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

About Vedanarayan Perumal Temple

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

History of Vedanarayan Perumal Temple

The temple is notable for its historical significance, architectural features, and religious importance. 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 is under the administration of The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Vedanarayan Perumal Temple

According to legend, Lord Brahma became prideful, considering himself the exclusive creator and superior to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. To bring him down a notch, Lord Vishnu sent a ghost to frighten Brahma, who, in his terror, sought refuge with Vishnu. Lord Vishnu explained that the demon was intended to weaken Brahma's creative powers. Realizing his arrogance, Brahma begged for forgiveness. Showing compassion, Vishnu directed Brahma to earth to perform penance. Brahma selected Kumbakonam, and performed rigorous penance with the help of Devas. Satisfied with his devotion, Vishnu and Lakshmi manifested before Brahma, blessed him, and restored his memory of the Vedas along with his creative abilities. Therefore, Vishnu is revered here as Veda Narayana Perumal, while his consort is honored as Vedavalli. To aid Brahma in his final purification after the penance, Lord Vishnu created a river with his club, which is now known as Arasalaru, a name derived from Hari Sollaru.

Architecture of Vedanarayan Perumal Temple

The Brahma Temple is a small 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 Bhudevi. Additionally, shrines for Srinivasa Perumal, Dhanvantari, and Andal can be found within the temple grounds.

The rear view of Brahma's head, featuring a nose stud (representing Gayatri'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.

Festivals of Vedanarayan Perumal Temple

The Vedanarayana Perumal Temple is renowned for its lively festivals and celebrations that draw large numbers of devotees and tourists. Among the most prominent festivals held at the temple is Vaikunta Ekadasi, which occurs in December or January. This event features special processions, intricate decorations, and cultural performances throughout the temple grounds, fostering a joyful and devotional atmosphere. Another key celebration is Brahmotsavam, an annual grand event characterized by vibrant processions of the temple deities on ornately adorned chariots. Additionally, other festivals such as Janmashtami, Saraswathi Pooja, and Rama Navami are celebrated with great fervor at the Vedanarayana Perumal Temple. Furthermore, 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.

Vedanarayan Perumal Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Brahma Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Vedanarayan Perumal Temple Timings

Monday: 8 AM - 11:30 AM & 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 11:30 AM & 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM - 11:30 AM & 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 11:30 AM & 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 11:30 AM & 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 11:30 AM & 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 11:30 AM & 5:30 PM - 9 PM

Vedanarayan Perumal Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Vedanarayan Perumal Temple

The ideal period to explore Vedanarayan Perumal Temple is between October and March, with the highest influx of visitors occurring from November to February. Two major events that attract visitors are Vaikunta Ekadasi, which occurs in December or January, and the Brahmotsavam festival. These occasions feature special processions, intricate decorations, and cultural performances throughout the temple grounds, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of joy and devotion. It is recommended to refrain from visiting the temple during the peak summer months of April to June, as the rising temperatures can make outdoor activities challenging.

How to Reach Vedanarayan Perumal Temple

Trichy Airport is the nearest airport, situated about 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station provides comprehensive train services to numerous cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Furthermore, bus services connect Kumbakonam with all parts of Tamil Nadu. Travelers can utilize bus services or opt for a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach Brahma Temple.