Kumbakonam, in Tanjavur district, is one of the most famous ancient towns in Tamil Nadu. The antique town has a history dating back to the time of the Cholas, whose capital-city Pazhaiyarai was situated next to it. The town of Kumbakonam is renowned as the town of temples. It is the abode of several famous Vishnu shrines in South India. Among them the significant is the Chakrapani temple. The temple is famous for its antiquity and traditional greatness. The legendary temple is the home of several important deities highly venerated by the devotees.
Legend of Sri Chakrapani Svami Temple, Kumbakonam: - The legends depict the temple as a significant one because it is the only one which houses Sri Sudarsana as the principal deity. According to the legends Sri Sudarshana or Chakrapani is believed to be the most potent of all the weapons (ayudhas) of Sriman Narayana.
Architecture of Sri Chakrapani Svami Temple, Kumbakonam: -The architecture of the temple reveals the delicate and superb forms of architecture. The awe-inspiring figure of the deities enshrined in the temple and the structural design of the main sanctum and the sub shrines brings out the architectural excellence of the contemporary era.
Festivals of Sri Chakrapani Svami temple, Kumbakonam : The festivals observed in Sri Chakrapani Svami temple reveals the cultural significance of the temple. A number of festivals are celebrated throughout the year in this temple. The festivals are performed with enough pomp and grandeur. All the rituals in this temple are according to the Pancharatra Agama (Sriprasna Samhita). Every month during Magham asterism (nakshatram) there is organized a procession of the deity. In Panguni ((March-April) the Tirukalyanam takes place; in Chittirai (April-May) during the time of Akshaya Tritiya, the Garuda Seva and Ratha Saptami are celebrated; in the month of Vaikasi (May-June) during Visaka asterism, the Teppotsavam or float festival is performed. In Avani (August-September), Pavitrosavam takes place; in the month of Purattasi (September-October), Navaratri and Vijayadasami; and in Kartigai (November-December), the Deepotsavam is performed. The most important festival, the Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Masi (February-March). During the festival a number of devotees gathered around the temple precincts in order to offer their worship and veneration to the Lord.
Legend of Sri Chakrapani Svami Temple, Kumbakonam: The legends connected with the temple pointed to the myths associated with the deities, thereby lending it a stately magnificence.
