Abhi Mukheswarar Temple

In the Maha Magam Kulam of Kumbakonam, among the 12 deities who manifest underwater, one is Abimukeswarar. He is the deity who transformed from a coconut into a lingam. <b>Specialty: </b>The idol of Bhairava in this temple is more significant than the Bhairava idols found in the other twelve Maha Maga temples. Yogi Tadacinar, who once stood on one leg for a long time, is believed to have attained enlightenment here. Those afflicted by Saturn's dosha (malefic influence) can find relief in this temple, and it's believed that lighting a sesame oil lamp in front of Abimukeswarar on Saturdays can mitigate other doshas as well. Ambal Amritavalli is known to fulfill prayers and wishes. The priests before Abimukeswarar's shrine enact a dance similar to Nataraja, resembling the posture of King Nataraja.

In ancient times, when the deluge occurred, Brahma, after the deluge, asked Shiva where to resume my creation work from. Lord Shiva replied, 'Now, take the sand from the many sacred places within you, mix it with nectar, and make a divine pot out of it. Plant within it the seed of creation, which will shine for all living beings as a beacon. Plant a coconut atop it and adorn it with turmeric. Wrap it with the bark of a bael tree, and place it in a large pot. Worship it with Vilva leaves. This pot will move southward in the deluge waters. When it reaches there, I will come,' he said. Thus, when the deluge occurred, the pot floated. The coconut from the pot fell and sprouted. That coconut transformed into a Linga. This is the Abimukeswarar Linga. Abi means direct, and Mukam means view. Abimukam represents a direct view. In Kumbakonam, the temple of Abimukeswarar is located within the temple tank of the Maha Maga Kulam.