Śrī Nāgeśvarar Temple, Kumbakonam
The Cōḻa temple the sun visits every Cittirai
⭐ Why it is famous
Early Cōḻa architecture of 886 CE whose sanctum is aligned so that the sun's rays fall on the liṅga for three days each Cittirai; the niche sculptures are considered among the finest of the period.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Built by Āditya Cōḻa I and added to by Rājarāja I and the Vijayanagara kings, the temple is one of the earliest surviving Cōḻa structures in Kumbakonam and is protected by the ASI.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Darśan 06:00 – 12:00 and 16:30 – 20:30
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan; abhiṣeka and arcana tickets at the counter
- Rāhu–Ketu pariharam is performed here for nāga doṣa
- The Cittirai sun-worship days draw large crowds
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Śrī Nāgeśvarar Temple, Kumbakonam, Kumbakonam, ThanjavurKumbakonam (KMU) — 2 km
- Government: Kumbakonam TNSTC bus stand, 1 km
- Private buses: Private buses from Chennai and Bengaluru on the Thanjavur road
Tiruchirappalli International (TRZ) — 90 km
In central Kumbakonam, a short walk from the Kumbeśvarar temple.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Lodges near the bus stand, ₹700–₹1,800
- Mid-range hotels on TSR Big Street, ₹1,500–₹3,500
- Heritage stays in Swamimalai, 8 km
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,300 | ₹3,000 | ₹6,800 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Darasuram Airavatesvara temple
- Mahāmaham tank
- Thanjavur palace
📅 Best time to visit
November–February; Cittirai for the sun days