places of interest

Papanasam (30 kms) There are two temples; The Pallaivanatha Swamy temple constructed by the Chola King and the other is the 108 Sivalayam temples. There are also a Granary (storehouse of paddy) which measure 86 feet in width and has a height of 36 feet with a capacity of 3,000 kalam which is a measure. The Nayaks between 1600-1634 constructed it. The State Archaeological Department declared it as a monument. One can see the 108 Sivalingams only in the temple in Papanasam. Swamimalai (32 kms) It is one of the six abodes orArupadaiveedu dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Darasuram (34 kms) Raja Raja Chola II built the Airateswara or Darasuram temple. It is an excellent example of 12th century Chola architecture and is well preserved to this day. The frontal columns of the temple have unique miniature sculptures. During the 14th century the large stone statues surrounding the temple were replaced with brick and mortar statues similar to those found at the Big Temple in Thanjavur. The Archaeological Survey of India has restored the temple. This has been declared as a world Heritage Monument. Kumbakonam (40 kms) The Sarangapani, Kumbeswarar, Nageswarar and the Ramaswamy temples are located here. The Mahamagam congregation takes place once in 12 years and it was last held in 2004. Uppliyappan Koil(6 kms) This place is 6 kms from Kumbakonam and 46 kms from Thanjavur. Lord Venkatesaperumal like the Tirupathi Balaji is also called Oppil Upper. Thiruvidai Maruthur(8 kms) This place is about 8 kms from Kumbakonam and 48 kms away from Thanjavur. The River Cauvery passes through this village. The village is also called Madhyarjunam and the Presiding deity is Mahalingeswarar and goddess is known as Perunamulaiyammai.