Sarangapani Temple is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam and has the tallest tower in the town. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu temples praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 Alwars. A large granite wall surrounds the temple; its complex includes all the shrines and water bodies. The main gateway, called the Rajagopuram, has 11 tiers and stands 173 feet (53 meters) tall.
This temple is considered the third most important Vishnu after Srirangam and Tirupati. It is believed to be very ancient, with contributions from the Medieval Cholas, the Vijayanagar Empire, and the Madurai Nayaks. The temple tank, known as the Potramarai tank, is located opposite the western entrance of the temple.
The Sarangapani temple is also part of the Pancha Kshethram, a group of five sacred temples associated with the goddess Lakshmi’s incarnation as Bhargavi, the daughter of Maharishi Bhrigu. The five temples in this group are: Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Salem, Oppiliappan Temple, Nachiyar Koil and Venkateshwara Temple, Tirumala.
According to Hindu legend, Sarangapani, a form of the god Vishnu, appeared to the sage Hemarishi, who was performing penance near the Potramarai tank.
It is believed once Sage Bhrigu visited Vishnu in his abode, the Ocean of Milk. When Vishnu did not acknowledge him, the sage angrily kicked Vishnu on his chest. Lakshmi, who resides in Vishnu’s chest, became upset because Vishnu did not retaliate. Angry, she left Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s heavenly home) and came to earth as Padmavati. Vishnu followed her and married her, but she remained upset. To calm her, Vishnu stayed in an underground chamber in the temple as Pathala Srinivasa.
Later, Sage Bhrigu apologized to Lakshmi and asked her to be born as his daughter in his next life. The sage was reborn as Hemarishi and performed penance to receive Lakshmi as his daughter. Pleased, Vishnu blessed him. Lakshmi appeared from the Potramarai tank, emerging from a thousand lotuses, and was named Komalavalli (meaning “one who emerged from a lotus”).
Vishnu came to earth in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from Vaikuntha, staying at the nearby Someswaran Temple to convince Lakshmi to marry him. Eventually, they were married.
The name Sarangapani means “one who holds the bow in his hand,” derived from Sharanga (Vishnu’s bow) and pani (hand).
Festivals
Chariot Festival (Ther Thiruvizha): Held annually during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March-April), where the deity is paraded in a grand chariot.
Vaikunta Ekadasi: A significant event attracting thousands of devotees.
Panguni Brahmotsavam: Celebrated during March-April with elaborate rituals and processions.
