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Sarangapani Temple

Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Lord Ranganatha
More in Tamil Nadu

Type

Hindu Temple

Deity

Lord Ranganatha

Pincode

612001

One of the tallest gopurams in South India (45 metres, 11 tiers) and the most important Divya Desam in Kumbakonam. Lord Sarangapani (Vishnu holding a bow/sarangu) reclines here in the posture of a patient cured of illness — a rare form of Vishnu.

History & Significance

Significance

One of the tallest gopurams in South India and the most important Divya Desam in Kumbakonam, dedicated to Lord Sarangapani (Vishnu holding the bow Saranga). The deity is depicted reclining in the unusual posture of a patient recovering from illness, a form found almost nowhere else.

Plan Your Circuit

Nearby Temples

Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

The principal Shiva temple of Kumbakonam and one of the most important in Tamil Nadu. Lord Kumbeswarar (Shiva who formed the universe from a 'kumba'/pot of nectar) is worshipped here. During the rare Mahamaham festival (once in 12 years), lakhs bathe in the sacred Mahamaham tank adjacent to the temple — the largest religious gathering in Tamil Nadu.

Photo: Wikipedia article "Adi Kumbeswarar Temple" — CC-licensed via Wikimedia Commons

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu1 km
Lord Shiva

Shiva

The Rahu (ascending lunar node) Navagraha temple near Kumbakonam, where the presiding deity is Naganatha Swamy (Shiva). Uniquely, Rahu is said to turn white during his worship here — an observed natural phenomenon. The main lingam glows with a mysterious blue light on Rahu worship days. One of the most powerful Navagraha temples.

Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple

Thirunageswaram, Tamil Nadu1 km
Lord Shiva

Shiva

Sun (Surya) Navagraha temple. The Surya (Sun) Navagraha temple near Kumbakonam; the only shrine among the nine where all nine planetary deities are installed in separate shrines around the main lingam.

Suryanar Koil

Suryanar Koil, Tamil Nadu2 km
Lord Shiva
Airavateswara Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site (Great Living Chola Temples group) built by Raja Raja Chola II in the 12th century CE. Lord Airavateswara (Shiva worshipped by Airavata, Indra's white elephant) is enshrined here. The temple's 'chariot steps' carved to look like a stone chariot and the extraordinary sculptures of Yama, the god of death, are extraordinary.

Photo: Wikipedia "Airavatesvara Temple" — CC-licensed via Wikimedia Commons

Airavateswara Temple

Darasuram, Tamil Nadu4 km
Lord Shiva