The temple town of Kumbakonam is the abode of several deities who create a divine aura, attracting devotees in large numbers every day.

Chakrapani temple situated on the southern banks of Cauvery has a hoary past.

Presiding deity -Chakrapani, Chakararajan, Sudarshana Azhwar,

Sri Chakra symbolizes Mahavishnu who adorns his right hand. Thus Chakrapani is also called Chakraroopa Vishnu, Hethiraja,Sudarsana Raja, Chakrathazhwar. This temple is dedicated to Chakrathazhwar and he is the presiding deity-Chakrapani.

Thayar-Vijayavalli

Genesis of the temple

Mahavishnu sent SriChakra to kill Jalantharasuran a demon. SriChakra went to Patalaloka killed the demon and emerged unscathed from river Cauvery at Kumbakonam and placed himself on the hands of Brahma who was bathing in the holy river. Happy and overjoyed Brahma consecrated the SriChakra at the place where the temple is constructed.

Surya is humbled

Surya one of the nine planets of the Navagrahas became jealous of Srichakra's radiance tried to become more luminous then Sri Chakra.

He thus humbled Surya by becoming more bright and absorbed Surya's rays into him there by making Surya loose his brilliance.

Surya surrenders to Srichakra

In order to regain his original form Surya surrendered to Srichakra who appeared with three eyes, eight hands, shining like Agni -fire, blessed Surya abundantly.

Surya also called Bhaskara requested that this hallowed spot should be named after him as Bhaskara kshetram. The spot where Srichakra appeared in Cauvery is called Chakra Theertham.

(To be contd)

Usharaja