Thiruvalanjuzhinathar Temple

1. Inscription ARE 620 of 1902: This inscription, dated to the 38th regnal year of Madiraikonda Parakesarivarman, documents grants provided to the temple, which played a crucial role in supporting its activities and upkeep.
2. South Wall Inscription (21st Regnal Year of Rajaraja I): Details the grant of land, underscoring the temple's growing importance during Rajaraja I's reign.
3. Inscription ARE 633 of 1902 (25th Regnal Year): This record highlights a significant gift of gold to the deity, donated by Kundavai, the daughter of Rajaraja I, emphasizing the temple's prominence in royal circles.
4. Inscription from the 24th Regnal Year: Found on the south wall of the hall, it mentions the grant of tax-free land for the service of two deities, Kshetrapalar and Ganapatiyar, reflecting the Chola kings' support for temple rituals.

1. Inscription ARE 633-B of 1902 (3rd Regnal Year): This inscription details the ceremonial act of Rajendra I passing through a hill of gingelly seeds as part of a ritual and gifting twelve gold flowers to the deity. The queen, Valavan Mahadeviar, is also noted for offering gold flowers, highlighting the temple’s royal patronage.
2. Northern Wall Inscription (Rajendra I’s 3rd Regnal Year): Mentions a gift of two gold flowers by Danti Sakti Vitanki during his Tulabhara ritual at Thiruvisanallur, showcasing the temple's role in significant rituals.

1. 11th Regnal Year Inscription: Records the installation of the shrine for Vanduvarkuzhali Amman, indicating the continued expansion and relevance of the temple during Rajaraja III’s reign.

The temple has undergone major renovations to preserve its structure, including Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremonies on 27th August 1971 and 25th March 1981, ensuring its maintenance and restoration.

Thiruvalanchuzhi Temple reflects the contributions from various dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara, and Pallavas. The inscriptions, gifts, and endowments illustrate the temple’s enduring significance and the support it received for the welfare of both the temple and its devotees.

1. Indra Making Ganesha Idol from Sea Foam

According to the temple's Sthala Purana, the legend of the churning of the milk ocean for nectar is well-known. As the Devas churned the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning stick and Vasuki the snake as the churning rope, Vasuki, unable to bear the speed and weight, spewed venom, threatening the destruction of the worlds. The Devas sought Lord Shiva's help, and he revealed that their failure was due to not worshipping Lord Vinayaka. Following his advice, the Devas made an idol of Lord Vinayaka from sea foam and prayed to him. Their efforts then succeeded, and this form of Ganesha is known as Swetha Vinayaka, meaning the white Vinayaka. Swetha Vinayaka became the Ishta Devatha (favored deity) of the Devas.

1. Sage Durvasa’s Yagna

It is believed that Sage Durvasa once performed a yagna (sacrificial ritual) at Thiruvalanchuzhi. During the yagna, 22 Maharshis who attended installed lingams (Shiva lingams) at the temple, each worshipping their respective deity. These lingams still remain in the temple, each associated with a sage.

1. Etymology of Thiruvalanchuzhi

A local legend connects the river Cauvery to the temple's name. With the blessings of Lord Swetha Vinayaka, the River Cauvery began to flow from the Kamandalam (a pot carried by sages) of Sage Agastya. As the river approached the Chola region, King Haridwajan went to receive her with due honour. However, when Cauvery reached this sacred place, known as Shakti Vanam, she circumambulated Lord Shiva, and entered the earth through a hole. Despite the king's best efforts, he could not bring Cauvery out. The king sought the help of Sage Heranda, who prayed to Lord Shiva. A divine voice (Asareeri) revealed that only a sage or a king with long, thick hair (Jadamudi) could retrieve the river. Sage Heranda entered the hole, and Cauvery emerged, flowing again to benefit the people. Since Cauvery reappeared and flowed in a semi-circle around the temple, the place was named Thiruvalanchuzhi (meaning "curving to the right").

1. Indra’s Relief from a Curse

Lord Indra, the king of the Devas, was cursed due to his improper behaviour toward Ahalya, the wife of Sage Gautama. In his quest for relief from the curse, Indra carried Lord Swetha Vinayaka with him while worshipping Lord Shiva at various temples. Eventually, at Thiruvalanchuzhi, Swetha Vinayaka expressed a desire to remain permanently. Lord Shiva appeared as a young boy, whom Indra asked to hold the Vinayaka idol while he worshipped. The boy placed the idol on the ground and vanished. When Indra returned, he was unable to lift the idol. After multiple efforts, including attempts by a divine sculptor to move the idol, a divine voice instructed Indra to worship Swetha Vinayaka at this temple on every Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September). It is believed that Indra continues to visit the temple on this day for worship.

1. Rituals for Swetha Vinayaka

Since Lord Swetha Vinayaka is made from sea foam, the idol is not touched directly. No abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed on the idol, and no flowers, clothing, or sandal paste are placed on him. Instead, powdered Borneol (Pachai Karpooram) is gently sprinkled on the idol without direct contact.

1. Vinayaka’s Army Camps

Just as Lord Muruga has six sacred Padai Veedu (army camps), Lord Vinayaka is said to have ten sacred places, including Thiruvalanchuzhi. These are considered holy spots where Lord Vinayaka's presence is particularly strong.

1. Vinayaka’s Marriages

Another legend associated with this temple is the marriage of Lord Vinayaka. It is believed that Lord Vinayaka married Indiradevi Kamalambal, who was born from the eyes of Lord Vishnu, and Buddhi Devi, born from the speech of Lord Brahma, at Thiruvalanchuzhi. Devotees who face obstacles in their marriage prospects often pray to Swetha Vinayaka here for relief.