Tiru Kudandai – Sarangapani Temple (Kumbakonam)
Divya Desam 12 of 108 | Region: Chozhanadu
Situated right in the heart of Kumbakonam Town, Tiru Kudandai (Sarangapani Temple) is a prominent Divya Desam and one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams, along with Srirangam and Srirangapatna. It is also revered as Bhaskara Kshetram and holds immense Vaishnavite significance, being ranked next only to Srirangam and Tirupati.
Divine Highlights:
- Presiding Deity: Aaravamudhan Perumal, in reclining form (Udhana Sayanam)
- Utsavar: Sarangapani, holding the divine bow Sarangam
- Thayar: Komalavalli Thayar
- Theertham: Hema Pushkarini
- Vimanam: Vaideeka Vimanam – considered an offshoot of the Pranava Vimanam at Srirangam
Architectural Wonder:
This temple stands out with its chariot-shaped structure made of black granite, complete with stone wheels, horses, and elephants. It has two sanctum entrances – one used during Uttarayanam (January–June) and the other during Dakshinayanam (July–December).
Sacred Legends:
According to the Sthala Purana, Brighu Maharshi once kicked Lord Vishnu’s chest in Vaikunta. In response, Lakshmi Devi descended to earth, took birth in a lotus tank, and was raised by Hema Rishi. When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Sarangapani, Hema Rishi offered Komalavalli in divine marriage.
Another shrine within the complex is dedicated to Chakrapani, with eight arms (Ashtabhuja), who is believed to be the younger brother of Aaravamudhan.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:
Praised extensively in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by:
- Periyaazhwar – Pasurams 173, 177, 188
- Sri Andal – Pasuram 628
- Tirumazhisai Azhwar – Pasurams 807–812, 2417
- Tirumangai Azhwar – Numerous Pasurams including 949, 954, 991, 1202, 1732, 2672–2674 (114)
- Bhootath Azhwar – 2251, 2278
- Pey Azhwar – 2311, 2343
- Nammalvar – 3194–3204
Festivals:
- Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Komalavalli Thayar’s wedding festival are celebrated with grandeur, drawing lakhs of devotees annually.
Explore the Sacred Heart of Kumbakonam with SouthGuru Holidays
Witness the divine union of Sarangapani and Komalavalli Thayar in this spiritual and architectural marvel.
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