Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Hindu temple in Kumbakonam, India

Adi Kumbeswarar is a Hindu temple in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva and spread across a large compound. The walls display reliefs of gods and mythical figures, while several tall towers covered with colorful sculptures draw the eye upward.

The compound was founded over thirteen centuries ago during the reign of the Chola dynasty. Subsequent kings expanded the temple, adding more towers, courtyards, and halls that reflected the growing importance of the site.

The temple name refers to a legend in which Shiva himself formed the sacred pot associated with the town. Pilgrims walk clockwise around the inner shrine, stopping at individual shrines for other deities while priests offer flower garlands and lit lamps.

The compound opens in the morning and evening but closes for several hours at midday. Visitors should cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering the inner areas.

Five silver-plated chariots carry the deities Vinayaka, Subramanya, Swami, Ambal and Chandikeswarar in a two-day temple chariot festival. The five cars were damaged and unused after 1988, and the procession resumed only in 2002, held again after four Mahamaham festivals.