KUMBAKONAM TEMPLES

Kumbakonam is famous for its temples. These are closed from midday to 4pm, the hour of evil spirits.

Sarangapani Temple. Dedicated to Vishnu, this is one of the most impressive. Its 53-metre high gopuram is the highest in the city and features scenes from the Kamasutra. In Hinduism, it is considered the^3rd most important Vishnu temple, after the Srirangam and Tirupati temples. Around the shrine, a huge chariot carved in stone is pulled by elephants and horses.

Kumbeshwara Temple. Built in the ^16th century, this temple is dedicated to Shiva. An elephant welcomes devotees and visitors alike. Frescoes recount an episode from Hindu mythology: Shiva wished to unleash a deluge, but Brahma tried to stop him in order to spare creation.

Nageshwara Temple. Temple where Shiva is worshipped as Nagaraja, ruler of the snakes. Large movable statues of peacocks, elephants or bulls can be seen here, on which statues of the gods are carried during festivals.

Someswar Temple. Dating from the ^13th century, this temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its particularity lies in the sculptures depicting erotic postures on the second floor of its gopuram.

Mahamam Tank. This is a large basin (theertham) located in the heart of the city, which is said to be filled with water from the Ganges every twelve years. Thousands of pilgrims flock here to bathe. On a day-to-day basis, the water comes from the Cauvery River. People use it to perform their ablutions.