Description
The shrine of Adi Kumbeshwar is built in the memory of Lord Shiva, this shrine can be found in the township of Kumbakonam which is found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Adi Kumbeshwar used to pray to Lord Shiva, The linga represents the Lord. Parvathi, who is Lord Shiva's wife, is illustrated by the name, Mangalambigai Amman.
History
People believe that the township of Kumbakonam gets its name from a legend that is linked to the shrine of Adi Kumbeshwar. The word, 'Kumbakonam' when translated into English, refers to 'jug's corner', meaning a magical pot owned by the Hindu God, Brahma, which carried mankind the germ of all of mankind in it. When the universe came to an end, kumbha was expatriated, because it was provoked by the arrow that Lord Shiva shot, it landed where the township of Kumbakonam stands today. People believe that the nectar had fallen in two locations, namely � the Mahamaham reservoir and the Potramarai reservoir. The Mahamaharam festival is celebrated once in twelve years, here, in order to honour this phenomenon. Legend has it that the shrine was constructed during the seventh century, when the Chola emperors were ruling, and the Nayaks expanded the area of the temple between the 15th and the 17th centuries.
Importance/Significance
The area of the shrine sprawls over a massive patch of land covering approximately 30, 181 square feet. There are four towers that can be found in the temple, called 'gopurams'. The tower which is found in the east, is the tallest, out of all the others, and comprises of 11 floors. There is a passageway that is located close to the shrine that is about 100 metres long and approximately 4.6 metres broad. One can find five carriages in the shrine, and all of them are silver plated, these are used to transport the idols of the shrine, during certain festivals. This shrine is the biggest of all the shrines that are dedicated to Lord Shiva that can be found in this town. There is a tower, referred to as a gopuram, which comprises of nine floors, which is 125 feet tall that can be found in the middle of the town, sprawling over 4 acres of land. One can find three aligned compounds, as well that host many such gopurams. The main idol of the shrine is said to be that of Adi Kumbeshwar, and it can be found in the middle. It is believed that Lord Shiva, himself constructed this idol, which can be seen as a linga, that was formed when he combine the nectar of everlasting life with sand. The shrine of his wife, Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika can be seen aligned towards the left hand side of the shrine of Kumbeshwar.One is also able to see a large hall located inside the shrine. As one moves ahead of the flagpole, one is able to view a corridor featuring beams, the brackets of which have the drawings of yali, made on them, which guides one to a tower called the gopuram. Subramanya's idol is composed of not twelve, but six fists or palms. The kiratamurti and the nagaswarams which are made out of stone are what a majority of the people who visit the temple are attracted to.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The festival of Mahamaham, is celebrated every twelve years during the month of Masi, according to the Tamilian calendar. People from different states of India visit this shrine to rake a dip in the Mahamaham reservoir, which is found in the core of Kumbakonam.
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