INTRODUCTION:
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District Tamil Nadu, India. Here Lord Shiva is worshiped as Adi Kumbeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is worshipped as Mangalambigai Amman. This temple is praised in the sacred text Tevaram, written by the Nayanmars. It is believed that this ancient temple remained intact even at the time of deluge. Ancient kings have renovated this temple for many times, and they have built several shrines in the temple. Ancient Shaivite saints have visited this temple and sung in praise of Lord Shiva, and due to that, they had attained enlightenment.
The temple has many shrines, with those of Kumbeswarar and Mangalambigai Amman being the main deities. The temple follows six daily rituals from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar, and the Masi Magam festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Maasi (February - March) and lot of devotees would gather at this temple to witness the important event.
The present structure of the temple was built during the Chola period in the 9th century, and later repairs and renovation works were done by the Vijayanagar kings in the 16th century.
Those who visit Kumbakonam temples must visit this temple also, in order to get instant blessings from Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati.
