Mahamaham Tank is the most sacred and revered water tank in the southeast of
Kumbakonam in
Thanjavur District, covering an area of 20 acres. This huge tank is surrounded by a Nava Kannika temple on the eastern side and 16 small picturesque Mandapams of the 16th century. It is also believed to have 19 holy tirthams around its edge and another tirtham at the center. Legend has it that the tank is filled with ambrosia collected from the pot broken by
Shiva.
The famous Mahamaham festival is celebrated here once in every twelve years during the month of Masi (February/March) on the Mahamaham Day. The pious believe that on this occasion, the waters of the nine sacred rivers of India including the Ganges and the Yamuna meet together at this tank and a holy bath here would wash off all the sins.
Nearby attractions include Adi Kumbeswara Temple,
Porthamarai Teertham,
Paga Teertham and three ghats namely
Kasipa Teertham,
Pagava Teertham and Chakkara Teertham.
Kumbakonam is well connected by road with Trichy, Thanjavur and other nearby cities and towns. Kumbakonam Railway Station is the nearest railway station and the nearest airport is at Trichy (95 km).
