Banapuriswarar Temple, Hindu temple in Kumbakonam, India

Banapuriswarar Temple is a Hindu shrine located in Kumbakonam featuring intricate stone carvings throughout its structure. The walls and surfaces display carved scenes from Hindu mythology, telling stories of gods and sacred moments through detailed sculptural work.

The temple dates from the 6th century CE, according to the Tamil Wikipedia article on the Kumbakonam Banapuriswarar temple. It is one of the twelve Shiva temples of Kumbakonam tied to the Mahamaham festival, held once every twelve years. Its Mahasamprokshanam, also called Kumbabishegam, took place on 26 October 2015, ahead of the Mahamaham. The temple is administered under the 1927 religious endowments protection act.

This shrine is one of twelve sacred sites linked to the Mahamaham festival, which takes place every twelve years in Kumbakonam. Visitors and worshippers gather to participate in the ritual bathing ceremonies associated with this major religious gathering.

The temple is accessible by regular bus service from Kumbakonam city center. Accommodations and dining options are available in the surrounding area, making it convenient for visitors to stay and eat nearby.

The Shiva lingam in the main sanctum is unusual: its spout (banam) is unbroken, which gives the deity the name Banapuriswarar. The goddess here is Somakalambal, shown standing with four arms holding a rosary and lotus, facing south in the temple's maha mandapam.