Kumbakonam Brahma Temple
Thanjavur , Tamil Nadu
Kumbakonam Brahma Temple is an old temple located in the center of Kumbakonam town, approximately one kilometer from Mahamaha Tank, amid the town’s bylanes. Uchipillayar Koil is a well-known landmark. However, in comparison to the other massive Kumbakonam temples, it is a tiny temple. Though it is known as the Brahma Temple, it is actually the Sri Vedanarayana Perumal Temple.
Timings
Open throughout the week: 5 AM to 9 PM
ARCHITECTURE
The distinctive aspect of this temple is that Brahma is represented by one of the principal shrines, which, unlike any other temple, includes two Mothers, Saraswathi and Gayathri. Saraswathi Pooja and Vaikunda Ekadesi are accorded equal significance because it is a combination Perumal and Brahma temple. There is also a large shrine for Sri Yoga Narasimhar with two Thayars, which is uncommon in that two Thayars represent the Lord. In contrast, we usually only see Lakshmi with Narasimhar.
This temple’s Brahma idol is one of a kind. He, like other temples, has four faces. However, a cloth is usually draped over the fourth face, which is in the rear. When the priest receives the proper Dakshina, he removes the covering, revealing the fourth face of Mother Gayathri as a reflection in the mirror behind the idol! This temple is often frequented by students and their parents in Kumbakonam for good education for their children. Mothers Saraswathi and Gayathri get special poojas before kids are admitted to the school. Thursdays attract a large number of worshippers since Brahma is the Keeper of Knowledge. On Fridays, Mahalakshmi Thayar attracts a large number of Bhaktas, and on Saturdays, Perumal. People with overwhelming debts seek relief in this temple, in addition to education. Special poojas for 60th, 70th, and 80th birthdays are held here, as they are in Thirukadayur and Pillayarpatti.
