Mahamaham Tank Kumbakonam
A sacred, expansive temple tank in Kumbakonam, revered for its spiritual significance and vibrant street food scene.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Reopens after midday break
Mahamaham Tank Kumbakonam
Best Time
Reopens after midday break
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred, expansive temple tank in Kumbakonam, revered for its spiritual significance and vibrant street food scene.
"Considered the foremost and one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu, a must-visit in Kumbakonam. "
🚶♀️ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sacred Tank
Heart of Kumbakonam
A vast, trapezoidal temple tank considered one of Tamil Nadu's most sacred and largest.

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.

Street Food Delights
Tank surroundings
Savor a variety of local street food, from traditional snacks to refreshing beverages.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Mahamaham Tank
Embrace the Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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:
🍜 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the diverse street food options around the tank; a true culinary experience. :ramen:
🙏 Respect the Sacredness
Remember it's a holy place; dress modestly and maintain decorum. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ 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:
🍜 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the diverse street food options around the tank; a true culinary experience. :ramen:
🙏 Respect the Sacredness
Remember it's a holy place; dress modestly and maintain decorum. :pray:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Mahamaham Tank is considered one of the most sacred water tanks in India and attracts many Hindu pilgrims and tourists annually.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Mahamaham Tank. You can explore this sacred site and its surroundings for free.
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.
The tank typically closes in the afternoon and reopens at 4 PM. It's advisable to check locally for exact timings.
Since there is no entry fee, no advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during the operational hours.
As it is a holy place, it's recommended to dress modestly out of respect. Avoid revealing clothing.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Basic facilities like restrooms might be available, but it's advisable to be prepared. The main attraction is the tank and its spiritual ambiance.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
While the street food is a major draw, you can also find local eateries and restaurants in Kumbakonam town offering traditional South Indian cuisine.
Street food can be a delightful experience, but it's always wise to choose vendors who appear clean and popular.
Based on reviews, popular choices include sundal, bajji, paniyaram, and local milk beverages like badam milk and paruti milk.
Yes, most of the street food and local eateries offer a wide range of vegetarian options.
📸 📸 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.
Photography is generally allowed around the tank and its surroundings. However, always be respectful of religious sentiments and avoid intrusive photography, especially near temples.
You can capture architectural shots of the mandapams, serene water reflections, bustling street food scenes, and the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and public areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
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.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Mahamaham Tank
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'.
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
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.
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
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.
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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