Kumbakonam is very famous for the large number of temples and tanks. Kumbakonam being the headquarters of Kumbakonam taluk has different names like Kudanthai, Kudamooku and Baskarashetram from time immemorial. Kumbakonam town is very famous for Mahamagam festival, which is celebrated once in every 12 years. This town has 188 temples of various historical periods. 

At the time of Mahamagam festival, it is believed that in Mahamagam tank, the holy stream of water from the famous rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Sarayu,Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmatha, Payoshnl and Cauvery are mingle together and is also believed that taking bath would get rid of sins according to Hindu religion.