TIRUVALANJULI - SIVAN TIRUKKOVIL

This is an ancient Tirukkovil patronised by devout Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The Sivalinga was worshipped by Indra and many sages like Herindar. The Sthalapurana gives a fantastic account of Vinayaka, popular as Swetavinayakar due to the white colour of the image. It is installed in front of the famous Sivan Tirukkovil. This Vinayaka image, it seems was not given due recognition by gods and so it went without worship. Once when Indra visited to worship the powerful Sivalinga of this place, he found Vinayakar neglected. He decided to take possession and install it in some proper place after his worship of Sivalinga. When he attempted to lift the image later, it could not be. Then there heard an aerial voice bidding him not to change the place, but offering soulful prayer would bring unbounded merit and solace here itself. He then started regular worship and later people followed suit.

Harindar Maharshi is said to have worshipped the Sivalinga and Vinayakar regularly before his disappearing into underground passage through which river Cauvery reached the nether world. But it again reappeared and proceeded to merge in the sea, irrigating the lands on its course for the welfare of Chola rulers, being pleased with their theistic activities and Dharmaparipalana. Finding it imbued with mystic powers of the deities, the rulers endowed the Tirukkovil in several ways. It lies surrounded by a beautiful garden. The Sivankovil contains all the Saivate gods in grand niches but are falling down due to inadequate attention and renovation.

It lies 5 Km off Kumbhakonam and accessible by town bus.

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