the Alwars have sung in praise of both the deities, the presiding deity and the processional deity. Therefore the shrine is known as Ubhaya Pradhana Divya Desha where both the presiding and processional deities are given equal importance. Goddess Lakshmi as Komalavalli is enshrined separately in a sanctum near the Uttarayana steps. There is also a Srinivasa Sannidhi which is situated underground. And due to this location, the deity is known as Pathala Srinivasa and the Sannidhi is called Pathala Srinivasa Sannidhi. Behind the temple there is a Pottramarai (the Golden Lotus tank) that measures 361 feet by 285 feet and is known as Lakshmi teertha and Amudavani. The tank also has a mandapa with sixteen pillars right in its midst.<ref name=":0" />  

Talking about the grandeur of the temple and its architecture, Prof. S. Narayanan says, <blockquote>''"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 main temple and the other shrines have jointly given the entire pilgrim center a balanced architectural assemblage. The layout, design, colour and wooden carvings of the temple reflect the best traditions of Chola style. Whereas, inside the sanctum the atmosphere is calm and serene, darkness adding to its sublime glory. And it is this serenity in the sanctum that is the most remarkable feature of the shrine."''</blockquote>

Talking about the grandeur of the temple and its architecture, Prof. S. Narayanan says, <blockquote>''"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 main temple and the other shrines have jointly given the entire pilgrim center a balanced architectural assemblage. The layout, design, colour and wooden carvings of the temple reflect the best traditions of Chola style. Whereas, inside the sanctum the atmosphere is calm and serene, darkness adding to its sublime glory. And it is this serenity in the sanctum that is the most remarkable feature of the shrine."<ref name=":0" />''</blockquote>

== Legends ==

== Legends ==

* Once as a matter of precaution, the idols of this temple were kept in safe custody at Thiru Koshtiyur temple. In gratitude, till today, it is a practice to sing a hymn in honour of Thiru Koshtiyur Perumal in this shrine.  

* Once as a matter of precaution, the idols of this temple were kept in safe custody at Thiru Koshtiyur temple. In gratitude, till today, it is a practice to sing a hymn in honour of Thiru Koshtiyur Perumal in this shrine.  

* Another story says that there was an orphan named Lakshmi Narayana who was a sincere devotee of the Lord Sarangapani. With tears in his eyes and a blissful smile on his face, he danced and sang fully realising the sweetness of Amuda. He could go on in this way for days and nights without a break and without any exhaustion. His only obsession was to build a gopura for his favourite Sarngaraja. In due course of time, the dream came true and he realised that the Lord abides in all things as well as his own heart. With advancing age, he was sure that Mahavishnu would save him just as he saved the Pandavas. In fact, when he died, Mahavishnu directed one of his archaka through a dream to do the final samskara for Lakshmi Narayana Swami. Taking this as a divine command, the archaka is believed to have taken the grass from the Lord's hands and performed the final ceremony on his behalf. Thus, every year on Deepavali Amavasya, this ceremony is performed in this Kumbakonam temple at the command of the Lord himself.  

* Another story says that there was an orphan named Lakshmi Narayana who was a sincere devotee of the Lord Sarangapani. With tears in his eyes and a blissful smile on his face, he danced and sang fully realising the sweetness of Amuda. He could go on in this way for days and nights without a break and without any exhaustion. His only obsession was to build a gopura for his favourite Sarngaraja. In due course of time, the dream came true and he realised that the Lord abides in all things as well as his own heart. With advancing age, he was sure that Mahavishnu would save him just as he saved the Pandavas. In fact, when he died, Mahavishnu directed one of his archaka through a dream to do the final samskara for Lakshmi Narayana Swami. Taking this as a divine command, the archaka is believed to have taken the grass from the Lord's hands and performed the final ceremony on his behalf. Thus, every year on Deepavali Amavasya, this ceremony is performed in this Kumbakonam temple at the command of the Lord himself.<ref name=":0" />

== Festivals ==

== Festivals ==

* The month of Masi sees the float festival taking place in the golden lily tank of this temple.   

* The month of Masi sees the float festival taking place in the golden lily tank of this temple.   

* Also, every year on Deepavali Amavasya, the ceremony of Mahavishnu performing the last rites of his devotee Lakshmi Narayana is performed.  

* Also, every year on Deepavali Amavasya, the ceremony of Mahavishnu performing the last rites of his devotee Lakshmi Narayana is performed.  

Apart from this, the Mahamaha festival in Kumbakonam is itself considered to be the most sacred. It is believed that the deities of the nine sacred rivers meet in confluence on the day of Mahamaha that comes once in twelve years typically in the month of Feb-March when Jupiter passes through the sign of Leo. This festival that is celebrated once in 12 years is also depicted in a sculptural representation at the Kashi Vishwanatha temple. This festival was last held in March 2004.  

Apart from this, the Mahamaha festival in Kumbakonam is itself considered to be the most sacred. It is believed that the deities of the nine sacred rivers meet in confluence on the day of Mahamaha that comes once in twelve years typically in the month of Feb-March when Jupiter passes through the sign of Leo. This festival that is celebrated once in 12 years is also depicted in a sculptural representation at the Kashi Vishwanatha temple. This festival was last held in March 2004.<ref name=":0" />

== Other Temples ==

== Other Temples ==

* Brahman Kovil at Saurashtra street.

* Brahman Kovil at Saurashtra street.

* Pattabhiraman temple near Kamakshi Joshiar street.  

* Pattabhiraman temple near Kamakshi Joshiar street.  

* Saranarayana Perumal temple.

* Saranarayana Perumal temple.<ref name=":0" />