Nageswara Temple is a famous
Shivasthalam, located at
Kumbakonam, in
Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity here is
Lord Shiva, known here as ‘Paataala Beejanathar’.
Nageswara Temple is one of the finest early Chola temples, noted for its fine sculpture and exquisite architectural work.
Most noteworthy feature is that the sun's rays fall on Nageswara in the sanctum on 11th through 13th on the Tamil month of Chithira (April-May).
The principal shrine to Shiva is connected to a Mandapam. The main niches on the sanctum walls are beautifully garnished with sculptures of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanarishwar (Shiva and Shakti in one figure) and Lord Brahma. There is a shrine of Nataraja shaped in the form of a chariot. Shrines dedicated to Pralayakaala Rudrar and Goddess Kali can also be seen in the temple complex.
The Nritta Sabha, or the dance hall, has an elevated Mandapam with a flight of steps. The Nataraja shrine is exquisitely garnished with 12 zodiac signs, 2 huge horses and 4 elephants.
The annual Brahmotsavam, celebrated here in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), is a major draw attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.
The temple complex also has shrines dedicated to Pralayakaala Rudrar and Kaali (also spelt as Kali) in the temple complex.
