Kumbakonam Brahma Temple

Sri Brahma Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.This temple is dedicated mainly to Vishnu, as the moolavar presiding deity, and He is known as Vedanarayanaperumal over here. His consort, Lakshmi, is known as Vedavalli.

Though the presiding deity is called as Vedanarayanaperumal, this temple is generally known as Brahma Temple.

At the right side of the sanctum sanctorum Brahma is found in a separate shrine. He is flanked by Saraswati and Gayatri. At the left, Yoganarasimha is found with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

The Brahma idol in this temple is very unique. Like other temples, he is having four faces. However the fourth face which is in the back, is generally covered by a cloth. Occasionally the priest removes the cloth and the fourth face could be seen as a reflection in the mirror behind the idol and it is the face of Goddess Gayathri.

As per Sthalapurana, Brahma became arrogant thinking that he was the only person capable of creation and was superior to both Shiva and Vishnu. To remove this blemish, Vishnu created a demon and sent him after Brahma. The latter started trembling on seeing this demon and was also baffled that despite being the Creator, He did not create this. In the meanwhile, he also forgot the art of creation. He prayed to Vishnu and apologized for his arrogance. Pleased with his prayers, Vishnu appeared with Mahalakshmi and blessed him.

Brahma was advised to go to earth and pray there so that his powers would be restored. Accordingly, Brahma came to this place and prayed. Lord appeared along with Thayar and imparted knowledge and powers to Brahma, by teaching him the four Vedas. Hence he is called Vedanarayana Perumal and Goddess Vedavalli Thayar. In order for Brahma and the devas to get final salvation, Vishnu created a river with his club and this came to be called Hari Sollaru which latter became Arasalaru.

This temple is mainly visited by students and their parents for good education for their wards. Special poojas are offered before admitting students in school, to Goddess Saraswathi and Gayathri. As Brahma is the Knowledge Keeper, Thursdays see lot of devotees here. Mahalakshmi Thayar receives lot of Bhakthas on Fridays and Perumal on Saturdays.