Vedanarayan Perumal Temple / Brahma Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 2 km from Kumbakonam Junction Railway Station, Sri Vedanarayan Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous temples to visit as part of Kumbakonam family packages.

Sri Vedanarayan Temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity here is known as Vedanarayana Perumal, and his consort goddess Lakshmi is known as Vedavalli. Despite being a Vishnu temple, it is popularly referred to as the Brahma Temple. The construction of the temple is believed to have occurred during the 12th to 13th centuries, specifically in the Chola period, although it underwent reconstruction during the Nayaka period.

The temple faces east with an entrance arch with stucco images of Narayana Perumal, Brahma, and Yoga Narasimha with their consorts. Within the sanctum, Sri Vedanarayana Perumal is depicted in a standing position, facing east, alongside Sridevi and Bhudevi. The Urtsavars are positioned in front of the Moolavar. To the right of the sanctum sanctorum, Brahma is enshrined separately, flanked by Saraswati and Gayatri. On the left side, Yoganarasimha is depicted with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Additionally, shrines for Srinivasa Perumal, Dhanvantari, and Andal can be found within the temple grounds.

According to legend, Lord Brahma became prideful, believing himself to be the sole creator and superior to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. To humble him, Lord Vishnu sent a ghost to frighten Brahma, who, in his terror, sought refuge with Vishnu. Vishnu informed him that the demon was meant to diminish Brahma's power of creation. Regretting his arrogance, Brahma pleaded for mercy. Compassionate towards him, Vishnu instructed Brahma to go to Bhulokam and engage in penance. Brahma chose Kumbakonam and requested Agni to create a Yagna Kund with Ani Jwala. When Agni Jwala did not manifest, Agni explained that it was due to a failure to meet the necessary requirements. Saraswati discerned the issue and indicated that Brahma had four heads while Gayatri had five. Understanding this, Gayatri utilized her powers to remove her fifth head and appeared on Brahma's fourth head, adorned with a nose stud. Subsequently, Maha Vishnu emerged from the Agni Jwala and blessed him with all his powers back.

The rear view of Brahma's head, featuring a nose stud (representing Gayathri's fifth head), can be observed through a mirror affixed to the wall at the back. It is believed that viewing the nose stud of Brahma's fourth head brings various benefits, including facilitating marriage for young women, granting couples the blessing of children, enhancing professional advancement, prolonging life, ensuring happiness, and recovering lost wealth.

The Brahma Sankalp Pooja holds significant importance at the temple. Parents particularly honor Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati, seeking success and prosperity for their children as they embark on their educational journeys.

Timings: 8 AM - 11.30 AM & 5 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free