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Located in southern India, Karkadeswarar Temple is a significant temple of Lord Shiva that was built over a thousand years ago. It has exceptional characteristics and ideologies that age it significantly. Thiru Karkadeswarar is one of the 276 Padal Petra Sthalangal, which are the sacred temples of Shiva celebrated in the Thevara Hymns. The presiding deity is Lord Karkadeswarar, with his consorts Apoorvanayaki and Arumarunthunayaki. The temple offers its devotees several pujas and homams where one can book professional Vedic purohits online.
Quick Details About Sri Karkadeswarar Temple
Karkadeswarar Temple Address: Tirundudevankudi, Thiruvisanallur, Tamil Nadu, 612105
Karkadeswarar Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
How To Reach: By bus, auto-rickshaw, and taxi
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (110 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam Railway Station (10 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Sri Karkadeswarar Temple Location
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Karkadeswarar Temple is situated in Thirundudevankudi, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Located along Kumbakonam-Tiruppanandal Road, the temple can be reached using Thirundudevankudi Road, which extends from the main road. It is about seven km from Kumbakonam. The temple is in proximity to significant sites like Suryanar Koil, which is about four km to the northeast, and Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalinga Swamy Temple, which is located to the west, about five km from the temple.
How To Reach
Photo: Rasnaboy / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is about 110 km, and from there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kumbakonam and then get a local auto rickshaw up to the temple.
By Train: This temple is about 10 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station. A taxi or autorickshaw is easily available from the railway station to the temple.
By Road: Thiruvisanallur is very well connected by road, so one can easily come from Kumbakonam or other nearby towns. Buses are available very frequently on this route, and autorickshaws are available in the local market.
Things To Do
1. Attends Pujas And Rituals
Photo: Vijay Chennupati / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This place, Sri Karkadeswarar Temple, provides a unique opportunity for the devotees to be a part of daily rituals and special poojas done to Lord Karkadeswarar so that it becomes an experience worthwhile for all the devotees. The temple is so serene that people use this temple for meditation and introspection about themselves. The festival is also at a peak with colourful activities that include Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Tirukarthikai in November-December, which bring bigger crowds and fill the temple with a lively spiritual ambience.
2. Discover The Architecture
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Karkadeswarar Temple is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture, which boasts exquisitely carved pillars and sculptures. There is an interesting legend about a Chola king suffering from paralysis who got cured by an old couple who turned out to be Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi. They asked him to build a temple at the place where a swayambhulinga was buried. The temple has two Ambica shrines. Healing Goddess Arumarundhu Nayaki, the original idol, gave relief to the public diseases associated with the Karkadaka zodiac sign.
Places To Visit Near Sri Karkadeswarar Temple
After visiting the temple, consider visiting some other attractions in the neighbourhood that give expression to cultural and spiritual heritage.
1. Kumbakonam Temples
Photo: பா.ஜம்புலிங்கம் / Wikimedia Commons
Kumbakonam is known for its rich temple heritage, with hundreds of historically important temples; among the most prominent is the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, considered to be over a thousand years old, has beautiful carvings and a towering gopuram. Their festivals, especially Maha Shivaratri, happen with great processions and grand celebrations. Another important temple here is the Sarangapani Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance: 10 km from Karkadeswarar Temple
2. Navagraha Temples
Photo: Sathiyaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Navagraha Temples around Kumbakonam are the nine celestial bodies of Hindu astrology. Each is uniquely important in astrology and Hindu belief. Vaitheeswaran Koil is significant as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. People believe that worshipping there could cure diseases and remove suffering. Another popular temple is Rahu planet Thirunageswaram. People visit there to perform rituals against astrological hardships. All of these together in a nine-day visit is common and symbolic of going on the spiritual journey.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance: 16 km from Karkadeswarar Temple
3. Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple.
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple is one of the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Naganathaswamy and is renowned for its rich historical background along with spiritual importance. The architecture of the temple is in the Dravidian style, with intricate carvings and grand gopuram. It is thronged by devotees who come seeking good fortune for transcending problems and health conditions, especially lunar influence by the moon. The temple is crowded during the auspicious month of Karthigai.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 12 km from Karkadeswarar Temple
4. Dharasuram Airavatesvara Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Dharasuram Airavatesvara Temple is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and is regarded to be among the most exquisite examples of Chola architecture in Tamil Nadu. Completed during the 12th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is known for gorgeous sculpture work and stone-cut carving, depicting the expertise in art on behalf of the Chola dynasty. The large stone chariot is one unique architectural feature of the temple which attracts pilgrims and visitors to visit the place and explore Kumbakonam..
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 17 km from Sri Karkadeswarar Temple
5. Swamimalai Murugan Temple
Photo: Jothi Balaji / Wikimedia Commons
The Swamimalai Murugan Temple is a sacred pilgrimage centre of Lord Murugan, situated on a hill that offers great panoramic views of the surroundings. Such is the importance of this temple that has unparallel significance for devotees during festivals like Thai Poosam when thousands of pilgrims climb up the hill to pray and offer their prayers. The temple is distinctly designed with 60 steps representing the 60 Tamil years, connecting to time and spirituality. The atmosphere here makes Swamimalai an ideal place which attracts people all through the year.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Distance: 17 km from Sri Karkadeswarar Temple
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Different accommodations are available in Thiruvisanallur, from budget-friendly hotels to more luxurious hotels. Budget hotels like Hotel Kumbakonam and Hotel Kumbeswarar provide all amenities and are close to the Sri Karkadeswarar Temple. For those in desire to have a warm, comfortable stay, the options are Hotel Saradharam or Hotel Viswa, which are 5-10 km from the temple. Hotel Rama Inn and Hotel Indra Ganga are more luxurious options that offer more than just contemporary amenities for a pleasant stay.
Where To Eat
Photo: avlxyz / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are plenty of places to eat outside Sri Karkadeswarar Temple, which serves authentic South Indian food. Hotel Saravana Bhavan is famous for dishes like soft idlis, crispy dosas, or filter coffee with aromatic flavours. Another local treasure is Azhagar Restaurant, with its very diverse menu proclaiming a variety of Tamil Nadu dishes and some delectable Chettinad specialities. Coffee lovers must visit Kumbakonam Degree Coffee. It is a haven for both locals and tourists alike for rich, full-bodied filter coffee.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Artelnjeru / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Best Time To Visit: October and March are considered to be the best periods for visiting Sri Karkadeswarar Temple at Thiruvisanallur. At this time of the year, the climate remains cool, which facilitates easy travel and visits to the temples and other attractions. It also becomes an opportunity to witness many local festivals.
Tips For Tourists: When visiting the temple, dress modestly to maintain the sanctity of the place. In addition, it is important to learn about the local customs and traditions to gain a better experience. One should bring their water and snacks, as facilities around the temple may be very limited.
Average Cost Of The Trip: The weekend stay in Thiruvisanallur would cost a budget-conscious tourist around ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 per person, and most of these quotations involve basic requirements for transport, accommodations, and food.
More than a place for worship, the Sri Karkadeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu, marks the entrance into the deep cultural weave. Sri Karkadeswarar Temple has an excellent balance between spirituality and fine history. Plan your visit with TripXL to experience not only the divine ambience but local traditions and rituals that decorate the spiritual experience, permitting you to immerse yourself totally in this serene and holy atmosphere.
Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
