Mahamaham Tank, Kumbakonam - Image 1
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Mahamaham Tank Kumbakonam

4.6
·372 reviews·Kumbakonam, India

A sacred, expansive temple tank in Kumbakonam, revered for its spiritual significance and vibrant street food scene.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon (4 PM onwards)

Reopens after midday break

CrowdMedium
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Mahamaham Tank, Kumbakonam - Image 1

Mahamaham Tank Kumbakonam

Best Time

Afternoon (4 PM onwards)

Reopens after midday break

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sacred, expansive temple tank in Kumbakonam, revered for its spiritual significance and vibrant street food scene. Reddit

4.6
(372 reviews)

"Considered the foremost and one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu, a must-visit in Kumbakonam. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access from Station

Just 1 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station and Bus Stop, making it easily accessible. :bus:

💰 Free Entry!

Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and surrounding delights without any entry fee. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sacred Tank

The Sacred Tank

Heart of Kumbakonam

A vast, trapezoidal temple tank considered one of Tamil Nadu's most sacred and largest.

Reddit
16 Mandapams & 21 Wells

16 Mandapams & 21 Wells

Around the tank perimeter

Admire the 16 mandapams built by Govinda Dikshitar and the 21 wells within the tank, each holding immense spiritual significance.

Reddit
Street Food Delights

Street Food Delights

Tank surroundings

Savor a variety of local street food, from traditional snacks to refreshing beverages.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Mahamaham Tank

The Mahamaham Tank is open from 6 AM to 7 PM, but it closes for a break in the afternoon and reopens at 4 PM. Plan your visit around this midday closure to maximize your time exploring this sacred site. Reddit

Embrace the Local Flavors

The area surrounding Mahamaham Tank is a haven for street food lovers. From savory sundal and bajji to sweet paniyaram and refreshing badam milk, indulge in a culinary adventure. Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoon (4 PM onwards)
Why
Reopens after midday break
Crowd
Medium
When
February-March (Masimaham)
Why
Annual festival, high energy
Crowd
High
When
Once in 12 years (Mahamaham)
Why
Massive spiritual gathering
Crowd
Very High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@cinemacafejohorbahru
14.5K likes • 412.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access from Station

Just 1 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station and Bus Stop, making it easily accessible. Reddit :bus:

💰 Free Entry!

Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and surrounding delights without any entry fee. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Comment "recipe" to get Kumbakonam Thakkali chutney recipe link [Chef, Kumbakonam, Thakkali chutney, Recipe]
@cook_kumar_tamil
6.6K likes • 221.4K views
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ourgreentrends.kumbakonam
33 likes • 1K views

🍜 Taste the Local Flavors

Don't miss the diverse street food options around the tank; a true culinary experience. Reddit :ramen:

🙏 Respect the Sacredness

Remember it's a holy place; dress modestly and maintain decorum. :pray:

Mahamaham Tank View 😍💫 #kumbakonam #kumbakumcity #kumbakonamtemplecity #kumbakonam_views #kumbakonamponnu #kumbakonamdegreecoffee #kumbakonamphotography #kumbakonam #karaikal #kumbakonamtemplecity #kumbakonam😎 #kumbakonamtemples #thanjavur #thanjaiperiyakovil #thanjaipasanga #thanjai_pasanga_official #mayiladuthurai #mayiladuthurai #mayiladuthuraiphotography #thiruvarur #thiruvarur_veerans #thi...
kumbakonam.city
1.2K likes • 15.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access from Station

Just 1 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station and Bus Stop, making it easily accessible. Reddit :bus:

💰 Free Entry!

Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and surrounding delights without any entry fee. Reddit :moneywithwings:

🍜 Taste the Local Flavors

Don't miss the diverse street food options around the tank; a true culinary experience. Reddit :ramen:

🙏 Respect the Sacredness

Remember it's a holy place; dress modestly and maintain decorum. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(372 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mahamaham Tank is a highly revered and expansive temple tank in Kumbakonam, praised for its spiritual significance and free entry. Visitors enjoy the vibrant street food scene surrounding the tank and its easy accessibility. However, some may find the midday closure inconvenient, and the crowds during festivals can be overwhelming.

"Visited today evening at Kumbhakanam. It is situated at a distance of 1 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Mahamaham Tank is a huge temple tank located in the heart of Kumbakonam town . It is considered to be the foremost and one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu.
The tank covers an area of 6.2 acres and is trapezoidal in shape. The tank is surrounded by 16 small Mandapams (shrines) and has 21 wells inside the tank. Govinda Dikshitar, the chieftain of Ragunatha Nayak of Thanjavur, constructed the sixteen Mandapams and stone steps around this tank."

D G BERA

"Timings:6AM to 7PM but afternoon it will close and reopen at 4PM .

Entry fee: nil

It’s 1km from Kumbakonam Bus stop and it’s beside Kasi Vishwanathar temple.

Mahamaham Tank is one of the most sacred water tanks which is located in India.

The tank is a very holy place among the Hindus, and many tourists come every year to visit this place. So, you should definitely visit this temple if you are going to Kumbakonam.

It is believed that Lord Brahma itself built the temple. There is one story behind this, when Lord Brahma was creating the tank on the ground with his fingernail, that time Lord Brahma filled the tank with all the holy water from all sacred rivers that are present in India.

Not only this, there is one more story, once upon a time Lord Shiva took a dip in the tank at the famous temple festival. This temple festival happens every 12 years.

Another fascinating fact about this temple is that the annual festival celebrated here is a very famous festival in the city. The festival is celebrated during the month of Masi. Masi Month happens from February to March.

During this time, it is said that the tank has more positive energy because of God's blessings."

Anusha Marella

"Mahamaham tank is a huge temple tank located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is considered to be the foremost and one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu. The Masimaham festival held in the tank has 100,000 visitors and the once-in-12-year Mahamaham festival has close to 2 million visitors.

I went today and surrounded by lot of street food surely enjoy time... start from soup, Sundal.., Bajji, Soup, Paniyaram sweet and salt, chat shop, idiyappam puttu.. etc... last badam milk , paruti milk..."

Shreenath Santhanakrishnan

What People Like

Sacred and vast temple tank
Abundant street food options
Free entry and easy access

What People Dislike

Midday closure
Crowded during festivals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mahamaham Tank is conveniently located just 1 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station. You can easily walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to reach the tank. Reddit

Yes, the tank is situated right beside the Kasi Vishwanathar temple, which is very close to the Kumbakonam Bus Stand, making it easily accessible by foot or a quick ride. Reddit

Walking is a great option if you're near the station or bus stand. Auto-rickshaws are readily available for a quick and affordable ride. Reddit

While you can drive close to the tank, parking might be challenging, especially during peak hours or festivals. It's often easier to use public transport or walk. Reddit

Absolutely! Mahamaham Tank is considered one of the most sacred water tanks in India and attracts many Hindu pilgrims and tourists annually. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee to visit Mahamaham Tank. You can explore this sacred site and its surroundings for free. Reddit

The tank is generally open from 6 AM to 7 PM. However, it closes for a break in the afternoon and reopens at 4 PM. Reddit

The tank typically closes in the afternoon and reopens at 4 PM. It's advisable to check locally for exact timings. Reddit

Since there is no entry fee, no advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during the operational hours. Reddit

As it is a holy place, it's recommended to dress modestly out of respect. Avoid revealing clothing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Mahamaham Tank is revered as one of the most sacred water tanks in India, believed to have been filled with holy waters from all sacred rivers by Lord Brahma. Reddit

You can see the vast tank itself, 16 mandapams (shrines), 21 wells within the tank, and the adjacent Kasi Vishwanathar temple. The surrounding area is also vibrant with street food stalls. Reddit

Basic facilities like restrooms might be available, but it's advisable to be prepared. The main attraction is the tank and its spiritual ambiance. Reddit

Yes, families can visit. The open space around the tank is good for a stroll, and the street food offers a fun experience for all ages. Reddit

The Mahamaham festival is a grand event that occurs once every 12 years, drawing millions of devotees. The annual Masimaham festival also takes place in February-March. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The area is famous for its street food. You can find a variety of snacks like soup, sundal, bajji, paniyaram (sweet and salt), chat items, idiyappam, puttu, and beverages like badam milk and paruti milk. Reddit

While the street food is a major draw, you can also find local eateries and restaurants in Kumbakonam town offering traditional South Indian cuisine. Reddit

Street food can be a delightful experience, but it's always wise to choose vendors who appear clean and popular. Reddit

Based on reviews, popular choices include sundal, bajji, paniyaram, and local milk beverages like badam milk and paruti milk. Reddit

Yes, most of the street food and local eateries offer a wide range of vegetarian options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the grandeur of the tank from different angles, the intricate details of the mandapams, and the vibrant street life. Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed around the tank and its surroundings. However, always be respectful of religious sentiments and avoid intrusive photography, especially near temples. Reddit

You can capture architectural shots of the mandapams, serene water reflections, bustling street food scenes, and the spiritual atmosphere of the place. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and public areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon offer soft, beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant street food scene is always photogenic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mahamaham Tank offers a family-friendly experience with its open spaces and vibrant street food scene. Kids will enjoy the variety of snacks and the lively atmosphere. The easy accessibility from the railway and bus stations makes it convenient for families traveling with children. Reddit

While there aren't specific play areas, the sheer novelty of the street food and the vastness of the tank can be engaging for younger visitors. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the water's edge and in crowded areas. The midday break in timings might also be a good opportunity for a rest for little ones. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those on a spiritual journey, Mahamaham Tank is a must-visit. Its deep-rooted legends and the belief in its sacred waters offer a profound experience. The presence of numerous mandapams and wells within the tank adds to its spiritual aura. Reddit

Visiting during the Masimaham festival or the once-in-12-year Mahamaham festival amplifies the spiritual energy. Even outside these times, the serene ambiance of the tank, especially during the early morning or late afternoon, provides a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. Reddit

🍜 Food Enthusiasts

Food lovers will find Mahamaham Tank to be a culinary delight. The area is renowned for its diverse and delicious street food offerings, providing an authentic taste of local flavors. Reddit

Be adventurous and try a variety of snacks, from savory to sweet, and don't forget to sample the local beverages. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the gastronomic culture of Kumbakonam without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spiritual Significance of Mahamaham Tank

Mahamaham Tank is not just a large water body; it's a deeply revered pilgrimage site in Hinduism. Legend has it that Lord Brahma himself created the tank and filled it with holy waters from all sacred rivers across India. This belief makes it a place of immense spiritual power and purification. Reddit

During the annual Masimaham festival in February-March, and especially during the grand Mahamaham festival that occurs once every 12 years, the tank is believed to be imbued with extraordinary positive energy. Devotees flock to take a holy dip, seeking blessings and spiritual merit. The confluence of rivers within the tank's wells is considered a unique spiritual phenomenon, often referred to as the 'Kumbh Mela of the South'. Reddit

The tank is surrounded by 16 mandapams, each with its own significance, and contains 21 wells, further enhancing its sacredness. Visiting Mahamaham Tank offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the region.

A Culinary Journey Around the Tank

The periphery of Mahamaham Tank transforms into a vibrant street food paradise, offering a delightful sensory experience. Visitors rave about the sheer variety and affordability of the local delicacies available. From savory snacks to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, there's something to tantalize every taste bud. Reddit

Popular choices include 'sundal' (a chickpea salad), crispy 'bajji' (fritters), and the unique 'paniyaram' which comes in both sweet and savory versions. For those with a sweet tooth, the 'badam milk' and 'paruti milk' (cotton seed milk) are highly recommended. The bustling atmosphere, combined with the aroma of freshly prepared food, makes for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Reddit

Exploring the street food stalls is an integral part of the Mahamaham Tank experience. It’s a chance to interact with local vendors and savor authentic flavors that are a hallmark of Kumbakonam's culinary scene.

Architectural and Historical Insights

The Mahamaham Tank is a testament to the architectural prowess and historical significance of the region. The tank itself is a massive, trapezoidal structure covering 6.2 acres, a remarkable feat of engineering for its time. Reddit

Its construction is attributed to Govinda Dikshitar, the chieftain of Ragunatha Nayak of Thanjavur. He was responsible for building the sixteen mandapams that encircle the tank and the stone steps leading down to the water. These mandapams often serve as resting places or temporary abodes for deities from nearby temples during festivals. The presence of 21 wells within the tank adds another layer of historical and religious importance. Reddit

These structures not only serve a functional purpose but also add to the aesthetic grandeur of the tank, making it a significant historical landmark in Kumbakonam.

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