Thirukkudanthai — Sarangapani

The Sarangapani temple in Kumbakonam is the largest and most prominent of the three Divya Desams within the town, and one of the most important in the entire Kaveri delta Vaishnava circuit. Kumbakonam was the Thirukkudanthai of the Alvar period — a name meaning the sacred pot (kumba) from which Brahma poured amrita. Lord Sarangapani reclines here in Bhujanga Sayana (reclining) posture on Adi Shesha, holding his Saranga (bow). Nammalvar, Thirumangai Alvar, Thirumalisai Alvar, Tondaradippodi Alvar, Kulasekara Alvar, and Periyalvar all sang Mangalasasanam here, making it one of the most celebrated Desams in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. The tall eleven-tiered eastern gopuram is a Kumbakonam landmark. The Mahamaham tank, where the Mahamaham festival draws millions every twelve years, is adjacent to this temple circuit. The goddess Komalavalli is the consort deity.

The legend of Sarangapani holds that Hema Rishi and his wife Hemavati, childless despite years of penance, received the grace of Vishnu here as Sarangapani — the one who holds the Saranga bow. The deity granted them a divine child, and the tradition of worshipping Sarangapani for progeny and family wellbeing has continued ever since, drawing thousands of couples to this shrine.