Presiding deity -Chakrapani, Chakararajan, Sudarshana Azhwar,
Sri Chakra symbolizes Mahavishnu who adorns his right hand. Thus Chakrapani is also called Chakraroopa Vishnu, Hethiraja,Sudarsana Raja, Chakrathazhwar. This temple is dedicated to Chakrathazhwar and he is the presiding deity-Chakrapani. Thayar-Vijayavalli
Genesis of the temple
Mahavishnu sent SriChakra to kill Jalantharasuran a demon. SriChakra went to Patalaloka killed the demon and emerged unscathed from river Cauvery at Kumbakonam and placed himself on the hands of Brahma who was bathing in the holy river. Happy and overjoyed Brahma consecrated the SriChakra at the place where the temple is constructed.
Surya is humbled
Surya one of the nine planets of the Navagrahas became jealous of Srichakra's radiance tried to become more luminous then Sri Chakra.
- Chakkrapani Temple Moolavar Gopuram
He thus humbled Surya by becoming more bright and absorbed Surya's rays into him there by making Surya loose his brilliance. This temple is situated on the southern bank of Cauvery in Kumbakonam Railway station, Thanjavur district, Tamilnadu. It is the second Vaishnavite temple in Kumbakonam town. Here the main deity is Chakraraja and Sudharshana Chakra.
- Entrance to Thaayar Sannidhi at Chakkrapani Temple
The Eastern and Western entrances of this temple are known as "Thatchinaya Vayil" and "Utharavana Vayil" respectively and outer Prakara of this temple is made in the form of balcony. Agampara Vinayakar, Panchamuga Aancheneyar and Vijayavalli are the important idols located in this temple. This temple is considered to be one of the most important Vishnu temples in South India, along with Srirangam and Tirupati. Seven of the Alwars sang the glories of this temple. Lord Sarangapani is the presiding Deity of the temple.
- On Chakkrapani Temple Roof
The images of Chakrapani with eight arms and Sudarshanavalli Thayar with a gracious visage are inspiring. Brahma, Surya and Agni are depicted as worshipping the Lord. According to legend, Surya once competed with Vishnu to decide who was brighter. Vishnu appeared in the form of a Chakra and put down the pride of Surya. Like Shiva, Lord Chakrapani has a third eye on His forehead.
Surya surrenders to Srichakra
In order to regain his original form Surya surrendered to Srichakra who appeared with three eyes, eight hands, shining like Agni -fire, blessed Surya abundantly.
Surya also called Bhaskara requested that this hallowed spot should be named after him as Bhaskara kshetram. The spot where Srichakra appeared in Cauvery is called Chakra Theertham.
