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

About Someswarar Temple

At a distance of 2 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Someswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Kumbakonam town of Tamil Nadu, India. Someswarar Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of Someswarar, represented by the lingam. His consort, Parvati, is honored as Somasundari. It is one of the famous temples to visit as part of heritage tour packages. The presiding deity is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical text, the Tevaram, composed by the Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars, and is recognized as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams dedicated to Lord Shiva.

History of Someswarar Temple

Cholas initiated this temple development and the present masonry structure was built later during the Nayaks during the 16th century. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Someswarar Temple

Someswarar Temple is one of 12 Shiva temples associated with the Mahamaham festival, which occurs once every twelve years in Kumbakonam. According to legend, Lord Brahma combined all his creative energy into nectar, placing it in a pot, or Kumbam, atop the Himalayas prior to a great deluge. During the flood, the Kumbam floated and eventually settled in what is now Kumbakonam. Lord Shiva shot an arrow at the Kumbam, breaking it and releasing the nectar. From the sand soaked in this nectar, Lord Shiva formed a Shivalinga and took the name Adi Kumbeswarar in Kumbakonam. When the Kumbam was struck, the threads surrounding it unraveled, leading to the emergence of a lingam that was subsequently worshipped by the moon god, resulting in the name Chikkeswar, or Someswarar.

Architecture of Someswarar Temple

Adjacent to the Sarangapani Temple, the Someswarar Temple complex spans approximately two acres and features two gopurams, or gateway towers. The western tower is the tallest, comprising five stories, while the inner gopuram consists of three tiers. All the shrines of the temple are located inside the concentric walls of the temple. Lord Shiva presides in the sanctum sanctorum in the form of Shiva linga. Someswarar is also known as Sri Kayarkonar, Sri Viyazha Somesar and Sri Chikkesar. The area surrounding the sanctum includes images of Vinayaka, Gajalakshmi, and Nataraja. Notably, Lord Murugan has a separate sannidhi within this temple and is particularly revered here.

The shrine dedicated to Somasundari faces the southern entrance of the temple, depicting her in a standing posture. Adjacent to the shrine of Goddess Somasundari is an idol of Thirugnana Sammadhar. Nearby, there is a Navagraha Sannadhi featuring Bhairavar, Suryan, and Shaneeswaran, all depicted in standing positions. As one exits, there is a shrine for Mangalambigai and Maleeswarar, who is represented in the form of a Shiva Lingam.

Festivals of Someswarar Temple

Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Maasi (February/March), Shivaratri in February/March and Panguni Uthiram in March/April are the major festivals celebrated in the Someswarar Temple of Kumbakonam. Besides, the Mahamaham festival that takes place once every twelve years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) is also celebrated in this temple when lakhs of pilgrims from various parts of India visit Kumbakonam to take a holy bath in the sacred Mahamaham tank.

Someswarar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Someswarar Temple, 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.

Someswarar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

Someswarar Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Someswarar Temple

The ideal period to explore Someswarar Temple is between October and March, with the highest influx of visitors occurring from November to February. Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Maasi (February/March), Shivaratri in February/March and Panguni Uthiram in March/April attract visitors in large numbers. These occasions feature special processions, intricate decorations, and cultural performances throughout the temple grounds, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of joy and devotion. It is recommended to refrain from visiting the temple during the peak summer months of April to June, as the rising temperatures can make outdoor activities challenging.

How to Reach Someswarar Temple

Trichy Airport is the nearest airport, situated about 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station provides comprehensive train services to numerous cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Furthermore, bus services connect Kumbakonam with all parts of Tamil Nadu. Travelers can utilize bus services or opt for a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach Someswarar Temple.