Kumbakonam is a well-known temple town situated on the banks of river Cauvery amidst picturesque surroundings. It is considered one of the 7 important holy cities of India. It is at a distance of 38 km from Thanjavur.

Sri Adi Kumbeswara Temple: Legend has it that during Maha Pralaya after Dwapara Yuga, a Kumbam full of Amruth and seeds of creation was set afloat by Lord Shiva. The Lord proclaimed that the place where the pot touched the ground would be considered the holiest of all places. When the Kumbam finally rested in this place, the Lord appeared in the guise of a hunter and broke the Kumbam with His arrow. The Amruth got split and pooled in a place, which became the famous Mahamagham Tank. The Lord then gathered the sand wet with the remaining nectar and shaped it into a Mahalingam, called Sri Adi Kumbeswara. His divine consort is Mangalambika.

The temple covers an area of more than four acres. It has a 9 tier Rajagopuram. In the Navaratri Mandapam, all the 27 stars and 12 Rasis have been artistically carved in a single block of stone.

Sri Sarangapani Temple: Among the sacred 108 Tirupatis, this temple is given the third place next to Srirangam and Tirupati. The shrine is in the form of a chariot. A tank in panoramic settings, known as Hema Pushkarni, separates this shrine and Sri Adi Kumbeswara temple. There is a beautiful 12-storied gopuram, considered one of the largest in the South India.

By the side of the temple is the Golden Lotus Tank, also known as Lakshmi Theertham. Goddess Lakshmi performed penance here and Vishnu came down as Aravamudhan and married Her. Sri Sarangapani, Aravamudhan and Komalavalli are the presiding deities.

There are two entrances to the sanctum. One is kept open throughout the Uttarayan period and the other during the Dakshinayan period.

Sri Ramaswamy Temple: Here Lord Rama has been consecrated in His coronation robes. Both Sri Rama and Sita are seated on the same peeta and Hanuman is depicted as singing in praise of the Lord with the help of a veena.

The 62 pillars in the front mandapam are great works of art. Scenes from Ramayana are painted on the walls of the prakaram.

Sri Nageswara Temple: It is one of the most ancient temples in Kumbakonam. Adi Sesha and Surya had worshipped Sri Nageswara here. When Adi Sesha was groaning under the weight of the world he came to Kuvinvanam (the present Nageswara temple) and did penance. Impressed Shiva and Parvati appeared before Adi Sesha and blessed him with enough strength. Another attraction here is the well in the temple known as Naga Theertham.

The temple is the master creation of early Chola art. The Sun`s rays fall on the Lingam in the central shrine through an opening in the eastern tower for three days in a year - on the 11th, 12th and 13th days in the month of Chaitra (April-May).

Sri Chakrapani Temple: The images of Sri Chakrapani with eight arms and Sudarsanavalli Thayar with a gracious visage are inspiring. Brahma, Surya and Agni are depicted as worshipping the Lord.

According to a legend, Surya once competed with Vishnu to decide who was brighter. Vishnu appeared in the form of a Chakra and put down the pride of Surya. Lord Chakrapani, like Shiva, has a third eye on His forehead.

Other temples in the town include Kasi Viswanatha, Someswara Temple, Somanatha, Gautameswara and Vedaranya Perumal temples.

Darasuram is located at a distance of 4 km from Kumbakonam. The Shiva temple here is dedicated to Airavateswara. Legend has it that Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, and Yama, the God of Death, had worshipped Lord Shiva here. There is a tank called Yama Theertham.

Patteeswaram (8 km): Lord Shiva was worshipped by Patti, one of the daughters of Kamadhenu here. The Lord is known as Dhenupureeswara and the Goddess is Gnanambika. Devi Vishnu Durga is enshrined on the northern side of the temple.

Here, Lord Shiva gave a canopy of pearls (Muthu Pandal) to Shaivite saint Sambandhar on a hot summer day and made the Nandi to move aside to see His devotee enter the shrine.

Kizhapazhayarai (5 km from Darasuram): The Sri Somanathaswamy temple, known for beautiful sculptures, was built by Chola King Raja Raja I. The front mandapam has been designed like a car pulled by horses and elephants. The image of Ardhanaareeswara, embodying the Siva-Shakti union, is a sculptural masterpiece.

Thirushaktimutham (3 km from Darasuram): According to popular tales Goddess Parvati once came here and did penance to join Lord Shiva. The Lord emerged from the Lingam in the form of a Holy Fire. On seeing the Jyotiswaroopa of the Lord and attracted by its beauty, the Goddess embraced the Lord and kissed him. Hence the Lord is known as Shakti Thazhuviya Nathar or Sivakozhundeeswarar.

Swamimalai (8 km): This beautiful hill temple is dedicated to Sri Swaminathan (Muruga). A flight of 60 steps, each representing a Tamil year, leads then pilgrims to the top. The presiding deity stands 6 feet high. A strange feature here is the presence of an elephant in front of the Lord instead of the usual peacock.

Swamimalai is one of the Aru Padai Veedu of Lord Muruga. It is here that Muruga, the son, expounded the meaning of Om, the Pranava Mantra, to Lord Shiva, His father.

Thiruvalanchuzhi (8 km): The Vinayaka temple here is noted for its architectural grandeur. The idol is white in colour and hence the name Sweta Vinayaka. According to a legend, the Devas obtained poison instead of nectar when they churned the Ocean of Milk as they ignored the worship of Vinayaka. When reminded of their negligence, the Devas made an image of Vinayaka from the foam of the sea. Hence the white colour of the deity.

Thiruneelakkudi (13 km): The Shiva temple here is dedicated to Sri Manogyanathar and His consort Amudhakujambal. An interesting feature is that the Lingam, about two feet in height, has its rough surface studded with square projections. During the Chaitra festival (April-May), `abhishekam` of the Lingam is performed with ginger oil. This oil is mysteriously absorbed by the Lingam.

Thiruvaiyaru: It is located 12 km away from Thanjavur. The Shiva temple, situated in a fertile neighbourhood surrounded by luxuriant fields and groves, is dedicated to Panchanadhiswara or Aiyarappan. 5 tributaries of Cauvery flow close to the town. The 5 Theerthams here are Surya Pushkarni, Ganga Theertham, Chandra Pushkarni, Palaru and Nandi Theertham.

This holy place is considered the chief among the Saptha Sthana Sthalas. The seven places are Thiruvaiyaru, Thirupazhanam, Thiruchottuthurai, Thiruvadikkudi, Thirukandiyur, Thiruppunthurai and Thiruneithanam.

Sage Neymesa built the temple at the instance of Lord Shiva. There are two shrines known as Dakshina Kailash and Uttara Kailash near the eastern gopuram. Mukti Mandapam is famous for Panchakshara Japam, On New Moon day every month, the Lord is taken out in a procession.

Thiruvaiyaru is also the place where Saint Thyagaraja, one of the Trinity of Carnatic Music, lived and attained samadhi. Every year in January, Thyagaraja Aaradhana is held here to commemorate the birth anniversary of the saint.

Thiruppazhanam: Known for the Shiva shrine dedicated to Aabath Sahayeswara, it is one of the `Saptha Sthana Sthalas.`

Papanasam (14 km from Kumbakonam): Sri Ramalingaswamy Temple, otherwise known as 108 Sivalayam, is situated on the southern bank of Kudamurutti river. The Goddess is Parvathavardhini. Legend has it that Sri Rama had installed the 108 Lingams to expiate the sin of killing the demons Khara and Dhushana. Hence the name of this place. The town also has a shrine of Srinivasa Perumal.

Nallur: Sri Kalyanasundareswarar temple is an ancient Shiva shrine. The Lingam is made of a shining metal which changes colour five times a day. The images of Shiva and Parvati on Rishaba with Vishnu and Brahma are worshipped in the sanctum. Masi Magham (Feb-March) is a major festival. Nallur has another temple dedicated to Sri Adi Kesava Perumal.

Thirukkarugavur: The Shiva shrine here is dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathaswami. Goddess Garbarakshambika is said to offer protection to the human embryo. Women pray here for safe pregnancy and delivery. The Sthala Vriksha is a Mullai creeper.

There is another Vishnu shrine dedicated to Sri Varadaraja Perumal.

Uppiliappancoil or Thiruvinnagaram: It is located 6 km from Kumbakonam. The Venkatachalapathi temple here is one of the sacred 108 Tirupatis.

An interesting legend is associated with this temple. Sage Markandeya once desired to have Bhoomidevi as his daughter and Vishnu as his son-in-law. One day a baby girl appeared under a Tulsi, an Indian herb. The sage took her home and was bringing her up. As he was about to look for a bridegroom, Vishnu one day appeared before him in the form of an old man and requested his daughter`s hand in marriage. Markandeya tried his best to dissuade the old man, saying his daughter is very young and does not know even the basics of cooking, like adding salt for food etc. Finally when Markandeya invoked the Lord to save him from the situation, Lord Vishnu revealed Himself and promised to manage with salt less food. Thus the marriage of Bhoomidevi and Vishnu was duly conducted in the month of Aipasi (Oct-Nov) on a day with Thiruvonam star. This is celebrated as a 10 day festival every year. It is interesting to note that the Neivedyam (prasadam) for the Lord, prepared without salt, tastes good.

Nachiyarcoil: The Vishnu shrine is dedicated to Srinivasa Perumal. The Garuda Vahanam, made of stone, a is rare piece. The divine consort is Nachiyar or Vanjulavalli Thayar. Nachiyarcoil is the birthplace of Nambi Andar Nambi. Among the important festivals are Thirukalyanam (Aug-Sept), Mukkodi Utsavam (Dec-Jan) and Brahmotsavam (March-April). The main feature of Mukkodi Utsavam is the Garuda Seva on the fourth day when the stone idol of Garuda is taken out in a procession carrying Srinivasa Perumal.

Tribhuvanam: This Shiva temple was built by Chola King Tribhuvana Chakravarti as a memorial to his conquest in the North. The shrine, dedicated to Sri Kampahareswarar, resembles the Big Temple of Thanjavur and is known for excellent sculptures. The image of Sarabha is a rare sculpture with a unique combination of bird and man. Shiva assumed this form to subdue the fury of Narasimha.

Tiruvidaimarudur: This pilgrim centre is situated between Mayavaram and Kumbakonam on the banks of Cauvery. It is also called Madhyarjuna. The presiding deity is Mahalingam. People suffering from mental afflictions are said to be cured by devotion and worship at this shrine.

Srivanchiyam: Another Shiva shrine, located on the southern bank of Cauvery, is dedicated to Sri Vanchinathar, a Swayambu Lingam. It is considered as holy as Kashi kshetra. Shaivite saints have sung praise of the Lord. Brahma, Vishnu and Rishis like Kashyapa, Jamadagni and Vishwamitra have worshipped Sri Vanchinathar. The Goddess is Mangalambika. There is a separate shrine for Ashta Bhuja Durga.

It is the only temple in Tamil Nadu where Lord Yama, the God of Death, has a shrine. He is seen in sitting posture with Chitragupta by his side. It is customary to worship at this shrine first before proceeding to the main sanctum. The devotees believe that whoever passes away at Srivanchiyam will not have to undergo rebirth.

The Theerthams here comprise of Gupta Ganga, Yama, Agni and Lakshmi. These are held sacred by the pilgrims. During Masi Magham festival, Sri Vanchinathar is taken out in a procession to these Theerthams on Yama as His mount. Sundays in the month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec) are considered auspicious for a holy dip at these Theerthams.