One of Tamil Nadu’s most important spiritual landmarks, the Kumbakonam temple is known for its deep-rooted history and rich Chola architecture. Recently visited by cricketer Abhishek Sharma, the temple holds a significant story behind it. Want to know more about it? Scroll down.
Tamil Nadu’s Kumbakonam Temple Town
Abhishek Sharma visited different Lord Shiva temples in the Kumbakonam region. One of the major attractions was the Papanasanathar Temple, also known as the Sri Ramalingaswami Temple, a famous Shiva temple located in Papanasam, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The name ‘Papanasam’ means ‘destruction of sins’, with ‘Papa’ meaning ‘sin’ and ‘Nasam’ meaning ‘destruction’. According to legend, devas, sages and devotees came to this temple to seek relief from the consequences of their sins.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he is worshipped as Papanasanathar, and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Ulagammai. It is believed to date back to the Chola period and is known as one of the most important temples in the Kumbakonam region. Additionally, it is also closely associated with Lord Rama, who is believed to have installed 108 Shiva Lingas here to atone for the sin of killing Ravana and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings after the battle of Lanka. This connection of the temple to the Ramayana makes the shrine a very important pilgrimage site and a must-visit for devotees.
The temple has a popular belief that taking a dip in the temple’s sacred tank and offering prayers to Lord Shiva here help people cleanse themselves of past karmas and achieve spiritual purification.
Abhishek Sharma Seeks Blessings At Kumbakonam Temple
Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma recently took to Instagram to share pictures of his visit to the Papanasanathar Temple in Tamil Nadu. Sharing the pictures on Instagram, he wrote, “Finding peace in the heart of Kumbakonam. The temple in Papanasam, where Rama placed 108 Shiva Lingas, is not to miss out.”
In the pictures, we can see Abhishek Sharma offering his prayers at different temples in town. He was also seen sitting inside the temple and meditating in front of the Lord Shiva shrine.
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Have you ever been to this temple town?
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/abhisheksharma_4