THANJAVUR -PART -3

PUNNAINALLUR MARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Punnainallur Mariamman temple is about 7 Kms from Brihadeeswara temple. This temple was built by the first Maratha king of Thanjavur Venkoji in the year 1680.

It is said that the Goddess Muthu Mari Amman appeared in the dreams of the King and instructed him to search for her idol in the forest. During his search the King found the idol of Mari Amman under a Punnai tree. He then built a temple over this ground which became very famous.

The main deity is made of earth (putruman), which is Muthumari Amman. Devotees believe that small pox is cured by drinking Abisheka milk in this temple.

THE SWARTZ CHURCH

This church is located near Brihadeeswara temple and is adjacent to Sivaganga park. It is said that this church was built in by Rev. Father Swartz and Major Stevens for the benefit of Christians both Indian and European. Later it was renovated by King Serfoji II as a token of affection and esteem for Father Swartz in 1779. Currently, the church is said to be maintained by ASI.

The church is actually quite small in size and inside the church, the main highlight is the white marble tablet at the back of the church, which shows Christian Friedrich Schwarz on his deathbed surrounded by Serfoji II and others.

SIVAGANGAI GARDENS

Adjacent to Swartz church is the Sivagangai gardens. It is badly maintained and not an interesting place to visit as you can see from few of the photos below:

KUMBAKONAM PART-2

AADHIKUMBESWARAR TEMPLE

Aadhi Kumbeswarar temple is located near Kumbakonam about 2 Kms from the city center. It is spread over a vast area and is said to be built about 1300 years ago by Chola Kings. Aadhi Kumbeswara is the main deity in the temple with his consort Goddess Mangalambika. The shape of the lingam is conical.

The city name Kumbakonam itself is derived from the name of God – Kumba and the slight angle of the Linga and hence the name “Kumbakonam”.

The temple has four gateway towers and has numerous shrines, Kumbeswar and Mangalmbika being prominent.The temple complex has many halls; the most interesting one being the 16 pillar hall that has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone.The Pottamarai tank is in front of the temple.

SARANGAPANI TEMPLE

The main deity of this temple is Sarangapani Swamy with Komalavalli Thayar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to be one of the oldest temples in Tamilnadu.

In this temple you find Lord Sarangapani in Ananthasayanam posture with his head resting on his hand like Anantha Padmanabha swamy temple in Trivandrum. As per legend Goddess Lakshmi was born out of lotus in Pottamarai tank and was named Komalavalli. Lord Vishnu comes to earth as Sarangapani to marry Komalavalli. Hence the temple tank is considered very sacred

The temple has 11 tiered rajagopuram.The temple faces east and the temple tank is located outside the western entrance. The temple has the influence of three major kingdoms in its architecture viz: Cholas, Vijayanagar empire, and Nayaks.

Timings 6 am to 12 pm and  4.30 to 9.30 pm

CHAKRAPANI TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here Lord Chakrapani can be seen with eight arms. The goddess is Sudarshanavalii Thayar.

In this temple, Lord Chakrapani is seen with a third eye on his forehead like Lord Shiva. Lord Bramaha, Surya and Agni are shown as worshipping the lord. The temple is known for its beautiful pillars.

The temple attracts devotees with various ailments. They perform pujas like Sudarshana Homam, Thirumanjanam, and sahasranama archana.

There is a bronze statue of King Serfoji II worshipping God can be seen here.

Timings 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.

MAHAMAHAM TANK

Mahamaham Tank is a huge temple tank located in the heart of Kumbakonam town. It is considered to be one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu. Once in twelve years  the Mahamaham festival is celebrated at Mahamaham tank which is similar to Kumbhamela.

12 Shiva temples and 5 Vishnu temples are connected with this festival. They are Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Kumbeswarar Temple, Nageswara Temple, Someswarar Temple, Koteeswarar Temple, Kalahasteeswarar Temple, Gowthameswarar Temple, Amirthakalasanathar Temple, Banapuriswarar Temple, Abimukeswarar Temple, Kambatta Visvanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple which all are Shiva temples. The Vishnu temples are Sarangapani Temple, Chakrapani Temple, Ramaswamy Temple, Rajagopalaswamy Temple, and Varahaperumal Temple.

During this festival, thousands of Hindu devotees come to Kumbakonam and take bath in Mahamaham tank.