Sri Sarangapani Temple

Sri Sarangapani Temple is the largest and most prominent Vishnu temple in the sacred temple town of Kumbakonam. This magnificent Divya Desam is praised by Thirumangai Azhwar, Nammazhwar, and other Azhwar saints in the Divya Prabandham. The towering 11-tier rajagopuram, standing at about 173 feet, is one of the tallest temple towers in South India. The presiding deity Sarangapani, also known as Aravamudhan, graces devotees in a reclining posture — the name "Sarangapani" refers to the Lord who wields the bow called Saranga. Kumbakonam, at the confluence of the Kaveri and Arasalar rivers, is one of the holiest temple towns in Tamil Nadu and a major center of Sri Vaishnavism. The Mahamaham festival, celebrated once every 12 years, draws millions of pilgrims to this sacred city.