Arulmigu Sivagurunathar Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Sivagurunathar, the temple holds significant religious and historical importance. The presiding deity is enshrined in the form of a Shiva Lingam, and the temple is known for its serene ambiance and architectural beauty. Devotees believe that worshipping here brings wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. The temple also hosts various Hindu festivals, with Maha Shivaratri being the most prominent celebration.
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- History/Legend of the Temple According to the Sthala puranam, Lord Mahavishnu prayed to Lord Shiva and took on the "Varaha Avatar" amid a flood. This avatar is also known as "Swetha Varahar" because he adopted the shape of a white pig. Lord Mahavishnu was holding the submerged earth on his head in this form. After rescuing the earth, he returned here to worship Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva blessed him by returning him to his natural shape. This legend is depicted in a lovely relief ("pudai sirpam") on the sanctums outside wall, near Lord Dakshinamurthy's shrine. Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and Saint Thirunavukkarasar both cite the legend in their hymns.
- Name of the Deities Lord Sivagurunathar (Shiva). Goddess Soundaranayaki (Parvati).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Thanjavur (42 km). Mayiladuthurai (40 km). Trichy (110.3 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Thanjavur (58min).
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Bus - Rs.50 - Rs.80. Train - Rs.20 - Rs.150. Car - Rs.1,500 - Rs.2,000.
- Temple Instructions Traditional dress is recommended. Men should wear Dhoti/Veshti with an Angavastram or shirt. Women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or traditional clothes. Avoid wearing shorts or western casual attire. Mobile phones should be set to silent mode or turned off inside the temple. Photography and videography may be restricted. Avoid littering and utilize authorized disposal places. Use the queuing system for darshan and prasad distribution. Respect the temple priests and staff and obey their orders.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Tamil New Year (Chithirai 1st - April-May) marks the start of the Tamil calendar. Aani Thirumanjanam (June-July): A special abhishekam for Lord Shiva. Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September) is a celebration of Lord Ganesha. Navaratri (Purattasi, September-October) is dedicated to Goddess Aryambal. Skanda Sashti & Aipasi Annabishekam (October-November) - Honoring Lord Murugan and performing a great abhishekam on the Shiva Lingam. Thirukarthikai and Karthikai Somavaram (November-December): Lighting of deepams for Lord Shiva.Margazhi Pujas Thiruvadhirai (December-January) - Celebration of Lord Nataraja.Thai Pongal (January 14th) is a harvest celebration.Maha Shivaratri (February-March) is a major celebration including night-long prayers. Panguni Uthiram (March-April) is a prominent festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. Sun Rays Phenomenon (Chithirai Month, April-May): For three days, the sun's rays shine straight on the Shiva Lingam, attracting a large number of devotees.
- Rituals Available Weddings (Kalyanam). Seemantham (Baby Shower Ceremony). Ayush Homam. Upanayanam (Sacred Thread Ceremony). Shashtiapthapoorthi & Sathabhishekam.
- Offerings Devotees offer various objects in order to obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Abhishekam products such as milk, honey, curd, tender coconut, sandalwood paste, rose water, and turmeric are popular offerings, as well as Vilva leaves, jasmine, lotus, and other fresh flowers.
- Prasadham Prasadham includes tamarind rice, sakkarai pongal (sweet rice), and vibuthi (holy ash). Furthermore, during major events such as Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, and Deepavali Kubera Pooja, the temple may serve special prasadham to devotees.
- Benefits of Visiting Devotees believe that the temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sivagurunathar, will offer wisdom, knowledge, and guidance. Creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for meditation and inner reflection. Some believe that attending the temple can assist to reduce unfavorable planetary influences.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? Yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Nayanmars, Manickavasagar, Appar, Sundarar | Tevaram,Tiruvasagam,Tiruvicaippa, Tirupallantu | 7th to 9th centuries CE.
- Other things to do / places of interest Mahamaham Tank (2 km). Adi Kumbeswarar Temple (2 km). Sarangapani Temple (2.5 km). Kasi Vishwanathan Temple (4 km).
- Nearby Temples Ramaswamy Temple. Nageswaran Temple. Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram). Thiruvanchikulam Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Moshika Bhavan 24hrs Vegetarian Restaurant. The Grand Navarasa Veg. Indian Imperial restaurant. Hotel Vaitheeshwara Veg Restaurant. Sri Mangalambika Vilas Coffee Hotel (Since 1914).
- Hotels / Home stays: ABOORVA GRAND INN. Ramana's Home Stay. Navagraha Homestay. THIRUMALAI HOMESTAY. Ponni homestay.
- Standard Weather Kumbakonam's climate is typically hot and humid, with a more comfortable winter season being favorable for visitors to the Arulmigu Sivagurunathar Temple.
- For the best experience / Must know This is the 67th Shiva Sthalam and one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams located on the southern bank of the Cauveri River in Chozha Nadu. Lord Shiva at this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifesting). This is the only Shiva temple where devotees can do "Angapradakshinam". This temple faces east and has two corridors. Its main tower (Rajagopuram) is five-tiered. There is no flagpole (dwajasthambam) here. Saint Manickavasakar has also performed pathigam praising the Lord here. This is also the only Shiva temple where Lord Guru can be viewed alongside Rahu and Varaham (Mahavishnu's avatars).
- Not to miss The big Shivalingam appears majestic. Lord Dakshinamoorthy's idol is distinguished by the presence of reliefs of Varaaham (Vishnu's avatar) and Rahu beneath it. Additionally, the idols of the Sanakathi rishis are erected on either side of Lord Dakshinamoorthy. The ceiling in front of Goddess Parvathy's shrine features 12 zodiac signs (Rasi) etched elegantly in stone. It is thought that by standing under one's zodiac sign and praying to the goddess, one's wishes will come true.
- Note for Travelers Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 110 kilometers away. You can then go to Kumbakonam via bus or cab. Tamil Nadu's major cities and neighboring states are easily accessible from Kumbakonam Railway Station. Taxis and cars can be taken from the station. Short distances can be covered by autorickshaws or bicycle rickshaws. To visit temples in the town, taxis can be rented. It's best in the early mornings and evenings. Devotees flock in large numbers for festivals like Mahashivratri.
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FAQ's
Where is Arulmigu Sivagurunathar Temple located?
Arulmigu Sivagurunathar Temple is located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Which deity is worshipped in the temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Sivagurunathar, along with Goddess Parvati as Soundaranayaki.
What is the significance of this temple?
The temple is associated with the legend of Guru Bhagavan (Jupiter) worshipping Lord Shiva. It is considered an important temple for those seeking blessings related to education, wisdom, and knowledge. Devotees believe that worshipping here can help overcome Guru Dosha (afflictions related to Jupiter in astrology).
How can I reach the temple?
By Road: The temple is accessible from Kumbakonam town, which is well-connected by bus services. By Train: Kumbakonam Railway Station is the nearest railway station. By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, approximately 90 km away.
What festivals are celebrated at the temple?
Guru Peyarchi Festival (transit of Jupiter) is celebrated grandly. Maha Shivaratri and Pradosham days are significant. Navaratri and Thai Poosam are also observed.
Is there any special pooja or seva offered?
Guru Bhagavan Homam and Guru Pooja are performed for devotees seeking wisdom and relief from Guru Dosha. Special Abhishekam (ritual bathing) and Archana (offerings) can be booked.
When was the last Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) held?
The latest Maha Kumbabishekam was conducted on August 23, 2018.
What facilities are available at the temple?
Drinking Water (RO Facility) near Kodimaram. Restroom Facilities outside the temple premises.
