The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Kumbabishekam of Tiruvalanchuzhi temple

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Thursday, Feb 28, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Kumbabishekam of Tiruvalanchuzhi temple

Special Correspondent

Yagasala pujas to commence on March 14

Works worth Rs.1.25 crore nearing completion
Donations invited from devotees

Kumbakonam: Mahakumbabishekam of Sri Kapartheeswarar Temple at Tiruvalanchuzhi near Kumbakonam will take place on March 17 according to C. Lakshmanan, Deputy Commissioner and Executive Officer of the temple.

Renovation works taken up at a cost of Rs.1.25 crore are nearing completion, Lakshmanan said. The temple has a Rajagopuram, two small gopurams called Katta gopurams, two vimanas, five mandapams and five walls. All have been renovated.

The temple built during the Chola period is located on a sprawling 3.80 lakh sq ft. The temple has 114 inscriptions and pillars with intricate sculptures. As Cauvery River went round the temple, the place is called Tiruvalanchuzhi. The principal deity is called Kapartheeswarar and his consort Periyanayagi.

The temple is unique in having a separate temple for Sani Bhagawan (Saturn) one of the Navagrahas and the God is facing east before whom Surya Bhagawan is located.

Another unique feature of the temple is ‘Vellai Pillaiyar’ Temple. The Lord Ganesha here is made of the foam from sea. No abishekam is performed to this Lord. Legend has it that devas led by Indra failed to worship Lord Ganesha before churning Tiruparakadal. Amirtham was not coming and they realised the mistake that they had to perform pujas to Lord Ganesha. They made a Pillaiyar out of the foam of the sea and worshipped Him. When they tried to remove it after puja it remained stay put. The Pillaiar called ‘Vella Pillaiyar’ has Indra vimana structure like temple upon it. There is a window in front of it carved out of single stone.

There is a separate temple for Bairavar called Kshetra Balagar. The temple has a tank called Jadayu Theertham. There is a temple for Ekaveeriyamman. Thirugnanasambandar has sung in praise of the temple.

Out of the total amount of Rs.1.25 crore, donor’s contribution is Rs.41.12 lakh, temple fund Rs.48.63 lakh and Tourism Department fund Rs.16 lakh.

Yagasala pujas start on March 14. Devotees can send their contributions to Deputy Commissioner/Executive Officer, Arulmigu Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swami Malai, Thanjavur district, Pincode: 612 302.

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