The Star Maham is a powerful star in the 27 stars group. Every month once in 27 days. Maham star will have its own Rasi Simha. The festival on Maham star in Masi is said to he Maha festival.
Once in every 12 years Masi Maga Magam is celebrated as a a sacred festival attracting huge sea of people all over the sacred land. The maham day of Masi Month, is called a day of MAMANGAM, This Mamangam has been in the course of time has been named as Maha Magam festival.
🛕 Mahamaham Tank, Kumbakonam – The Sacred Temple Tank of South India
Kumbakonam, often called the “Temple Town” of Tamil Nadu, is home to one of the most sacred temple tanks in India – the Mahamaham Tank. Revered by devotees and admired by travelers, this tank is not just a waterbody but a spiritual hub where myth and history converge.
Located in the heart of Kumbakonam, this ancient tank becomes the epicenter of a grand Hindu festival – Mahamaham, which occurs once every 12 years and attracts millions of pilgrims from across the globe.
✨ Mythological Significance of Mahamaham Tank
According to Hindu mythology, during the dissolution of the universe, Lord Shiva ordered Brahma to carry the seeds of creation in a pot (Kumbha). When the cosmic flood receded, the pot came to rest at Kumbakonam. Shiva then shattered it, and the sacred contents spread across twelve locations, forming twelve holy Shiva temples around Kumbakonam. The Mahamaham Tank marks the spot where the pot was broken.
It is believed that all holy rivers including Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Godavari, and others come together in the Mahamaham tank during the Mahamaham festival, purifying those who bathe in it.
🌊 Structure and Architecture
The Mahamaham Tank is an impressive architectural marvel:
- Size: Spread over 20 acres
- Gopurams (Towers): 16 small mandapams (shrines) surround the tank
- Steps: Built with granite steps on all sides for easy access
- Water Wells: 20 sacred wells inside the tank representing different rivers
These wells are named after sacred rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Cauvery, each holding spiritual significance.
🛕 Temples Near Mahamaham Tank
The tank is surrounded by many prominent temples, forming the Mahamaham pilgrimage circuit:
- Kasi Viswanathar Temple
- Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
- Someswarar Temple
- Nageswaran Temple
- Ramaswamy Temple
- Sarangapani Temple
These temples are part of the ritual bath procession during Mahamaham.
🎉 Mahamaham Festival
🗓️ When:
Every 12 years (Last held in 2016; next in 2028)
🕰️ Timings & Best Time to Visit
- Open 24×7 (as it is a public tank)
- Best Season: October to March (pleasant weather)
For spiritual travelers, visiting during Thai or Panguni months (Jan–Mar) is considered auspicious.
🧭 How to Reach Mahamaham Tank
- By Train: Kumbakonam Railway Station (1 km)
- By Bus: Kumbakonam Central Bus Stand (0.5 km)
- By Air: Trichy International Airport (95 km)
The tank is located centrally and is accessible by auto, taxi, and walk.
Hotels near Mahaham Tank :-
Hotel Chela
Hotel Royas