Sun Nov 16 13:50:05 UTC 2025: News Article:
Unique Stone Nagaswaram to Resonate at Adikumbeshwarar Temple Consecration
Kumbakonam, India – November 16, 2025 – As the Adikumbeshwarar Temple in Kumbakonam prepares for its highly anticipated kumbabishekam (consecration) on December 1st, a unique and rarely played instrument will once again grace the ceremony. A stone nagaswaram, a timiri-type wind instrument with six holes, will be played on November 28th as part of the pre-consecration rituals.
According to Swaminathan, former nagaswaram artiste of the temple, the instrument, which features a stone pipe (uzhau) and brass components (anusu), requires significant stamina to play. He also stated that “It is a timiri-type nagaswaram with six holes, and we use the ‘seevali’ made for a timiri nagaswaram. The instrument has its limitations, and it is difficult to play suddha maddhyma ragas on it. A nagaswaram player, however, can handle pratimadhyma ragas. It also demands enormous energy on the part of the player,”
While its origins are shrouded in mystery, a local writer, Ki. Ra. Gopalan, has penned a fictional short story titled “Kal Naayanam” that explores the imaginative creation of the instrument, now a part of the collection of Kumbakonathu Kathaigal.
The story depicts a sculptor, Nagesan, crafting the stone nagaswaram as a challenge for his friend, the nagaswaram player Muthukumaran. The tale highlights Muthukumaran’s dedication and innovative practice methods, ultimately proving that the seemingly impossible instrument could be mastered.
Swaminathan, accompanied by his nephew Tamilarasan, the current temple nagaswaram player, will perform on the instrument on November 28th, bringing the ancient melodies of the stone nagaswaram back to life for the sacred occasion.
Summary:
The Adikumbeshwarar Temple in Kumbakonam will hold its kumbabishekam on December 1. As part of the ceremonies leading up to the event, a rare stone nagaswaram will be played on November 28. The instrument, a timiri-type nagaswaram, is difficult to play. Its origins are unknown, but a local story imagines its creation. The instrument will be played by former nagaswaram artiste Swaminathan and current player Tamilarasan.
First Piper 