This week’s Podcast is about “Sri Vellai Vinayagar Alayam “ Thiruvalanchuzhi.
This temple is best approached via Swamimalai, which is about 15 km from Kumbakonam. Swamimalai is well known in the area as one of the Arupadai Veedus of Lord Muruga. Swamimalai to Thiruvalanchuzhi is another five kilometres.
 
Sweta Vinayakar (Vellai Vinayakar or Nuraippillaiyaar): A white colored image of Ganapati - Sweta Vinayakar is the center of worship here. Legend has it that the Gods (the Devas) fashioned this image out of the foam that was generated when the milky ocean (Ksheera Samudram) was churned by them, in their quest for the celestial nectar Amritam.

As famous as the temple were the circular pillars with the gopuram motifs repeated on them. Crossing another gateway embellished with stucco figures one reaches the shrine of Valanchuzhinathar or Kapardaneswarar. The prakaram ceiling also had geometrical designs, which have been eroded. An intriguing, unfinished (badly damaged?) composition was a pictorial representation of the various important Siva temples on either bank of the Cauvery. The artist had even mentioned the names of the temples! Sambandar (Circa AD 600-700) also sings of the beauty of the temple:
"Thiruvalanchuzhi has groves where, the fragrance of the blossoms, compete with the humming of the bees. Thirunavukkarasar has sung two songs on the Lord here extolling his acts of heroism and beauty. Arunagirinathar also sings of the Murugan in this temple.

To hear More about this temple.Click on Podcast link below: