Mahamaham Tank
மகாமகம் குளம்
A huge sacred tank in the centre of Kumbakonam, surrounded by 16 small shrines. The festival held here once every 12 years is known as the “Southern Mahamaham.”
The Mahamaham Tank covers about 6 hectares. Its stone steps and 16 carved small shrines (mandapas) were built by Govinda Dikshitar, a minister of the Nayak dynasty in the 16th century. Hindus believe that on the full moon of the Masi month, when Jupiter enters Leo, the nine sacred rivers, including the Ganges, converge here. The Mahamaham festival held at that time draws over a million people to bathe. On ordinary days, it is a place where locals walk and wash clothes. Entry is free, it is located in the city centre, and it can be easily combined with a walk among the nearby temples.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Sarangapani Temple
- Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
- Oppiliappan Temple
- Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
- Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
- Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
- Aiyarappar Temple, Thiruvaiyaru