Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

Also Known As:

Bashkara Shathiram, 3rd Divia Desham, 4th Pancharangam

Sarangapani Temple, located in Kumbakonam, is a remarkable testament to the rich blend of cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. With a history that spans centuries, the temple has preserved its original charm while adapting to the evolving times. Its unique architecture reflects the craftsmanship of skilled artisans, while its rituals echo ancient traditions passed down through generations. Visitors are captivated by the intricate carvings, sacred idols, and the serene courtyards that invite both prayer and reflection. This temple has not only served as a centre of worship but also as a cultural hub where stories, art, and traditions thrive. For both devotees seeking divine blessings and heritage enthusiasts exploring India’s spiritual landscape, Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam offers a truly enriching experience. Its legacy also resonates with the grandeur of Historic temples in Tamil Nadu.

Sarangapani Temple History and Significance

The Sarangapani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 poet saints, or Alvars. The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity with contributions from Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire, and Madurai Nayaks. The Mahasamprokshanam of the temple was held on 13 July 2015, with a large number of devotees participating. The temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Sarangapani Temple Opening Time
Sarangapani Temple Pooja Timing
Sarangapani Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation
Sarangapani Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Sarangapani Temple Interesting Facts
Sarangapani Temple Nearby Temples
Other Vishnu Temples
Famous Temples from around

Sarangapani Temple Opening Time

Day	Timings
Monday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sarangapani Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Thiruvanandal pooja (malar)	08:00 AM to 08:30 AM IST
Kalasandhi pooja (Malar)	09:00 AM to 10:00 AM IST
Uchikkala Pooja (malar)	12:00 PM to 12:30 PM IST
Nithiya Anusanthanam (Malar)	06:00 PM to 06:30 PM IST
Irandamkala Pooja (Malar)	07:30 PM to 08:00 PM IST
Ardhajama Pooja (Malar)	09:00 PM to 09:00 PM IST

Sarangapani Temple Location Details

Sarangapani Temple is located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

Sarangapani sannthi street, 612001

0435-2430349

How to Reach Sarangapani Temple

By Road:

Kumbakonam is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Kumbakonam Railway Station. From this station, buses or taxis are available to reach the temple.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kumbakonam via connecting cities.

Sarangapani Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit Sarangapani Temple is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

Temple Facility

Wheel Chair:

There is an office entrance.

Library Facility:

Books, newspaper, chairs, tables, lamps, Fan are arranged.

Vehicle Parking:

Rajagopuram left side

Drinking Water R.O.:

Enternce of office, Annadhanam kuttam

Toilet Facility:

The temple has three toilet facilities.

Other Vishnu Temples

Sarangapani Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Temple Speciality

Purathanam:

Features of the Temple Whoever tells, listens to the Pride of Lord Sri Sarngaraja, will get all good blessings bestowed upon them as per Places poem. Sri SarangabaneheVaibavamSubastham YesraVayantheeha Kalauyukeparam Srunvanthi Thesham Akileshtathayee Bavath Pasau Sarangadasaha Priyayuthaha! Main Goddess Komalavalli has another special name &ampldquoPadithanda Pathini&amprdquo. Due to this Goddess never go beyond Kodimaram during the time of festival. During Kanu Urchava every year VijayavalliThayar from Chakarapani Temple, Seethalakshmi from Ramaswamy temple and SenbagavalliThayar / RukmaniThayar from Rajagopalaswamy Temple visit this temple and offer blessings to all people is followed for a very long time. In the Sanctorum of the Lord, Krishna Vigraka in child form laying on Adhiseshan is veryfamous. The couple who have not got a child for a very long time can get child by praying with the Vigraha on their hands. People from all over India came here and do this ritual for getting Children. Name: Santhana Krishnaswamy Special feature of this Temple is that will be open through Uthrayana gate during Thai 01 to Aani 32 and through Dakshnayana gate during Aadi 01 to Marghazhi 31. You can see the opening of the gates on the first day of the month Thai and Aadi. Witnessing opening of gates is the holiest that is very rare. By worshipping the God, many get relieved from their sins. Even if you move one feet towards the Temple, there will not be rebirth for them is the belief according to history of the place. Those who cross Uthrayana gate will get Vaikunta Praptham and those who do service for the temple will receive all wealth and comforts as per the history of the place.

Subshrines Details

Sennai Muthalvar:

The leader of Perumals army has risen in the northern direction of Perumal.

Ramar Sannithi:

Visualization with Rama, Seetha, Lechumanan.

Pathala Srinivasan Sannithi:

Tirupati Srinivasan has risen here as an underworld Srinivasan to perform penance.

Navaneethakrishnan Sannithi:

Navaneethakrishnan with butter in hand.

Medu Srinivasan sannithi:

Achieving service at Mettu Srinivasan Sannidhi at Sri Perumal Thirumana Kolam

Kinaradi Ramar Sannithi:

Rama, Sita, Latchumana and Hanuman in the form of Bala are displayed in the standing posture.

Gopalan Sannithi:

Appearance with Rukmini, Satyabhama.

Desikan Sannithi:

Desikan Sri Perumal Thayar Sannithi Ezhundaruli Mangalasasana on the monthly hearing. In the month of Purattasi, the Desikar festival started on the star of Srivana m and on the star of Rohini, Sri Perumal Thayar Desikarsannithi Ezhundaruli Mangalasasana.

Ayya Kumara Thatha Desikan Sannithi:

Awakening Mangalasasana in the presence of Sri Perumal Thayar Ayya Kumaratha Desikan on the star of Rohini in the month of Vaikasi.

Andal Sannithi (urchavar):

The 3rd Divya Desam, Ivvidya Desam Andal One of the 7 Alvars who Mangalasasanam, annually Thirumanjanam this year on the star of Adi Pura.

Andal Sannithi (Moolavar):

The 3rd Divya Desam, Ivvidya Desam Andal One of the 7 Alvars who Mangalasasanam, annually Thirumanjanam this year on the star of Adi Pura.

Alvar Sannithi:

Sri Perumal Awakening Mangalasasana at Alwar Sannidhi on the Visakha star in the month of Vaikasi and the Karthika star in the month of Karthika.

Temple Services

Annadhanam:

Donation through Free Meals (Annadhanam):- Honourable Chief Ministers dream scheme of Free meals (Annadhanam) was inaugurated in the year of 2006 and is actively d till date. Through this 50 beneficiaries will have free food during noon time. The planned expense for this to one person is Rs.35/-. In this food Sambhar, Rice, Rasam, Kootu, Poriyal, Buttermilk and Pickles are provided. This free food is prepared in AnnadhanaKoodam and served during the time 12.15 p.m. to 01.30 p.m. Those who donate for free meals can come to Office and pay directly. For facilitating Bhakthas on Live Payment is also available in the temple website through the web hrce.tn.gov.in Cheques and demand drafts can be addressed to Annadhana Scheme, ArulmiguSarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam. For Single Day: Rs.2000/- Permanent Deposit: Rs.30,000/-

Donation:

General Donation Those who wish to donate can give the amount and can receive receipt directly. To facilitate on Live Payment hrce.tn.gov.in Website can be used to donate through on live for this temple. Those who wish to donate through Cheques, demand drafts can address them as Executive officer, Arulmigu Sarangapani Thirukkoil, Kumbakonam. Kosalai Donation Arulmigu Komalavalli Thayar Kosalai Most Holiest Dhanam is Kodhanam and Annadhanam and they are d nicely in this temple. Cows are taken care. Sri Andal in her poem calls Aravamudhan as &ampldquoKolal Niraimeythu Aayanay Kudanthai Kidantha Kudamadi” and imagine him as Kannan resulted in donation of Cows in this Temple for their well being. Single day maintenance for Kosalai - Rs.3,000/- Permanent Deposit Rs.25,000/-

Tank Information

Pottamarai Thirukulam:

Theerthas of the Temple:- Potramarai Pond, River Cauvery, Arasalaru are the theerthas of the Temple Other names of the Potramarai Pond:- Hema Pushkarani, Lakshmi Theertham and Amudha Theertham. Reasons for the names:- Komalavalli born as a child in Golden Lotus for Potramarai, When AmirthaKalasa was broken by Lors Shiva s of Amutha spilled on Pond for AmudhaTheertham, Goddess Mahalakshmi arose from the Golden Lotus with 1000 Petals for Lakshmi Theertham. This Pond is also caused as Lakshmi Theertham. Architecture of Potramarai Pond:- Situated opposite to Western gate of the Sri Sarangapani Templea SixteenPollaredMandapam is located in the middle of the pond. Four Pillared Mandapam are available on all the four corners of the pond. Sannathi of KomalavalliThayar and Hemarishi is situated in the Northern side. Area of the Pond: 2 Acres Length, East West 370 Feet, North South: 257 FeetThirunavukkarasar in Thevaram recites this pond as &ampldquoSaraswathi Potramarai Pushkarani” (Sixth Thirumarai 75.6) One of the Sarangapaniswamys Theertham Cauvery river’s usage was preserved by GovindaThikshidar under the guidance of King Achuthappa by building footsteps and Mandapams. History of Origin of Potramarai (Golden Lotus) Kumbam got damages due to Rudra Thandavam of Lord Shiva and it split up into two forms are Mahamaham Pond and Potramarai Pond. In the eastern side Stone Inscriptions is available which holds Telugu Saranam of the year 1556, (Srimuka Year / Vaikasi Month) for the well being of RaghunathaNayakkar. This was made in the year 1633 A.D. of month May. Benefits Theppam (Floating Festival) takes place on the day of Masi Magham. Those who take bath in the pond will receive countless wealth and Fertility during the period of Chithirai, Karthigai Somavaram and Amavasai. History of the place tells that those who bath in the pond will receive all good benefits. Those who have done more sins will also get benefitted by immersing in this pond. Goddess Komalavalli who gave Moksha to Yama was married by Lord Sarangapani and this made Potramarai Pond the property of Lord Sarangapani. During the time of Mahamaham festival people from all over the world came here to take holy dip in Mahamaham Pond, Potramarai Pond and Cauvery river once in Twelve years. Potramarai Pond is very important during Mahamaham festival.

Sculpture Details

35.Sri Chandi:

Sri Chandi is located in Thayar Sannithi.

36.Sri Prachandi:

Sri Prachandi is located in Thayar Sannithi.

20.Thirupanaazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannithi.

11.Mathurakaviazhvar:

located in Azhvar sannithi.

15.Puthathazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannathi.

12.Thirumangaiazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannithi

4.Thuvara Balagar-1:

Defender of the front side of the Rajagopuram

13.Poikaiazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannidhi.

14.Peiazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannathi.

16.Thirumalisaiazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannathi.

27.Thuvara Balagar-1 (Manjal Gopuram):

Manjal Gopuram Thuvara Balagar-1

19.Thonradipodiazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannithi.

21.Nathamunikal:

Located in Azhlvar Sannithi.

28.Thuvara Balagar-2 (Manjal Gopuram):

Manjal Gopuram Thuvara Balagar-2

26.Kodimara Baleepedam:

The baleepedam is located in front of the kodimaram.

31.Thuvara Balagar -1 (Thirumamani Mandapam):

Thuvara Balagar-1 located in Thirumamani Mandapam

29.Madathu Krishnan:

Madathu Krishnan is located in the Manjal Gopuram.

6.Gopalakrishnan:

gobalakrishnan located in Rajagopuram

22.Kuraththazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannithi.

25.Nikamantha Desikan:

Desikan is at the sannithi.

30.Ayya Kumara thatha desikan:

Located at Ayya Kumara thatha Desikan Sannithi.

32.Thuvara Balagar -2 (Thirumamani Mandapam):

Thuvara Balagar-1 located in Thirumamani Mandapam

33.baleepedam (Thirumamani Mandapam):

baleepedam located in Thirumamani Mandapam

34.Krishnar:

Krishnar

7.Nagakrishnan:

Nagakrishnan located in Rajagopuram

17.Kulasekara Azhvar:

Located in Azhvar sannithi.

5.Thuvarabalagar-2:

Defender of the front side of the Rajagopuram

10.Nammaazhvar:

located in Azhvar Sannithi.

18.Periyazhvar:

Located in Azhvar Sannithi.

23.Thirukachinambikal:

Located in Azhvar Sannithi.

24.Alavantharar:

Located in Azhvar Sannithi.

Mural Details

Oviya Radha Bandham:

There are three Temple Car in this temple. Stone Chariot, Kavither, and Wooden Chariot. If is present near Kodimaram on a wall which explains Mangalasasanam of ThirumangaiAzhwar in Mosaic Stone as an art.

Legends Beliefs

As per Hindu legend, Sarangapani, an incarnation of Vishnu, appeared for sage Hemarishi, who performed penance at the Potramarai tank. Sage Bhrigu once kicked Vishnu on his chest, angering Lakshmi, who left Vaikuntha and took the form of Padmavati. Vishnu followed her and married her. Lakshmi was born as Komalavalli to sage Hemarishi. Vishnu descended to earth as Aravamudhan in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from Vaikuntha.
Deities and Sub Deities

The main deity of the temple is Sarangapani, a form of Vishnu. The temple also houses the deities Komalavalli Thayar (Lakshmi) and Aravamuthar. The central shrine of the temple houses the image of Sarangapani in a reclining posture, with his head resting on his right hand. There are other images of sage Hemarishi, Lakshmi, and festival images enshrined within the sanctum.
Offerings

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The rituals are performed six times a day, and each ritual comprises three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Sarangapani and Thayar. The food offerings include curd rice, Ven pongal, spiced rice, dosa, Ven pongal, and sugar pongal.
Architecture

Sarangapani is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam and has the tallest temple tower in the town. The temple is enshrined within a huge wall and the complex enshrines all the water bodies of the temple except the Potramarai tank. The rajagopuram (main gateway) has eleven tiers and a height of 173 ft. The central shrine is in the form of a chariot drawn by horses and elephants, depicting the descent of Sarangapani from heaven. The temple has two processional chariots carved out of wood stationed outside the rajagopuram.
Festivals

The temple celebrates twelve yearly festivals. The most prominent festival is the temple chariot festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March–April). The twin temple chariots are the third-largest in Tamil Nadu, each weighing 300 tonnes. Other festivals include Akshaya Tritiya, Vasantotsavam, Pavitrotsavam, Sri Jayanthi, Navaratri Utsavam, Deepavali, Deepa Utsavam, Pakal Pattu, Ira Pattu Pongal, Kanu Utsavam, Masi Magaham, and Brahmmotsavam.
Religious Practices

The temple follows Pancharatra Agama and Vadakalai tradition. The temple rituals are performed six times a day, including Tiruvanandal, Kala santhi, Uchikalam, Ntiyanusandhanam, Irandamkalam, and Ardha Jamam. Each ritual includes alangaram, neivethanam, and deepa aradanai. The worship is held amidst music with nadhaswaram and tavil, religious instructions in the Vedas, and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, fortnightly, and monthly rituals.

FAQ's

Where is the Sarangapani Temple located?

The Sarangapani Temple is located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Thanjavur district.

Which God is Aaraamudhan?

Aaraamudhan is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Sarangapani Temple?

The best time to visit Sarangapani Temple is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

Why is Sarangapani Temple famous among tourists and devotees?

How to reach Sarangapani Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Kumbakonam Railway Station. From this station, buses or taxis are available to reach the temple. Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kumbakonam via connecting cities.