Kumbakonam

Town in Tamil Nadu state, southeast India, on the Cauvery (or Kaveri) delta, 32 km/20 mi northeast of Tanjore; population (1991) 150,500. It was the ancient capital of the Chola kings, and is now a major pilgrimage centre for southern Indian Brahmans (see caste). Local industries include textiles and the manufacture of gold and silver jewellery. The town has two colleges affiliated to the University of Chennai.

There are several temples in the town, some of which contain fine sculptures from the Chola period. Pilgrims visit The Mahamakhan Tank to bathe in it every 12 years, when it is said to be filled with water from the Ganges and other holy rivers.