Thiruvalanchuzhi
Thiruvalanchuzhi is just a kilometer away from Swamimalai. This temple
is famous for the Vellai Pillayar. This Vinayakar is also known as
Norai Pillayar as He is made out of froth from the Ocean. The main
deitiy here is Sadaimudinathar (or Kabardeeswarar) and his Consort is
Periyanayaki. River Cauvery curves gently to the right at this place,
hence the name Thiruvalanchuzhi.
Sage Dhurvasa is believed to have performed a yagna here which was
attended by 22 great sages. They installed the lingams they were
worshipping in this temple. There are several Shiva lingams associated
with the sages in this temple. In the outer praharam (circumambulatory
path) there is a shrine dedicated to Ashtabhuja Mahakali or Kali with
eight arms. Raja Raja Chozhan was a staunch devotee of this Kali and
always prayed to Her before setting out on war or when faced with making
important decision.
Indran then worshipped this idol everyday and started carrying this idol
of Vinayakar wherever he went. Once, when he came to the banks of the
Cauvery, he placed this idol on the ground before taking bath. On his
return he could not move the idol from that place. Indran accepted the
“Divine Will” and left the idol at that place, which is the present day
Thiruvalanchuzhi. On a particular day every year, the pooja is believed
to be preformed by Indran himself at this Temple.
This
temple is noted for
its immense size and architectural brilliance. Interestingly, you find a
shabby-looking mandapam that seems to have been hurriedly built. The
story behind this is that a King who once stopped by, ordered the temple
priest to perform abhishegam (ablution). Since this idol is made of
froth, no abhishegam is offered. Decoration is made only to the outer
frame which is made of silver and gold. Pacha karpooram is the only
offering made to Him. The priest was in a quandary and prayed to Lord
Vinayaka to present a solution. Just then a voice from the sky rebuked
the King and asked if the King wished that He be dissolved in the
abhishegam waters. King pleaded forgiveness. The Divine voice ordered
that the King should build a mandapam before sunset on the same day if
he has to be pardoned. The King did as ordered and was forgiven. This
mandapam is known as “mannippu mandapam”. Chathurthi is an important
day. No prizes for guessing that Vinayaka chathurthi is the most
important festival here.
This temple is just a kilometre away from Swamimalai. Thiruvalanchuzhi
is about 7 Kms from Kumbakonam. As you proceed on the Kumbakonam –
Tanjavur road, after about 6.5 Kms from Kumbakonam you will find an arch
on your right hand side. You will also see a sign board indicating
entrance to Swamimalai. Take the right turn here, the temple is less
than half a kilometer from here.
Other temples nearby: Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Shirdi Sai baba Temple, Kodieswar Temple, Darasuram Temple.
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| Gobura pillaiyaar |
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| Nandhi Near by Holy Tank |
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| Sage Dhurvasa's lingams | | | | |
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| Vellai Pillayar |
