Chakrapani Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Chakrapani Temple

At a distance of 3 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Chakrapani Temple is a Hindu temple situated on the southern bank of Cauvery River in the town of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and appears in the form of a discus or Chakra. It is one of the most prominent temples to visit as part of the Kumbakonam luxury tour packages. Chakrapani Temple is acknowledged as one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, celebrated in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the twelve poet saints known as Alvars, and is also one of the five Vishnu temples associated with the Mahamaham festival, which occurs every 12 years in Kumbakonam.

History of Chakrapani Temple

The exact origins of the Chakrapani Temple in Kumbakonam remain unclear due to insufficient inscriptional records. Nevertheless, scholars suggest that the temple was constructed in the 15th century during the Nayaka dynasty, based on its architectural style and decorative elements. It was one of three prominent Vaishnava temples in Kumbakonam that flourished under Nayaka patronage, alongside the Ramaswamy Temple and the Sarangapani Temple. In 1620, Govinda Dikshitar, who held the position of minister under the Nayak rulers Achyuthappa Nayak (1560-1614) and Raghunatha Nayak (1600-34), integrated a commercial corridor into the temple's design, establishing a connection between the Chakrapani Temple and the Sarangapani Temple, which is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Mythology of Chakrapani Temple

Lord Vishnu appears in the form of a discus or Chakra in this temple to put down the pride of Surya, who subsequently became his devotee. According to legend, the Sudarshana Chakra is regarded as Lord Vishnu's most formidable weapon. He once dispatched this weapon to Patala Loka to vanquish the demon Jalandasura. It is said that the weapon emerged from Patala Loka via the river Cauvery. While bathing in the river, God Brahma was captivated by its brilliance and subsequently established the image of Sudarshana Chakra at the current site of the temple. This image radiated a light even more intense than that of the Sun. In response to witnessing a power surpassing his own brightness, the Sun God became envious and intensified his own light. However, the Sri Chakra absorbed all of Surya's luminosity, rendering him dark. In his devotion, Surya worshipped Sudarshana, and pleased by this act, Sudarshana restored all of Surya's powers. From that moment, Vishnu was known as Chakrapani. It is believed that Surya worshipped Chakrathazhwar during the Masi Magam festival, which is celebrated annually to honor this event. During the festival, the temple car is paraded through the streets surrounding the temple.

Architecture of Chakrapani Temple

Sri Chakrapani Temple showcases a classic South Indian architectural style, featuring a charming entrance known as 'Rajagopuram'. Within the Chakrapani temple, Lord Vishnu is seen in the form of a discus, or Chakra, possessing three eyes akin to those of Lord Shiva, alongside his consort, Sudarshanavalli Thayar. The main deity, Chakrapani, is depicted with eight arms, each holding a different weapon. Brahma, Surya, and Agni are illustrated as devotees in reverence to the Lord in this temple.

This temple is renowned for its beautifully carved pillars. A bronze statue of King Serfoji II is present, commemorating his devotion after he was reportedly healed from an illness through the deity's grace. Additionally, a panchamukha (five-faced) Hanuman statue stands in the temple's outer area. The significant idols within the temple include Agampara Vinayakar and Vijayavalli.

Visitors to the Chakrapani temple often report experiencing relief from negative influences of planetary forces. Those who conduct the Sudarshana yajna at this site are believed to receive numerous blessings.

Festivals of Chakrapani Temple

The Chakrapani Temple in Kumbakonam celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the prominent 10-day Brahmotsavam in Chithirai (April-May), Pavitrotsavam, and the Float festival (Theppotsavam) in Vaikasi (May-June). Additionally, the significant Mahamaham Festival, held every 12 years, is also observed with grandeur at this temple, which is one of the five Vishnu temples linked to the Mahamaham Festival.

Chakrapani Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Chakrapani Temple in Kumbakonam, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Chakrapani Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Chakrapani Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Chakrapani Temple

The best time to visit Chakrapani Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. The Mahamaham festival that takes place once every twelve years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) and Chithirai Brahmotsavam in March/April offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the temple's lively ambiance, drawing thousands of devotees. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple in the peak summer months from April to June, as temperatures can rise significantly, complicating outdoor activities.

How to Reach Chakrapani Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station offers extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services are available to Kumbakonam from all regions of Tamil Nadu. To reach the Chakrapani Temple, one can take a bus or hire an auto-rickshaw or cab from anywhere within Kumbakonam.