| Mulavar | Saaranathan |
| Utsavar | — |
| Thayar | Saara Nachiyar, Saara Nayaki |
| Kshethram | Panchasara Kshethram |
| Pose & Direction | Standing pose facing East |
| Theertham | Saara Pushkarni |
| Vimanam | Saara Vimanam |
| Sthala Vruksham | — |
| Paadiyavar | Thirumangai Alwar |
| Travel Base | Kumbakonam |
| Nearest Railway Station | Thirunageswaram |
Location & Access
This temple is at the 7th mile from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam-Thiruvarur route. The temple is right on the roadside. Stay either at Kumbakonam or near Oppiliyappan Temple to visit.
History
During the cosmic deluge (Pralaya), Lord Brahma took the soil of this place, created a mud pot, and protected the Vedas inside. Mother Cauvery performed deep penance under the Bodhi tree on the banks of Sara Pushkarini to obtain equal status with Ganga. Pleased, Lord Perumal granted Her darshan alongside His five consorts (Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Mahalakshmi, Saranayaki, and Neeladevi) and granted Her a sacred space to His left inside the sanctum.
Architecture & Festivals
This is the only Divya Desam temple where Lord Perumal is flanked by five consorts. The soil here contains rich virtues (Saram), earning the Lord the name Saranathar. The temple features a 90-foot Rajagopuram and a 380ft x 234ft layout. Thai Poosam (Jan-Feb) is celebrated over 10 days with a grand car festival. Taking a bath in Sara Pushkarini on Thai Poosam once every 12 years (during Jupiter transition) is considered equivalent to the Mahamaham bath.