The Sarangapani Temple is one of the Divya Deshams listed by the Tamil poets Alvars. It is a Vishnu temple where he is worshipped in the name of Sarangapani. Interestingly, Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam is one of the biggest Vishnu temples in Tamil Nadu.
It is also situated on the banks of River Kaveri and hence considered as one among the Pancharanga Kshetrams (five Vishnu temples on Kaveri River Banks).
Temple Gopura
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Legend of Sarangapani Temple
According to the legend, the sage Hema Rishi performed a great penance to obtain Goddess Lakshmi as his daughter. Lord Vishnu was impressed by his penance and granted the wish. Goddess Lakshmi was born out of lotus in Potramarai Tank and was named as Komalavalli. Later, Lord Vishnu comes to earth as Sarangapani to marry Komalavalli. Therefore, the temple pond Potramarai Tank is considered as very sacred.
History of Sarangapani Temple
Sarangapani Temple is one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu. It has architectural influences of three major dynasties of South India, namely Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagar Kingdom and Madurai Nayaks. Hence, it has an excellent blend of architectural styles which is amazing to explore.
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Architecture of Sarangapani Temple
The Sarangapani Temple comprises of the eleven tierd Raja Gopuram and five other small gopurams. There is a central shrine housing the main deity Sarangapani. The Potramarai Temple Tank is near the Western Entrance. The temple complex has various small shrines and also temple chariots for temple festivals.
Pancharanga Kshetrams in South India
Five Vishnu Temples located on the banks of Kaveri River is considered as Pancharanga Kshetrams. The Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams. The other four temples are Srirangapatna Ranganathaswamy Temple (Adi Ranga) first in this group of temples, Srirangam Temple, Appalarangam in Tiruppernagar, Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple in Mayiladuthurai and Vatarangam (mentioned in some texts) as the fifth temple.
How to Reach Sarangapani Temple
Sarangapani Temple is one of the famous temples in Kumbakonam.
Click - How to Reach Kumbakonam
Temple Festivals
Several festivals are celebrated here on a large scale. Special poojas are performed during the festivities. Mahamaham Festival, Deepavali, Akshay Tritiya, Ratasaptami, Brahmotsavam, etc. are some of the important festivals celebrated in Kumbakonam.
So, don't miss out on visiting this beautiful ancient temple of Sarangapani on your trip to Kumbakonam. Interestingly, it is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam.