Sarangapani Temple
சாரங்கபாணி கோயில்
The largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam, with a main shrine shaped like a chariot pulled by stone horses and elephants, and a 12-tier gateway tower about 50 metres high.
The Sarangapani Temple is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu abodes (Divya Desams) and the largest temple in Kumbakonam. Its eastern gateway tower stands about 50 metres high with 12 tiers, covered in painted sculptures of deities. The main shrine is designed as a chariot pulled by stone horses and stone elephants, symbolising Vishnu descending from the sky on his vehicle. Every year the temple holds a grand chariot festival, when giant wooden chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees. Entry is free, but non-Hindus are not permitted into the inner sanctum. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple.
Opening hours
07:00–12:00, 16:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Mahamaham Tank
- Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
- Oppiliappan Temple
- Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
- Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
- Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
- Aiyarappar Temple, Thiruvaiyaru