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.

Gobura pillaiyaar

Nandhi Near by Holy Tank

Sage Dhurvasa's lingams

 

 

 

 

Vellai Pillayar