Banapuriswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in Kumbakonam dedicated to Shiva, who is worshipped here as Banapuriswarar, with his consort Parvati as Somakamalambal.
Tradition
The temple is tied to the founding legend of Kumbakonam. According to tradition, this is the place from where Shiva took aim with his bow and arrow at the pot of nectar (amrita). The pot broke, and the nectar that spilled is believed to have fallen into the Mahamaham tank.
Mahamaham
It is one of the 12 Shiva temples connected with the Mahamaham festival, held at the Mahamaham tank about once every 12 years. Its consecration ceremony was last held in October 2015.
Festivals at this temple
Dates are calculated from the Tamil calendar for Kumbakonam and can differ by a day from the temple’s own announcement. Always check with the temple before you travel.
February 21, 2027
Calculated dateMasi Magam theerthavari மாசி மகம் தீர்த்தவாரி
Theerthavari at the Mahamaham tank
Sources
- Banapuriswarar Temple (Wikipedia)
- Hindu temples in Kumbakonam (Wikipedia)
- Kumbakonam Banapuriswarar Temple (Tamil Wikipedia)
Last reviewed October 6, 2026