Chakrapani Temple

Chakrapani Temple is a famous temple located in Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and this temple is believed to have been present for more than 1000 years. This temple is one of the most visited sacred places among the different PLACES TO VISIT IN KUMBAKONAM. Not only this, but many devotees are coming from all over the world to visit this temple. The temple is also considered one of the 108 Divya Desams.

Various types of festivals are celebrated in the temple. One of the most common festivals is the Brahmotsavam festival. This famous Brahmotsavam festival happens in the Chithirai month of Tamil. Chithirai month happens during the time of April to May. 

History of the Chakrapani Temple
 
The famous Chakrapani Temple is well known because of its rich history. There are various stories behind the construction of the temple. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself constructed the Chakrapani Temple. Once upon a time, Lord Vishnu saved his devoted Garuda. He saved the devotee Garuda by taking the curse upon him. This led him to become a snake. After that, Lord Vishnu prayed to Lord Shiva so that he could get relief from the curse. Then Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Chakrapani and took the curse from him. Later on, at this place, the famous Chakrapani Temple was created.

The temple was constructed during the rule of the Chola dynasty in the 12th century. The Chola rulers were inclined a lot toward art and worship. The temple followed a very beautiful style of architecture. After the rule of the Chola dynasty, various other rulers also came to rule the place. They all contributed a lot toward the development of the temple. 

Architecture of the Temple

The Chakrapani Temple architecture is unique. The temple has a five-tiered Raja Gopuram. This gopuram is the main entrance of the temple. You will find very beautiful carvings and designs at the entrance of the temple. 

Not only this, but the temple Mandapam or hall also has very beautiful carvings. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythological stories. If you visit the temple, then you will find that even the outer walls of the temple have beautiful sculptures and carvings. 

The carvings and sculptures depicted here are of gods, goddesses, and other creatures.

There is a very interesting fact about the Chakrapani Temple. A very famous Cakrayudha festival is celebrated during the Thai months of Tamil. The Thai month happens during the time of January to February. During this time, a large number of devotees are coming and chanting the Chakra Mantra. It is also believed that by doing the chakra mantra, they will be protected from evil forces.

Another major interesting fact about the temple is that on the sixth day of the Brahmotsavam festival, the temple deity is taken on the back of Garuda. This is because Garuda is considered the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

In the temple, you can see various ancient texts also. The texts that are present in the temple include Puranas and Skanda Purana. 

Overall, Chakrapani Temple is one of the most ancient religious temples that is present in Tamil Nadu. The unique architecture and rich heritage of the temple make it one of the most visited temples in this location. So, if you are going for your Kumbakonam tour package, you can easily visit this beautiful temple.