The Banapuriswarar Temple in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The Mahamaham festival that occurs every 12 years, and is celebrated in 12 temples in this region, is celebrated here. It is believed that it was here that Shiva aimed at the pot of 'Amrita' or Divine Nectar with his bow and arrow. Upon breaking the pot, the nectar is said to have spread over a span of 10 miles touching the five famous shrines of Shiva around the region - now called the Pancha Krosa Sthalas.