Adi Kumbeswarar, Adi Kumbeswara, Adi Kumbhesvara: 1 definition

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Adi Kumbeswarar means something in the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

India history and geography

[«previous next»] — Adi Kumbeswarar in India history glossary
Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (history)

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple (Ādi Kumbheśvara) in Kumbakonam (Kumbhakonam), representing a sacred place for the worship of Śiva.—The Ādi Kumbheśvar Temple has three towers. The first Rājagopura is 128 feet high with 9 tiers. The tower is noted for the beauty of the sculptures carved on it. The mūlavar is Kumbheśa Āvudayar in the form of a liṅga. The figure of Lord Murukan in the temple is unique. He is seen with six faces and six hands. The big mahāmaha tank lends a unique glory to this sthala. It is called Amuda Saroruhamand Kaniyūr Tīrta. There are 16 maṇḍapas around the temple. They are said to have been built in 1542 by Govinda Dikṣitar who was a Minister of Achyutappa Nayakar, the king of Tanjore.

The sixteen liṅgas worshipped in the maṇḍapas are

  1. Brahmā-tīrta Īśvara,
  2. Kukunda Īśvara,
  3. Dhaneśvara,
  4. Idapeśvara,
  5. Baraneśvara,
  6. Koneśvara,
  7. Baktikeśvara,
  8. Byraveśvara,
  9. Agastyeśvara,
  10. Vyāsa Īśvara,
  11. Umā Pageśvara,
  12. Tritīśvara,
  13. Brahmeśvara,
  14. Gaṅgādhareśvara,
  15. Mukta-tīrta Īśvara,
  16. Kṣetra Paleśvara.

The sthala-purāṇa says that a kuḍam or vessel filled with amṛt (nectar) by Brahmā came to this place floating on the floods of pralaya (destruction by water) and the amṛt came out of the narrow mūkku (nose) of the vessel. The place sanctified by the flow of amṛt from the vessel of Brahmā came to be called Kuḍamūkku. A divine casket or box which contained white sand soaked in the amṛt that flowed from the broken vessel was found. The temple was established at the place where the casket was found. Hence the place was named Kumbakonam and the temple was named Ādi Kumbeswarar Temple. The primary deity found in this temple is Amudha Kumbhesar (Amuda Kumbheśar) also known Adi Kumbeswarar (Ādi Kumbheśar) and Amudesvar. Goddess Maṅgalāmbikai is also found here and she is called Mantra Pīda Īśvarī.

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The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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