The Kumbheswara temple in Kumbhakonam (Kudandai - Kudamookku) is considered to be the 26th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.
Legends: During the great deluge, Shiva caused the Amritakalasam (the pot holding the divine nectar) to stall here. This shrine was established, built and consecrated by Brahma. Temple: This temple covers an area of four acres. The Rajagopuram rises to a height of 128 feet and is covered in images. Four prakarams are found in this temple and have local shops. The huge Mahamagam tank is surrounded by 16 mandapams, dating back to the 16th century. The Kalyana mandapam is the seat of the Tirukkalyana Utsavam. The Navaratri mandapam bears the carvings of the 12 zodiac signs and the 27 asterisms. This temple also houses two nadaswarams made of stone. There are many images including Kiratamurthy and Subramanyar.
Kumbeswarar is represented as a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth. He is also known as Amudha Kumbhesar and Amudheesar. The Kumbariya Vinayakar shrine is situated near the tank, while Aadi Vinayakar is worshipped in the temple.
Festivals: The annual festival is held in the month of Masi. The tank is the center of great festivity every 12 years - when Jupiter is in Leo, and the sun is in Aquarius and the moon is in Magam (Maasi Magam).
