Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam

Introduction

Sarangapani Temple is a celebrated Divyadesam, the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu. This is a famous temple of the temple town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. That, as many as 7 of the 12 Azhwar saints have glorified the Lord of this temple in their Divyaprabhandham hymns, speaks volumes about its religious significance. Some references also count this as one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams, the holy abodes of the Ranganatha form of Vishnu, located on the banks of river Cauvery. Lord Sarangapani is the principal deity here, and Goddess Komalavalli Thayar is his consort. Sarang refers to Lord Vishnu's bow, and as the Lord wielded the bow here, he is revered as Sarangapani. He is said to have appeared here, for sage Hemarishi. Sarangapani Temple is a large temple with a massive tower, and its twin chariots, too, remain as a few of the largest temples cars of Tamil Nadu. The processional deity goes by the name Aravamudhan.

Temple Legends

Once Sage Brihu went to 'Par Kadal,' the milk-ocean abode of Vishnu for meeting him, but he felt that the Lord did not pay him due attention. This angered the sage so much that he went to the extent of kicking the Lord in his chest. But that was where Goddess Lakshmi was residing, and the furious Lakshmi left the place and descended on earth as Padmavathy. Though Vishnu followed her as Srinivasa and managed to marry her, she was still angry with him. Hence, the Lord began residing underground as Patala Srinivasa, for escaping from her anger. In the meantime, Brihu realized his crime, sought pardon, and wished for the Goddess to be born to him in his next birth. Brihu was born as Hemarishi, and he did penance in the banks of the Potramarai tank for realizing his wish. Pleased with his devotion, Lakshmi emerged from the lotus in the tank and got the name Komalavalli. Vishnu also came down as Aravamudhan in a chariot drawn by elephants and horses and married Komalavalli.

It is also said that an ardent devotee of Vishnu was at his deathbed, and he prayed to Aravamudhan that as he was alone, the Lord himself should perform his last rites. And it is believed that the Lord did so on a Deepavali festival day. This ritual is performed every year in this temple.

The History and Architecture of Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam

Sarangapani Temple, the largest Vaishnavite shrine of Kumbakonam, is quite ancient, with the medieval Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, and the Nayaks contributing generously to its construction and expansion. The main shrine is designed like a chariot pulled by horses and elephants, to demonstrate the Lord's coming down from heavens. This sanctum is approached by a 100 pillared hall, while the temple itself is replete with wonderful sculptures and carvings. The Rajagopuram, the main tower which stands at a height of 173 feet, is imposing and remains as one of the tallest temple towers of Tamil Nadu. Lord Sarangapani Perumal can be worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum in a reclining posture, known as Uthana Sayanam, resting his head on his right hand. Goddess Lakshmi and Hemarishi are also there with him. The roof above the sanctum is Vaideega Vimanam. Goddess Komalavalli is in a separate shrine, while the much-revered Potramarai Tank is near the western entrance of this temple.

Temple Festivals

Chittirai Brahmotsavam is celebrated with piety during April-May. The chariot festival is a grand one, when the massive twin-chariots weighing about 300 tons each, are drawn enthusiastically in the streets. Thiru Kalyanotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Masi Magam are some of the many other festivals celebrated with enthusiasm, here.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Sarangapani

There is a belief that the Lord hears the devotees' prayers and that people will be rewarded according to their deeds and righteousness. It is also believed that the Lord will fulfill the honest desires of the devotees, who pray to him with faith and sincerity.