Description9 Indian rivers sangam, Mahamaham tank, Kumbh tirtha site Kumbhakonam Tamil Nadu 3.jpg
English: Kumbhakonam is a historic and holy South Indian city and region in Tamil Nadu. Along with its many Hindu temples, it has the Mahamaham tank where the equivalent of the northern Kumbh mela has been celebrated once every 12 years. Millions gather to take a dip in the Hindu calendar month of Magha, particularly in the 12th year (mahamaham festival). The kund – holy tank – is believed to be the gathering place for nine sacred river goddesses of India, along with Shiva. These rivers are: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Kaveri and Sarayu. Shiva is remembered and revered as the Creator (not just destroyer) , based on the legends in Periya Purana.
The tank is large and features ghat-like steps on all sides. Small Shiva temples surround the tank. The main temple gopura near the tank features an inscription, which summarizes the legend associated with the Kumbh mela at this tank.
For more details: Diana Eck, India: Sacred Geography, pages 156–157
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