Kampaheswarar Temple, Kumbakonam Overview

Located in the town of Thirubuvanam, 9 kms from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Kampaheswarar Temple (also known as Sarabeswarar Temple) is an age-old Shaivite temple flocked by devotees from all across the world all through the year. The temple is enshrined by Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga. It is believed that Lord Shiva once relieved a king of quaking (kampa) as he was haunted by an evil spirit (Brahmarakshas) of a Brahmin who he killed accidentally. Ever since, Lord Shiva came to be known as Kampaheswarar and was worshipped in the same form at the temple. The Shiva linga is installed in the garbhagriha of the sanctum sanctorum on an elevated platform.

Besides the chief deity, the temple also houses an enormous shrine for Sarbeswarar who is a half lion and half eagle. As per legend, the deity saved the celestial deities from the wrath of Vishnu in the form of Narasimha after he killed Hiranyakasibu. Built in the traditional Dravidian style architecture, the temple also boasts of beautiful sculptures of Sridevi and Bhudevi- consorts of Lord Vishnu. The shrine is popular among pilgrims and it is a common a belief that praying here can solve hurdles in marriages and help with child boon.

History of Kampaheswarar Temple

The history of Kamoaheswarar Temple can be traced back to 1176 CE at the time of Kulottunga-Chola III. The inscriptions found in the chief shrine vary from those found in the outer gopuram which suggest that while the construction of the temple began during the reign of Kulottunga- Chola III, it was completed by the later Chola kings, most possibly Kulottunga-Choladeva.

Architecture of Kampaheswarar Temple

The temple has been constructed in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture. However, unlike the other buildings from the same period, the shrine has an unusually high vimana. The front face of the temple is designed to look like a chariot and is 120 ft. high. Both the carvings on the chariot and the interior walls of the temple depict scenes from Ramayana. The temple in all comprises of two gopurams, inner sanctum, artha mantapa, mukha mantapa, and maha mantapa. The Shiva linga is installed in the garbhagriha of the inner sanctum on an elevated square shaped platform.

Best Time To Visit Kampaheswarar Temple

The ideal time to visit the temple is during the 18 days long celebrations of the Panguni Brahmotsavam festival in between March and April. The temple is decorated with lamps and lights and the festivities are in full swing. A visit to the shrine at the time is sure to be a memorable experience.

How To Reach Kampaheswarar Temple

Kampaheswarar Temple is located in the town of Thirubuvanam, 9 kms from the city of Kumbakonam. It can be reached easily in direct public buses numbered 1, 17, 27, 33, 46. 54 and 64 available from the Kumbakonam bus stand.