In Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India, there is a Hindu temple called Chakrapani Temple that is devoted to the god Vishnu. The distance between this temple and the Kumbakonam Railway Station is 2 kilometers, heading northwest. In order to humble the pride of Surya (the Sun), who later became his disciple, Vishnu manifests as a discus or Chakra. Lord Chakrapani’s forehead has a third eye, just like Shiva’s. One of Kumbakonam’s most well-known Vishnu temples is this one.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The temple dedicated to Chakrapani is located in the heart of Kumbakonam Town. Through the Cauveri River in Kumbakonam, the chakra of Lord Vishnu came from the netherworld following its use in the death of Asura King Jalandasura. An image of the Sudharshana chakra was erected here by Lord Brahma, who had spotted the chakra while bathing in the river at the time. Lord Surya, the Sun God, was later so moved by the Chakra's brilliance that he decided to suppress it and overshadow it with his own light. Then Lord Vishnu came out of the chakra and his intensity was reduced. Heavens. After realizing his mistake, Surya pleaded to the Lord and accepted him as a disciple. And for the Lord, he built this temple. At this temple, Vishnu was referred to as "Chakrapani."
- Name of the Deities Chakrapani Perumal ( Vishnu ) Vijaya Valli Thayar ( Lakshmi )
- Nearby Cities and Distance Thanjavur (39.4 km). Trichy (94.2 km). Pondicherry (135 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Train. Bus.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Thanjavur (46 min).
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... The bus fare from Thanjavur to Kumbakonam is around ₹44. Train fare Rs.150 - 1200. Car fare Rs. 700 -1500.
- Temple Instructions There is no recommended attire when visiting this temple. However, it is recommended to wear costumes that cover the upper arms and legs to demonstrate respect for the temple norms.
- Special Days and Special Happenings This temple has several unique pujas, including Thirumanjanam and Sahasranamarchana. Important religious festivities observed at this temple include the Chariot Festival, Pavitrotsavam, the Float festival, or Theppotsavam in Vaikasi, and the 10-day Brahmotsavam in Chitirai (April–May). In his Vahan, Sri Garuda, the Lord grants his people Darshan on the days of Magam and Chithirai. The Lord and Mother Goddess are wedded in a splendid wedding on Akshaya Trithiya. A celebration of floats takes place on the day of Vaikasi Vishakam.
- Rituals Available The devotees' Prarthanas are fulfilled when they perform Sudarsana Homam at this sacred site. Thirumanjanam is a potent puja for marriage and kid blessings.
- Offerings Devotees present Archana's to the Lord along with Tulsi, flowers, and Kungumam.
- Prasadham The temple also sells a special holy offering called naivedyam, or wheat porridge. The holy sacrifice known as pradosadam is consumed by temple visitors. Usually vegetarian, it can include prepared foods, candies, and fruits.
- Benefits of Visiting People pray to the Lord for a child's blessing, for a favorable outcome when marriage proposals are postponed, and for assistance with any harmful effects that planets or other forces may have on them.It is believed that those who are psychologically or physically weak as a result of illness or problems can recuperate here. Since the Sun God worshipped Lord Vishnu here, those who are experiencing problems due to planetary movements in their life or because of Shani, Rahu, and Ketu Dosh are advised to pray to Lord Chakrapani. This is one of the Vishnu-focused temples that takes part in the Mahamaham celebration.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? No
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year No
- Other things to do / places of interest Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan (13.3 km). Mahamaham tank (2km). Raja Raja Chelan memorial (9 km). Kumbakonam town hall (1 km).
- Nearby Temples Sarangapani Temple. Varahaperumal Temple. Sri Nageswaraswamy Temple. Arulmigu Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. Kasi Viswanathar Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Sri Mangalambika Vilas Coffee Hotel. Moshika Bhavan. Krazzy Bytes. Mami Mess, Balaji Bhavan. Raya's Restaurant. Venkataramana. London Grill N Shake.
- Hotels / Home stays: RAMANA'S HOME STAY Apartment Hotel Kumbakonam (1.9km). SPOT ON 44406 Royal Residency (1.7km). Shiv Sakthi villa (1.6km). Kumbakonam homestay (1km). Thirumalai Home Stay - Friendly Living (3.2km). It's a home away from your home (3.3km).
- Standard Weather All year long, it is hot and muggy, with clouded skies during the rainy season and windy, typically overcast conditions throughout the dry season.
- For the best experience / Must know On the brow of the Lord is a third eye. Siva is rather rare in Vishnu temples. The puja performed at this temple eliminates bad planetary effects including the seven-and-a-half Saturn period and the rahu-ketu dosha.
- Not to miss The temple is renowned for its unique gopuram designs, vibrant sculptures, and architecture. For devotees of Vishnu, it is an important destination as one of the 108 Divya Desams. The beautiful sculptures, which showcase the creative process of ancient artisans, depict a range of mythological figures and situations. Visiting Chakrapani Temple allows one to experience the spiritual and cultural center of Kumbakonam.
- Note for Travelers There are several ways to get around the 3 kilometers from Kumbakonam Railway Station, including cabs, walks, and excursions.
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FAQ's
Where is Arulmigu Chakrapani Swami Temple located?
The temple is located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically in the form of Chakrapani, the Sudarshana Chakra (divine discus) aspect of Vishnu.
What is the significance of the temple?
Arulmigu Chakrapani Swami Temple is unique because Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Chakrapani, with a powerful and majestic appearance. The temple is associated with Sudarshana Chakra and is considered highly sacred for those seeking protection and well-being.
What is the history of the temple?
The temple is believed to have been built during the Medieval Chola period and later expanded by the Nayak rulers. According to legend, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra (discus) appeared in Kumbakonam and was worshipped as Chakrapani by the Sun God (Surya).
What is unique about the temple’s architecture?
The temple features a Rajagopuram (entrance tower), intricate sculptures, and a sanctum where Lord Chakrapani appears with eight arms. Unlike other Vishnu temples, Lord Chakrapani is depicted without Adisesha (serpent hood) and has a third eye like Lord Shiva.
What are the benefits of visiting this temple?
Worshipping Lord Chakrapani is believed to remove obstacles, grant success, and provide divine protection. Devotees pray for relief from illnesses, victory in life, and business prosperity. The temple is also popular among those seeking Mangalya Dosha Pariharam (removal of marriage-related obstacles).
How to reach the temple?
By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from major cities in Tamil Nadu. By Train: The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station, around 2 km away. By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy International Airport (90 km away).