Thiruvalanchuzhi Periya Nayagi Sametha Sadaimudinatha Swami Temple is one of the revered temples in the Cholamandalam region, visited and praised by the great Tamil saints Thirugnana Sambanthar and Appar Swamigal through their devotional hymns. Although Lord Shiva is the main deity, the temple is better known as the Vani Kamalambikai Sametha Suwetha Vigneswara Swami Temple, or Vellai Pillaiyar Temple, due to its unique association with Lord Ganapathi. Unlike other temples where Lord Ganapathi is worshipped alone, here, he is seen seated with Vani and Kamalambigai.

Located about 3 km from Swamimalai on the Swamimalai to Pateeswaram road, Thiruvalanchuzhi derives its name from the unique position of Lord Pillaiyar’s trunk, which is turned to the right. Additionally, the nearby Kaveri River takes a rightward turn near the village, further contributing to its name.

The deity, Mahaganapathi, is famously known as Swetha Vinayakar or Vellai Pillaiyar, and there is a puranic story that explains his origin. It is believed that during the churning of the milky ocean, Devas led by Indra did not perform the customary Ganapathi pooja, resulting in poison emerging from the ocean. Upon realizing their mistake, Indra fashioned a Ganesha idol from sea foam (Kadal Nurai) and performed the necessary rituals, leading to their eventual success. The Swetha Vinayakar seen in the temple today is believed to be the same deity worshipped by Indra and left in Thiruvalanchuzhi for others to venerate. It is said that Indra himself continues to visit the temple to offer prayers on the auspicious day of Pillaiyar Chathurthi.

At the sanctum sanctorum, the white Pillaiyar, made of sea foam and measuring around 10 inches, is worshipped without any abhishekam (anointing). Instead, the priest sprinkles camphor (Pachai Karpooram) without touching the deity, earning him the name "Theendath Thirumeni" (untouchable sacred body). The deity is decorated with Punugu (a fragrant resin).

The shrine of Lord Pillaiyar is housed in a beautifully sculpted mandapam, believed to have been constructed by Indra himself. Devotees view the deity through intricately designed 16-hole granite balconies. Swetha Vinayakar holds a special place as part of the entourage of Jyothir Mahalinga Swami of Thiruvidaimarudhur.

The temple’s main deity is Karpaganatheswarer, also known as Karpaganathar or Kabartheesar, housed under a five-tiered Raja Gopuram with five prakarams. His consort, Periyanayagi or Pirugannayagi, is seen in a separate shrine in a standing posture. It is believed that unmarried individuals who pray here will be blessed with an early marriage, making this temple auspicious for those seeking matrimonial blessings.

In the inner prakaram, a beautifully sculpted Murugan with six faces and twelve hands is seen seated on a peacock, with his consorts Valli and Deivayanai standing beside him. A Tirupugal song has been dedicated to this deity.

The temple also has a separate shrine for Ashtabuja Kali, the eight-armed goddess believed to bless devotees with a long married life, wealth, and family prosperity. On Sundays and Fridays, women flock to the shrine to pray for their families' well-being.

Outside the prakaram lies the Kalabhairava shrine. Originally depicted with an aggressive expression, the deity's sculpture was deliberately fractured to subdue his anger. Additionally, there is a shrine for Navagrahas and a separate one for Sani Bhagavan.

According to the temple’s puranas, Uma, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, Adisesha, and the sage Heranda Muni have all visited the temple to offer their prayers. The sacred tree (Thala Viruksha) of the temple is the Vilva tree, and the temple’s holy waters are drawn from the rivers Kaveri, Arasalaru, and the temple’s Jadatheertham.

Source / Image Credit : Kalyanamalai , Kovil Mukkiyam