Tirukkudamookku temple

Tirukkudamookku temple is the most important shrine in Kumbhakonam. The Mangalambikai shrine here is revered as a Shakti Peetham (Mantra Peetham). The Kumbheswara temple in Kumbhakonam (Kudandai - Kudamookku) is the 26th in the series of Tevara Stalams 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 and consecrated by Brahma. Temple: It covers an area of four acres. The Rajagopuram is 128 feet high and has many images. The temple has four prakarams and these are lined with local shops. The Mahamagam tank is massive and is surrounded by 16 mandapams, dating back to the 16th century.

The Kalyana mandapam is the seat of Tirukkalyana Utsavam. The Navaratri mandapam has carvings of the 12 zodiac signs and the 27 asterisms. This temple has two nadaswarams made of stone. There are many images that are beautiful and worth a mention.

Kumbeswarar is represented as a lingam made out of earth. Shiva 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 in the month of Masi is well attended. The Mahamaham tank is the center of great festivity once every 12 years - when Jupiter is positioned in the zodiac sign of Leo, and the sun is positioned in Aquarius and the moon is in the asterism of Magam (Maasi Magam) - when Kumbeswarar is taken in procession there.