The shrine is constructed in black granite stone in the form of a chariot with wheels drawn by horses and elephants. There are two entrances to the sanctum. One is kept open throughout Uttarayana period and the other during the Dakshinayana period. The legend has it that Brighu maharshi entered Vaikuntam and at not being welcomed by Lord Vishnu, out of arrogance kicked Him on His chest. Enraged by this Lakshmi left for the earth and settled down on the banks of the Kumbakonam tank. Brugu maharshi was reborn as Hema Rishi and offered penance. Lakshmi was reborn as his daughter in the Mahamakham lotus tank. Hema Rishi offered his daughter in marriage to Sarangapani. There is a temple dedicated to Chakrapani with Ashtabhuja and He is considered to be the younger brother of Lord Aravamuda. Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam: Periyaazhwar ? 173, 177, 188 Sri Andal ? 628 Tirumazhisaiazhwar ? 807 ? 812, 2417 Tirumangai Azhwar: 949, 954, 991, 1078, 1202, 1205, 1394, 1526, 1538, 1570, 1606, 1732, 1759, 1853, 1949, 1975, 2010, 2037, 2045, 2068, 2070, 2080, 2672, 2673, 2769 Bhootathaazhwar ? 2251, 2278 Peyaazhwar ? 2311, 2343 Nammaazhwar ? 3310-3320, It is at this temple that Nadamuni was inspired to compile the works of Azhwars upon listening to the Tamil hymn ?Aravamude? composed by
Nammazhwar. Chola kings built the super structures of the huge gopuram ? 140 feet high - that were completed by the Vijayanagara rulers. This temple has exquisite carvings and there are sculptures in the first tier of the gopuram, depicting the Bharata Natya karanas, as enunciated in the Natya Sastrams. The annual brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil months of Thai and Chitirai, Vasanthotsavam in Vaigasi. There are colourful festive celebrations throughout the year such as Pavithrotsavam, Navarathri, Maasi Makham, and
Dolotsavam in Margazhi. The grand float festival in the Hema Pushkarani is a must to be witnessed. Om Namo Narayana Padmashri Sampathkumar | |
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