Someswarar Temple-Kumbakonam

Somessar temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple. This temple is facing the northern side with a small Gopuram at the eastern portion near the entrance. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the Dravidian Architecture of 13th century of Chola period. Arumugam and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex.

The main deities here are Someswarar and Soma Sundari Amman. This is believed to be the place where the thread tying the pot fell. However, the most interesting thing about this temple is not the main deity, but the idol of Muruga, which is in the outer Pragaram of the temple. This idol of Subrahmanya is unique, for he is depicted wearing Sandals (padukas), something not seen anywhere else.

This temple is known as Kudanthai Karonam and located near Potramarai Kulam. The Sikkam (threads) around the Amirthakalasam (the nectar pot) fallen here and took a shape of Linga and hence known as Sikkeshwarar.

Once Chandran (Moon god) due to Guru's (Brahaspathi) curse arrived Kumbakonam and worshipped the Lord Shiva Sikkeshwarar, he created a holy water source for the worship, this tank was known as Chandrapushkarani (does not exist now).

Thirumalanavar worshipped Somanathar and received the boon to get victory over Asuras. He also built a shrine for Maleeswarar (a Linga) andMangala Nayagiamman.

Paranthaka Chola king constructed a shrine for Choleeswara and Tripurasundari amman for wanted of a child.

One among the Navagraha - Guru (God of planet Jupiter)worshipped the main deity Someshwarar and hence the Lingam is also known as Vyazha Someshwarar (Guru's Sikkeshwarar).

Shivagami and Nataraja can be seen.

Kodipanchagraha temple is also present.

Sambandar's beautiful idol is seen. Thirupathigam (hymn's of Nalvar)in the form of epigraph is found in this temple.

The main deity is in Linga form and the Banam ( prominent cylindrical structure of Linga) is of special type known as Narmadhai banam.

The Murugan is in the form of Arumugan (6 faces and 12 hands) in a sitting pose over his vaghana (ambassador) a Mayil (peacock), his legs were decorated withPatharatchai (shoe). Saint Arunagirinatharhas sung a hymn about this Arumuganof this templein his work Thirupugal.

Thirugnana sambandar has sung a hymn about this temple deity.

When the nectar pot broke, the water flowed in this place and a tank came into being called Chandra Pushkarini.  In course of time, it dried.

Lord Muruga grants darshan sitting on a peacock with sandal in one leg.  The temple has only one prakara.  As Moon and Jupiter worshipped in this temple, Mondays and Thursdays have huge devotee crowd in the temple.  There are three entrances to the temple.  Devotees can have the darshan of Lord Maleesar and Mangala Nayaki if they go through the Rajagopuram entrance.  As Vishnu (Mal) worshipped here, Lord is known as Maleesar.  Somanathar and Thenarmozhi darshan is open to those coming through Kattai Gopuram entrance.  The north entrance leads devotees to the darshan of Someswarar and Somasundari.  Lord’s blessing is open to devotees coming from any entrance.

Lord Somaskandar blesses the devotees in the inner mandap.  There are 8 sculptures on the sanctum wall in worshipping posture. Lord Nataraja has His shrine with Mother Sivakami.  He is named Kana Nattam Udayar meaning that the Lord would have no loss if devotees overlook praying to Him but it would be a loss only to such indifferent ones.  Praying in this shrine, according beliefs, brings the devotee progress in his trade and promotions in job.

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