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'<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox Indian jurisdiction | native_name = Kumbakonam | type = city | latd = 10.97 | longd = 79.38| locator_position = right | state_name = Tamil Nadu | district = [[Thanjavur District|Thanjavur]] | leader_title = Municipal Chairperson| leader_name = Su. Pa. Thamizhazhagan<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/29/stories/2006102901740300.htm ''The Hindu'' dated 29 October 2006]</ref>| altitude = 24| population_as_of = 2001 | population_total = 140021| area_magnitude= km² | area_total = | area_telephone = (91) 435 | postal_code = 612001 | vehicle_code_range = TN 49 Z | sex_ratio = | unlocode = | website = |www.kudanthai.info footnotes = | }} '''Kumbakonam''' ({{Lang-ta|கும்பகோணம்}} (''kumpakōṇam''), is a town and a special grade [[municipality]] in the [[Thanjavur district]] in the [[India]]n [[States of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is located 40 kilometres from [[Thanjavur]] and 273 kilometres from [[Chennai]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Kumbakonam taluk]] of Thanjavur district and is the second largest town in the district after Thanjavur. Kumbakonam emerged as an important education centre in the latter half of the 19th century. Kumbakonam is called ''the temple town'' on account of the large number of temples within it and the nearby areas. It is a very peaceful city and the festival of [[Mahamaham]] is celebrated every 12 years at the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam. This is one of the few places in India which has a temple dedicated to Lord [[Brahma]]. The town is known for its temples, intricately carved Panchaloha idols, exquisite brass wares especially lamps, silk and betel leaves. The town has also been well - known for its prestigious educational institutions which have turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. The town is famous for brass vessels. It is primarily a market town for the predominantly agriculture based villages surrounding it. Betel leaves are cultivated more in Kumbakonam since it is also called as Kumbakonam Vettrilai (in Tamil). Now a days Kumbakonam is the favorite shooting spot for Tamil film-makers. There is an oft quoted popular saying in [[Sanskrit]] noting Kumbakonam as even as more sacred than [[Varanasi]](Kasi).{{cn|date=November 2009}} A sin committed at some ordinary place is washed off by a visit to a [[holy]] place, sin done in a [[sacred]] spot is washed off by going on a pilgrimage to [[Varanasi]](Kasi). If one dares to commit a sin in that sacred city too, that sin is wiped off at Kumbakonam and any sinful act done at Kumbakonam is atoned for there itself. ==Origin of name== When it was time for the destruction of the [[Universe]], a huge [[Pralaya]] came up on [[earth]]. In order to save the Vedha's [[Amrita|Amirtham]] and tools necessary to create lives in the Universe, Lord [[Brahma]] collected all of them and put them in a mud pot and kept it safely on the top of [[Mount Meru (mythology)|Mount Meru]]. When [[Pralaya]] kalam the period of non stop heavy rain, deluges and destruction came, the pot of Brahma was washed away by the flood. In due course it came to halt at a particular point somewhere. Then upon the wishes of all [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]], the Heavenly Beings, Lord [[Shiva]] broke the pot open with an arrow. Immediately Amudham the liquid given eternity flowed from the pot and formed two tanks. The physical remains of the pot and the Amudham joined together to form the idol of the deity that is called Kumbeswarar otherwise also called Lord [[Shiva]]. This same deity is the primary deity in the [[Adi Kumbeswarar Temple]]. As Kumbam means 'a broken pot' in Tamil the place was called Kumbakonam. The city of Kumbakonam, is linked to several instances & [[Puranas]] in Hindu mythology. Mythological legend has it that there was a deluge after the Dwapara Yugam; a pot of nectar and the seeds of creation were placed in a pot (kudam) and set adrift in the deluge. The drifting pot settled at Kumbakonam giving its ancient name Kudamookku. Kumbakonam is also colloquially known as Kudanthai, Thirukudanthai and Baskarashetram from time immemorial. ==History== The earliest history of Kumbakonam could be traced to the town of [[Pazhaiyaarai]], 8 kilometres from Kumbakonam which was the capital of the [[Chola Empire]] in the 9th century AD. Records from around the same time mention the nearby township of Kudanthai which grew into the present-day Kumbakonam. [[Ponniyin Selvan|Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan]]; a semi-historical novel bring out the 10th century A.D., gives a detailed description of Kudanthai and elevates it to the status of a regional headquarters of the Chola governors. During the [[Chola Empire]] rule this place had a local sabha with political autonomy to decide the administrative matters of the town. Following the demise of the [[Pandya kingdom]] in the 14th century AD, Kumbakonam was ruled in succession by the [[Madurai Sultans]], [[Vijayanagar Empire]], [[Madurai Nayaks]], [[Thanjavur Nayaks]] and the [[Thanjavur Marathas]]. Each of these foreign dynasties had a considerable impact on the demographics and culture of the region. When the Vijayanagar Empire fell in 1565, there was a mass influx of poets, musicians and cultural artists from the kingdom. [[Krishnadevaraya]], the emperor of [[Vijayanagara]] visited the town to attend the famous [[Mahamaham]] festival. According to the chronicles of the [[Kanchi matha]], the Hindu religious institution was temporarily transferred to Kumbakonam in the 1780s following an invasion of Kanchi by [[Hyder Ali]] of Mysore. The matha was the centre of Hindu spirituality in the town until it was transferred back to Kanchipuram in the 1960s. During British rule, Kumbakonam emerged as an important center of Brahminism, Hindu religion and European education in the Madras Presidency. The Government Arts College, established in Kumbakonam in 1867, was one of the first educational institutions outside Madras city.<ref name="craikp260">[[Craik]], Pg 260</ref> Research on the name Tirukkudantai with other equivalents such as Kudavayil and Kumbam forms part of a chapter. It also mentions the negative connotations attributed to the place Kumbakonam as "a cheat" and "a crooked person" in the Winslow's dictionary (1862) and the Tamil lexicon. Later this was corrected and the historical reason behind this was also explained in the book. ==Geography== Kumbakonam is located at {{Coord|10.97|N|79.38|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Kumbakonam.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Kumbakonam]</ref> It has an average elevation of 24&nbsp;metres (78&nbsp;ft). Kumbakonam is located 273&nbsp;km south of [[Chennai]], 96&nbsp;km east of [[Tiruchirappalli]], and about 40&nbsp;km north-east of [[Thanjavur]]. The town is bounded by two rivers, the [[Kaveri River]] on the north and [[Arasalar River]] on the south. There is a gentle slope from north of the town to south. ==Minerals and Soil== The town is not having any commercially exploitable minerals. The soils available in the area can be broadly classified into two varieties namely alluvial and Rager. Since, the area lies on the Cauvery Delta, it contains more of alluvial soil which is the best for agricultural purpose. The major crop in the area is paddy for which the whole of Thanjavur District is famous. ==Climate== The Climate throughout the year is moderate. The variation between maximum and minimum temperature is not much. Though summer is hot,occasional rainfalls and water stagnation in the wet fields due to irrigating channels of Cauvery give much relief from sweltering heat. The Year can be broadly divided into the following three seasons: {| class="wikitable" border="1" |- ! Winter ! Summer ! Monsoon |- | December to February | March to May | June to November |} ==Rainfall== The town gets its rain mostly during the North East Monsoon. The average annual rainfall for the town is 1250mm. The maximum rainfall is during the period from October to December. There will be Summer rain also during March, April and May which brings down the temperature during Summer. ==Flora== The Predominant Flora of the Kumbakonam and its environs are Cocanut trees, Mango trees and Tamarind trees. ==Business== The town which was originally a religious town become an industrial center during last quarter of the 19th Century and early period of 20th century. Predominance was gained for Silk Industries and Metal manufacturing.The Major Suppliers of Silk Sarees to the Indian Silk Saree Market is Kumbakonam Silk Industry. All the South Indian Brass Pooja articles and utensils are manufactured in Kumbakonam and these articles are manufactured nowhere in South India other than Kumbakonam.KuthuVilakku and Statues are the famous articles. Stainless Steel utensils are manufactured.Betelnuts, Suparis are manufactured in Kumbakonam. ==Demographics== {{Historical populations|type= |1871 |44444 |1881 |50098 |1891 |54307 |1901 |59673 |1911|64647 |1921|60700 |1931| |1941| |1951|92581 |1961| |1971|113130 |1981|132832 |1991|150502 |2001|140021 }} As of 2001 India [[census]],<ref>{{GR|India}}</ref> Kumbakonam had a population of 140,021. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Kumbakonam has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 86%, and female literacy is 70%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. The population is constituted mainly by the Hindus, Christians and Muslims. ==Economy== Kumbakonam is primarily a market city for surrounding smaller towns and agricultural villages. The town is surrounded by small villages of great historical importance. The agricultural region around the town is famous for its [[betelnut]]s and [[betel]] leaves. It is a market town where people from all over the Kaveri delta region (Composite Thanjavur District) come for business purposes. The town is also home to many goldsmiths and ornament makers. And the city is world famous for sculpture because of the workshop in [[Swamimalai]]. ==Temples== Kumbakonam is known as the '''City of temples''' as there are around thousand of temples in and around Kumbakonam. <br /> I'm very proud to say that '''Kumbakonam''' is a temple city. And there so many temples in Kumbakonam. All are famous templetes and some of the foreigners used to visit here. And My Favourite temple is '''Nageswaran Temple'''. Oftenly i used to come in this temple. <br />.<br /> And One of the famous is '''Mahamaham Tank'''. It is a very peaceful city and the festival of Mahamaham is celebrated every 12 years at the Mahamaham tank during the Tamil month of Masi in Kumbakonam. - written by '''Vijayanand''', Kumbakonam. Mahamaham tank was located in the heart of the town. '''Lord Shiva temples''' and some temples. ''In Kumbakonam'' 1. Adi Kumbheswarar Temple. <br /> 2. Nageswara Swami Temple. <br /> 3. Someswarar Temple. <br /> 4. Ramaswamy Temple. <br /> 5. Sarangapani Temple. <br /> 6. Chakrapani Temple. <br /> 7. SivaLingam Temple in Darasuram 8. Oppiliappan(Uppiliyappan) Temple. 12km from kumbakonam <br /> 9. Raagu Temple near Uppiliyappan Temple. <br /> 10. Murugan Temple in Swamimalai.(we can say this temple as one of the '''Aarupadai Temple''') <br /> 11. Pateeswaram Temple. <br /> 12. Kasi Viswanathar Temple. <br /> 13. Thirunageswaram Temple. <br /> 14. Navagraha Temples. <br /> 15. Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple. <br /> 16. Thirbuvanan Sarabeswarer Temple. <br /> ''Temples to the East/North East of Kumbakonam'' 4. Thiruviyalur. <br /> 5. Thirunageswaram. <br /> 6. Thiruvidaimarudur. <br /> 7. Thirukkodika.<br /> 8. Tenkurangaduthurai. <br /> 9. Thiruneelakkudy. <br /> 10. Thirumangalakkudi. <br /> 11. Palaiyur. ''Temples to the SouthEast of Kumbakonam ''<br /> 12. Kalayanallur(Sakkotai). <br /> 13. Thiru Chivapuram(Sivapuram). <br /> 14. Karukkudy(Marudhanallur). <br /> 15. Arisikaraiputhur(Azhagaputhur). <br /> 16. Penu Perundurai. <br /> 17. Thirunaraiyur. <br /> 18. Penu Perundurai. <br /> 19. Thirucherai. <br /> 20. Thirunallam. <br /> 21. Narayur Chitteswaram. <br /> 22. Nalur Mayanam. <br /> 23. Karuvili. <br /> 24. Kudavayil(Kudavasal). ''Temples to the Southwest of Kumbakonam'' 25. Pattesvaram. <br /> 26. Thiruchathimutham. <br /> 27. Aavur. <br /> 28. Nallur. <br /> 29. Pazhayarai Vadathali. <br /> 30. Tiru palathurai. ''Temples to the West of Kumbakonam'' 31. Kottaiyur. <br /> 32. Thiruvalanchuzhi. ''Temples to NorthWest of Kumbakonam'' 33. Innambur. <br /> 34. Thiruppurambiam. <br /> 35. VijayaMangai. <br /> 36. Tiruvaikavoor. ''Temples to the Northeast of Kumbakonam'' 37. Thirundudevankudy. <br /> 38. Thirucheynjalur. <br /> 39. Thiruvappadi. <br /> 40. Thiruppanandal. '''Lord Vishnu Temples''' ''In Kumbakonam'' 1. Sarangapani Temple.<br /> 2. Chakrapani Temple. 3. Ramaswamy Temple ''Temples to the SouthEast of Kumbakonam'' 3. Tiruvinnagar(Uppiliyappan Koil). <br /> 4. [[Nachiyar Koil]] <br /> 5. Thirucherai. '' Temples to the West of Kumbakonam'' 6. Pullabhudangudi. <br /> 7. Kapisthalam. ''Temples to the SouthWest of Kumbakonam'' 8. Nandipura Vinnagram '' Temples to the NorthWest of Kumbakonam'' 9. Aadanur.<br /> ''Temples to the NorthEast of Kumbakonam'' 10. Thiruvalliankudi. <br /> ===Adi Kumbeswara Temple=== {{Main|Kumbeswara Temple}} Adi Kumbeswarar temple is the major one among the [[Saivite temples]] and located in the centre of Kumbakonam at Big Bazaar Street. Shri Adhi Kumbeswara is the presiding deity of Kumbakonam and Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika is the lord's Consort. The temple complex is huge and has beautiful artwork.This temple covers an area of 30181 sq.ft. with a length and breadth of 750 feet, and 252 feet respectively. This temple comprises three Praharas and three Gopurams in the eastern, northern and western directions. It is believed that Govinda Theeksithan, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur, renovated this oldest temple during 16th century. The East Gopuram consists of 9 stories with a height of 128-ft. Mangala Theertham, Marriage hall and small temples for Muruga, Ganapathi and Mangalambigai are other major constituents of this temple. ===Goddess Sarashwathi Temple=== {{Main|Sarashwathi Temple}} In Koothanur village which is very near to Nannilam the only temple for Saraswathi exists. During examination times, many students come to worship Goddess Sarashwathi, the goddess of Wisdom. Reaching the temple is convenient because of ample transport facilities from Kumbakonam, about 30&nbsp;km away. === Sarangapani Temple === Of the many temples in Kumbakonam, the most striking is the Lord Sarangapani Temple, a [[Vaishnavite]] temple. This twelve storied {{convert|147|ft|m}} high temple was built by the [[Nayak]] Kings during 15th century. === Ramaswamy Temple === The Ramaswamy Temple which depicts the paintings of [[Ramayana]] is another important Vaishanavite temple in Kumbakonam. The greatness of Ramaswamy Temple is said to be the only temple where [[Lord Rama]], [[Sita|Goddess Sita]] are in the same platform and [[Hanuman|Lord Hanuman]] is playing the [[veena]] instead of reading the Ramayana. The entire deity is said to be made from [[Saligrama]] monolith. The Temple is filled with intricate carvings in its pillars. [[Image:Mahamaham Festival in Kumbakonam.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Thousands of people take the holy dip at the Mahamaham Festival.]] === Mahamaham Tank=== Mahamaham 2004 Festival details [http://mahamaham.kumbakonam.info Mahamaham Tank images] === Chakrapani Temple === Chakrapani Temple is situated about 1.5&nbsp;km North of Ramaswamy Temple. Here the main deity is Chakraraja. The Sudharshana Chakra is also here. The temple is also an exquisite exponent of the early temple architecture. The important and peculiar point about this temple is that Vilva (Bilwa) archana which is normally performed in Shiva temples is also performed here for the Perumal (Lord Vishnu).Temple's Official Website is : http://www.srichakrapanitemple.com/ <!-- {{Main|Kasiviswanathar Temple}} --> <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Kbkpano1.jpg|right|thumb|Kasiviswanathar Temple Panorama]] --> ===Kasi Viswanathar Temple=== {{Main|Kasiviswanathar Temple}} Kasi Viswanathar Temple is situated very close to the Mahamaham tank. Here the main deity is Kasi Viswanathar/Visalakshi. The important and peculiar point about this temple is the navakanniyar, which are the 9 holy rivers. It is believed that the mahamaham function is closely associated with the 9 presiding deities namely Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Saraswati, Kaveri, Godavari, Tungabhatra, Krishna and Sarayu. Another important part is the stala lingam present in the southern part of the temple. It was worshipped by Ravana and is believed to grow with ages. The temple can be accessed by alighting at the Head post office bus sto. ===Nageswaran Temple=== Nageswaran Temple, is dedicated to [[Shiva]] in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king. Also known as "Koothandavar Kovil", it is located near the Kumbakonam old bus stand. [[Aditya I|Aditya Chola]] constructed this temple during the 12th century. It stands as a great marvel of Chola architecture, building technology and [[astronomy]]. The design and orientation are structured in such a way that it allows sunlight inside the temple only during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May), therefore, it bears another name called ''[[Surya]] Kottam'' or ''Keel Kottam''. The Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) of Nageswaran temple is similar to that of Sarangapani temple, as it is made in the form of a [[Temple car|Chariot]]. The temple consists of three gopurams in the eastern western & southern directions. This vast temple known is for its shrine to Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar ===Sarangapani Temple=== '''''{{Main|Sarangapani Temple}} This famous [[Pancharanga Kshetrams|pancharanga kshetram]] is in the midst of the busy market place. Before the [[Sri Rangam]] Temple [[gopuram]]/Tower was built, this temple used to hold the place for the tallest Temple Tower in South Asia. ''''' ===Someswar Temple=== Someswar Temple is situated in the southern portion of Sri Sarangapani temple. This temple faces east with a 5-tier Gopuram at the entrance. It also has an entrance in the south. The architectural style and element of this temple resembles the [[Dravidian Architecture]] of 13th century of the Chola period. [[Murugan|Arumugam]] and Thenar Mozhi Ammal are the other deities located in this temple complex. ===The temples at Thirunageswaram === [[Thirunageswaram]] is located 8&nbsp;km east of Kumbakonam. There are two major temples at Thirunageswaram. One the famous Vaishnavaite temple of Oppliyappan ([[Oppliyappan Sannadhi]]), the other the ThiruNageswarar or NagaNathaswami (Naga in Tamil/Sanskrit means Snake and Natha means God) temple for Shaivaites. An important feature of this temple is that of [[Rahu]] bhagawan sannathi where milk ''abhishekham'' is performed daily during [[Rahukaalam]]. At this time, the milk that is poured on the statue turns blue when it passes over the body and once again to white after it reaches the floor. This wonder is watched by many daily during the raahu kaalam. This is also the only place wherein one can view Rahu bhagawan with his consorts. [http://thirunageswaram.kumbakonam.info Thirunageswaram Temple views] ===Pateeswaram temple === Sri Thenupureeswarar temple at Pateeswaram, 5&nbsp;km south-east of Kumbakonam, was constructed during the 16th century by Govinda Dikshithar, a Minister of Nayak King Acchathappa. <!-- image has been deleted [Image:f:/AA.jpg]] --> ===Airavatesvara Temple=== {{Main|Airavatesvara Temple}} [[Image:Airavateswarar temple.png|right|thumb|200px|Airavateswarar Temple]] The temple at [[Darasuram]], 4&nbsp;km west of Kumbakonam is Airvatesvara (Airavat is the holy white elephant) Temple, constructed by [[Rajaraja Chola II]] (1146-63), is a superb example of 12 Century Chola architecture. Many statues were removed to the art gallery in the Thanjavur Palace, but have since been returned. The remarkable structures depict, among other things, Shiva as Kankala-murti - the mendicant. Stories from epics and Hindu mythology are depicted. Adjoining the Airavatesvara temple is the Deiva Nayaki Ambal temple. In the year 2004, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated and restored the temple. [http://darasuram.kumbakonam.info Darasuram Temple] === Navagraha Temples=== The area surrounding Kumbakonam is home to a set of [[Navagraha temples#Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu|Navagraha temples]] dating from the Chola period. === Swamimalai temple === {{Main|Swamimalai Murugan Temple}} The Lord Murugan temple is located in Swami Malai, which is around 10&nbsp;km from kumbakonam. It is located on the main road connecting Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. It is one among the six famous temples of Lord Muruga. This is the place where the Lord murugan in childhood taught the meaning of mandra "OM" to his father Lord Siva. Lord Murugas Fourth home. ===Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple=== {{Main|Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple}} This siva temple is famous for vinayakar sculpture which has been carved from white foam while churning the milky sea. So the name of the god in Tamil is "Vellai pillayar" meaning that "White vinayakar". This temple is located in small village "Thiruvalansuzi" which is 4&nbsp;km from Kumbakonam and 2&nbsp;km from Swamimalai. The name "Thiruvalansuzi" has come because the Cauvery river prayed the lord Siva by doing pradhaksana from right hand side to left hand side. (Usually it will be left to right). The name for lord Siva in this temple is "Sadai mudi nathar".[http://www.kumbakonam.info/kumbakonam/tsuli/info/gopuram.htm Thiruvalansuzhi Vinayakar Temple Photos] ===Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha Moola Brindavanam=== We can find the moola brindavanam of Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha (Raghavendra Swamy guru's guru) here. It is in Solaiyappan Street. The great Vijayeendra Tirtha's Aradhana falls on Jyeshta Trayodashi.He was one of the greatest scholar what India has produced. He was a staunch vishnu bhakta & a great philosopher.He was an exponent of 64 vidyas. ===Sri Rama Bhajanai Sabha=== Sri Rama Bhajanai Sabha founded and nurtured by Venuganam Sri [[Sarabha Sastri]] about 125 years ago.It is in Solaiappan Street.Every year sabha celebrates Sri Rama Navami Utasavam and Sri Radha Kalyana Mahotsavam and committed to its various cultural and religious needs of the Hindu society with the grace of Lord Rama. ===Thirbuvanan Sarabeswarer Temple=== This is Siva temple who is the main god of the temple, Sarabeswarer is special one in this temple, Sunday Particularly worshiping at 4.30-6.00 pm ON SUNDAYS is special. ==Other places of worship== In 1853, a [[Protestant]] [[Church (building)|Church]] was erected in the town. And there are around 8 Mosques in Kumbakonam. St. Mary’s Cathedral is the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Kumbakonam]]. == Notable people from Kumbakonam == * [[Sakkottai Krishnaswami Aiyangar]] (1871-1947), Indian historian and Dravidologist. * [[Sir T. Madhava Rao]] (1828-1891), Diwan of [[Travancore]] from 1857 to 1872 and an early leader of the [[Indian National Congress]]. * [[Ko. Si. Mani]] (b. 1929), Minister in the Tamil Nadu State Government. * [[G. K. vasan]] (b. 1964),Cabinet Minister in the Government of India. * [[G. K. Moopanar]] (1931-2001), Tamil politician and leader of the [[Indian National Congress]]. Founder of the [[Tamil Maanila Congress]]. * [[S. Muthiah Mudaliar]] (1883-1953), Indian politician of the [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]] and later, the [[Swaraj Party]]. Minister of education and excise for the [[Madras Presidency]] from 1928 to 1930. * [[G. A. Natesan]] (1873-1948), Indian [[journalist]] and [[publisher]]. Founder of publishing company G. A. Natesan & Co. and editor of ''The Indian Review''. * [[Srinivasa Ramanujan]] (1887-1920), Indian mathematician. Regarded amongst the world's greatest mathematicians. * [[Srinivasa Sastri|V. S. Srinivasa Sastri]] (1869-1946), Indian freedom fighter, orator and teacher. Was called the "Silver Tongued Orator of the British Empire" by [[Winston Churchill]] * [[S. A. Swaminatha Iyer]] (d. 1899), Indian lawyer and freedom-fighter. * [[T. Venkata Rao]], Diwan of Travancore from 1821 to 1829 and 1838 to 1839. * [[T. Ananda Rao]] (1852-1919), Indian administrator. Diwan of Mysore from 1909 to 1912. Son of Sir T. Madhava Rao. * [[V. P. Madhava Rao]] (1850-1934), Indian administrator. Diwan of Mysore from 1906 to 1909 and Baroda from 1910 to 1913. ==Education== Colleges Government College (Autonomous), Karuppur Road, Kumbakonam Government Arts College (Women), Indhira Gandhi Salai, Kumbakonam. Govt. College of Arts & Craft, Mela Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam Idhya College of Arts & Science, Srinivasa Nagar, Kumbakonam Annai College of Arts & Science, Mutt. Street, Kumbakonam. Sastra College of Arts & Science, Thiruvidaimaruthur Road, Kumbakonam. Arasu Engineering College, Madras Road, Kumbakonam The Government Arts College at Kumbakonam (Autonomous), known as the "[[Cambridge]] of [[South India]]", is one of the oldest colleges in the Tamil Nadu State, well known Prestigious educational institution which has turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. This College's Porter Hall was built in the memory of a former principal of the college in 1885. This college was established during the time of the British rule in India. This college is located on the banks of the [[Kaveri River]] and a narrow bridge connects the institution and the city on either banks with the river flowing between them.This college has got Prestigious Victoria Jubilee Hostel which is more than 100 years old now and it is also located in the banks of the [[Kaveri River]].The College has got one Bell Tower which is more than 150 years old.Most of the buildings in the college are more than 100 years old.The only college in Kumbakonam which has a vast play ground which has Four Helipads.Tamil scholars like [[George Uglow Pope]], [[Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar]], [[U. V. Swaminatha Iyer]] served in this college.The famous Mathematician [[Srinivasa Ramanujan]] studied in this institution. Other important colleges and universities in and around the city of Kumbakonam include: * Govt. Women's College. * Govt. Arts & Crafts College. * Idaya college arts & science for women * Annai college of Arts and science. * Arasu Engineering College can be found on Chennai Main Road. * SASTRA (Satellite Campus of SASTRA University,Thanjavur) * Mass college of Arts&Science and teacher training center. * SKSS Arts College, Thiruppanandal. * Sankara Arts and Science College, Neelathanallur road. Other mentionable educational and welfare organizations include: * Town Higher Secondary School - Mathematician Ramanujam Studied here * Arignar Anna Govt. Hr.Sec.School * Sri Matha Matriculation School * St.Anne's Matriculation Higher Secondary School For Girls * Banadurai High School * Saraswathi Padasalai Girls Higher Secondary School * Native Higher Secondary School * Little Flower Higher Secondary School * Christ The King Matric. Hr. Sec. School * St.Joseph Higher Secondary School * ARR Matriculation School * Valallar Higher Secondary School * National Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School (CBSE) * Gandhiadighal Narpani Kazhagham * Al-Ameen matriculation higher secondary school * A.J.C primary school and Junior college ==Politics== Kumbakonam assembly constituency is part of [[Mayiladuturai (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf | title = List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies | accessdate = 2008-10-12 | work = Tamil Nadu | publisher = Election Commission of India }}</ref> == See also == *[[2004 Kumbakonam school fire]] == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category}} *[http://holyindia.org/shiva/thevaram_temple/0089_thirukkudamooku_kubeswarankoil_kumbakonam_kumbeswarar.jsp/ KUMBAKONAM ENCYCLOPEDIA கும்பகோணம்] * [http://www.kumbakonam.in/ A Weekly updated Website of Kumbakonam (Both Tamil & English )] * [http://www.kumbakonam.info/ List of several prominent Temples in and around Kumbakonam, with pictures] * [http://www.yogam.org/ The greatest of Masters, who lived in kumbakonam and the founder of The Yoga School Friends' society, Master Venkasamy] * [http://www.kumbakonamonline.com/abouttemp.html Temples in Kumbakonam] * http://www.mayiladuthuraionline.com * http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/tour.htm#14 * [http://darasuram.kumbakonam.info Darasuram Temple Virtual Tour] * [http://onyxon.net/kumbakonam/index.htm Kumbakonam Temple City] * [http://www.kudamookku.com Kudamookku] {{Tamil Nadu}} {{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}} {{Thanjavur district}} [[Category:Cities and towns in Tamil Nadu]] [[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites]] [[ca:Kumbakonam]] [[cy:Kumbakonam]] [[de:Kumbakonam]] [[hi:कुंभकोणम]] [[bpy:কুম্ভকোনম]] [[pam:Kumbakonam]] [[ml:കുംഭകോണം]] [[new:कुम्बकोनाम]] [[pl:Kumbakonam]] [[scn:Kumbakonam]] [[sv:Kumbakonam]] [[ta:கும்பகோணம்]] [[te:కుంభకోణం]] [[vi:Kumbakonam]]'