Papanasam Ramalingeswara Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 15 km from Kumbakonam, Ramalingaswara Temple is a Hindu temple located at Papanasam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Located near the south bank of the Kudamurutti river, it is one of the prominent places to visit as part of Kumbakonam Pilgrimage Tour.

Papanasam Ramalingaswara Temple is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a total of 108 Shiva Lingas. According to mythology, after defeating Ravana, Rama performed the brahmahathi dosha nivaranam puja at Rameswaram. In addition, he sought to appease Lord Shiva to atone for the sins incurred from the slaying of Kara and Dooshana, leading him to halt at this location. Here, he established 107 lingams and instructed Hanuman to retrieve one Lingam from Kasi to complete the total of 108. Consequently, the principal lingam is referred to as Ramalingaswami, while the one brought by Hanuman is known as Hanumanta Lingam. This site is also recognized as East Rameswaram or Keezh Rameswaram.

The term Papanasam translates to 'Destruction of Sins' in Tamil, and it is widely believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at this temple absolves devotees of their sins. The main deity, Lord Ramalingaswami, resides in the central shrine. Within the hall, there are 106 Shiva Lingas arranged in three rows. Notably, the shrine is oriented towards the west, which deviates from traditional Hindu temple architectural guidelines, and the shivalingas also face westward. The Hanumantha Linga shrine is situated outside the main temple. Additionally, there are shrines dedicated to Nandi, Kamadhenu, Murugan along with his consorts Valli and Deivayanai, Shanisvara, Annapoorni, and Kasi Visalakshi. Nearby, one can find the Palaivananathar temple at Papanasam, recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free