Nageswaran Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 2 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Nageswaran Temple is an ancient temple situated in Kumbakonam. This temple is one of the oldest and most prominent temples in the state of Tamil Nadu.

The Nageswaran Temple was built by Aditya Chola in the 9th century and is a great marvel of architecture, building technology and astronomy. The temple is built in such a way that it allows sunlight to fall on the sanctum only during the months of April or May for three days. Devotees from all over the world come to seek blessings of the deity on these days.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nagaraja, the serpent king. The inner sanctum has a huge lingam. It is believed that the temple derived its name because a serpent was found worshipping the lingam. Nageswaran temple is world renowned for its architecture, including intricate works on its pillars and outer walls. The temple consists of three gopurams and a five tier Rajagopuram.

Mother Brugannayaki and Nataraja Sabha are on the right side of the central shrine. The Nataraja Sabha is aesthetically designed in the form of a rath drawn by two horses and 4 elephants as in the case of Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram and Sarangapani temple in Kumbakonam. The 12 cross wires of the wheel are said to represent the 12 zodiac signs. The other noteworthy feature is Mother Sivakami is playing the Tala to the dance of the Lord Nataraja and Lord Vishnu playing the flute feasting the eyes of the devotees.

The main and most important festival of the temple is the Theerthavari when Lord comes to Mahamaham tank. Other festivals of the temple are Purattasi Navarathri in August-September, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January and Panguni Peru Vizha in March-April.

Timings: 6 AM - 12.30 PM and 4.30 PM - 9 PM