Back to Results
Temple Image

Sri Amirthakalasanatha Swamy Temple

This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 68th Shiva Sthalam situated on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). Here, Lord Shiva is revered as a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).

Timings

09.00 AM to 12.00 and 05.00 PM to 07.00 PM.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 68th Shiva Sthalam situated on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). Here, Lord Shiva is revered as a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
  2. The temple faces east and features a single corridor. Its main tower is unique in that it is not tiered; instead of a traditional Gopuram, it showcases a beautiful sculpture of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. 
  3. However, the second entrance of the temple does have a striking three-tiered tower.
  4. The most recent consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) occurred on October 22, 2015, following an earlier ceremony on February 9, 1992.


HISTORY:


  1. This ancient temple is located on the southern bank of the Arisilaru River. Constructed from granite by the Chola dynasty, it was later renovated by King Kulothungan III and the Nayakkars.
  2. Commonly known as the "Kottai Shiva Temple," it is believed that the temple was once enclosed by a large fortress, complete with tanks (Akazhi) on either side of its walls. 
  3. Today, only the ruins of the fortress and the tanks remain. 
  4. In his hymns, Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar praises the splendour of this fort, its halls, and the temple itself.
  5. Historically, the area was home to many Sakkiyas (Buddhists), which led to the name "Sakkiya Kottai," later shortened to Sakkottai. 


This temple is one of the Saptastanam temples linked to the Sri Adhi Kumbeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam. The other temples in this group are Kottaiyur, Thiru Valanchuzhi, Darasuram, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, and Melaikkaveri.

Twelve prominent Shiva temples participate in the famous "Mahaamaham" festival, during which the "Theerthavaari" ritual takes place in the Mahaamaha tank. 


This grand festival is celebrated once every 12 years in Kumbakonam. 

The participating Shiva temples are:


  1. Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Kumbakonam
  2. Aadhi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
  3. Someswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
  4. Nageswarar (Vilvavaneswarar) Temple, Kumbakonam
  5. Kalahasteeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
  6. Gauthameswarar (Upaveethanathar) Temple, Kumbakonam
  7. Koteeswarar Temple, Kottaiyur
  8. Amirthakalasanathar Temple, Kalayanallur
  9. Bhanapureeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
  10. Abhimukeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
  11. Aathikambatta Visvanathar Temple, Kumbakonam
  12. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kumbakonam


In addition, five Vaishnava temples in Kumbakonam also partake in this festival. However, their Theerthavaari takes place in the River Kaveri instead of the Mahaamaha tank. 

These Vaishnava temples include:


  1. Sri Saarangapani Temple
  2. Sri Chakrapaani Temple
  3. Sri Ramaswami Temple
  4. Sri Rajagopalaswami Temple
  5. Sri Aadhivaraha Perumal Temple


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:


The Pralayam and the Amutha Kalas


According to Hindu mythology, at the end of every "yuga," a massive flood known as "Pralayam" leads to the destruction of all living beings on Earth. To preserve life, Lord Shiva, through Lord Brahma, arranged for the seeds of all organisms and the four Vedas and Puranas to be placed in a pot (Amutha Kalas or Kumbham) filled with nectar (amirtham). This pot was beautifully decorated and kept atop Mount Kailash. As the Maha Pralayam began, it destroyed all life, causing the pot to be displaced and float on the seas for years. Eventually, when the flood subsided, the pot settled in Kumbakonam, where Lord Shiva, taking the form of a hunter (Kiratha Murthy), split open the pot with his arrow, leading to the resurgence of life on Earth.


The Shivalingams


When Lord Shiva opened the pot, the decorative items fell to various places, each becoming a Shivalingam. These sites include:

  1. Kumbesam: This is where the Amutha Kalas remained, now known as the Sri Aadhi Kumbeswarar Temple. It is believed that Lord Kiratha Murthy fashioned a Shivalingam from the broken pot’s pieces, mixing nectar and sand. The Shivalingam is shaped like the neck of a pot (Kudamukku).
  2. Somesam: The location where the pot’s string (Uri/Sikkam) fell, now the Sri Someswarar Temple.
  3. Nagesam: The site of the fallen vilvam (leaf used in poojas), now known as the Sri Nageswarar Temple.
  4. Abhimugesam: The location where the coconut from the pot fell, known today as the Sri Abhimugeswarar Temple.
  5. Gautamesam: The site where the sacred thread fell, now the Shri Gautameswarar Temple.
  6. Kudavoil: This is where the rim of the pot fell, now recognized as the Sri Koneswarar Temple at Kudavasal.
  7. Kalayanallur (Saakkottai): The place where the mid-portion of the pot landed, known as the Sri Amirthakalasa Nathar Temple.
  8. Bhanathurai: The site where Lord Shiva broke the pot with his arrow, now the Sri Bhanapureeswarar Temple.
  9. Maalathivanam: The place where the flowers from the pot fell, now the Sri Aathikampatta Viswanathar Temple.
  10. Kalahastheeswarar Koil: The location where the chandan (sandalwood) from the pot fell.
  11. Ekambareswarar Temple: The site where other decorative items from the pot landed.
  12. Kottaiyur Sri Koteeswarar Temple: The location where some drops of nectar fell.


The Spread of Nectar


  1. The nectar from the Amutha Kalas is believed to have reached the Mahaamaham and Potraamarai tanks. 
  2. It is said to have spread over an area of about 24 kilometres, encompassing five Shiva temples known as "Panchakurosa Sthalams" (meaning five temples). 


These are:

Thiruvidaimaruthur

Koranattu Karuppur

Thirunageswaram

Swamimalai

Dharasuram


Goddess Parvathy's Penance


It is believed that Goddess Parvathy performed penance in this area, leading to a separate shrine named "Sri Thapas Amman" in the temple corridor. 

Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva married her. Saint Sundarar refers to this legend in the first stanza of his hymn.


Worship by Saints


The temple has been revered by notable figures, including Lord Brahma, Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, and Saint Sakkiya Nayanar, who have all worshipped the deity here.


PEOPLE WORSHIPPED HERE:


  1. Another origin of the name is attributed to Saint Sakkiya Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, who worshipped here despite being a Buddhist. 
  2. His deep devotion to Lord Shiva earned him the divine blessing of darshan from both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, ultimately leading to his recognition as one of the Nayanmars.


ADMINISTRATION:


The temple is currently managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Traditional attire is often encouraged.
  2. Remove Footwear: Always remove your shoes before entering the temple premises, as a sign of respect.
  3. Maintain Silence: Speak softly and maintain a calm demeanour to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.
  4. Follow Rituals: Participate respectfully in rituals, such as lighting lamps or offering flowers, as guided by temple authorities.
  5. Offer Prayers: Take time to pray and reflect at the deity's sanctum, focusing on your intentions.
  6. Follow Photography Rules: If photography is allowed, be mindful and avoid taking photos in restricted areas.


  1. Avoid Disruptive Behaviour: Refrain from loud conversations, eating, or using your phone within the temple.
  2. Don’t Touch Sacred Objects: Avoid touching the deity or other sacred items unless permitted.
  3. No Smoking or Alcohol: Smoking and consuming alcohol are strictly prohibited on temple premises.
  4. Avoid Criticising or Complaining: Respect the customs and practices, even if they differ from your beliefs.
  5. Don’t Bring Non-Vegetarian Food: Avoid bringing any non-vegetarian food items, as many temples maintain a vegetarian-only policy.


Dress Code

Men:

Traditional Attire: Dhoti, kurta, or lungi are preferred.

Western Attire: Collared shirts and trousers are acceptable.

Modesty: Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, and torn clothing.


Women:

Traditional Attire: Sarees, salwar kameez, or churidars are encouraged.

Western Attire: Long skirts or dresses and tops with sleeves are acceptable.

Modesty: Avoid short dresses, sleeveless tops, and tight-fitting clothes.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Air:

  1. Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ).
  2. Distance: Approximately 95 km from Kumbakonam.
  3. Travel from Airport:
  4. Hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service to reach Kumbakonam. The journey typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.


By Train:

  1. Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam Railway Station.
  2. Travel Options:
  3. From Major Cities: Trains run from cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore to Kumbakonam.
  4. From Kumbakonam Station to Temple: Once you arrive, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the temple, which is about 3 km away.


By Road:

  1. From Thanjavur: If you're coming from Thanjavur (about 40 km away), you can take a bus or drive via NH 36, which takes around 1 hour.
  2. Local Transportation: Kumbakonam has local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis that can take you to the temple from the town centre.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:


Kaveri River: 




One of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, known for its cultural and religious significance.


Palar River:



 Another important river that flows through parts of Tamil Nadu.


Cities:



  1. Kumbakonam: Known for its temples and cultural heritage, it's relatively close and often visited by devotees.
  2. Thanjavur: Famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple and rich in history and art.
  3. Mayiladuthurai: A town with historical significance and several temples nearby.