Arulmigu Vellai Pillaiyar Temple - Thiruvalanchuzh, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple

At a distance of 8 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, the Vellai Pillaiyar Temple, also known as Sri Kapartheeswarar Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Thiruvalanchuzhi village near Kumbakonam in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Sri Kapartheeswarar or Sri Karpaganatheswarar, alongside goddess Periyanayaki. Situated near Swamimalai, this temple ranks as the 88th among the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams devoted to Lord Shiva and is the 25th temple located on the southern banks of the Cauvery River. Though the main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, the temple is better known by the name Vellai Pillaiyar Thirukkovil. Lord Ganapathi, whom we have always seen alone in all the temples, is seen seated along with Vani and Kamalambigai in this temple. It is one of the must-include places in Kumbakonam holiday packages.

History of Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple

The earliest sections of the current masonry structure date back to the Chola dynasty, with subsequent expansions occurring in later periods, including those attributed to the Thanjai Nayaks in the 16th century. Numerous inscriptions linked to the temple highlight contributions from Rajaraja I, a donation of gold to the deity by his daughter Kundavai, as well as various offerings from Rajendra I and his queen, Valavan Mahadeviar. The presence of Buddhist images from the Chola period in the temple show influence of Buddhist tradition in the region. The temple is overseen and managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple

The temple is famous for its small White Ganapathi idol, which is thought to be made from sea foam, earning Lord Vinayakar the alternative name of Norai Pillayar. The temple's legend describes how the Devas began the churning of the ocean, utilizing Mandara Mountain as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. Due to their failure to conduct the customary Ganapathi Pooja, Vasuki released poison into the ocean, threatening the very existence of the world. In their urgency, the Devas appealed to Lord Shiva for help, who advised them to worship Lord Vinayaka. Following this guidance, the Devas returned to Palkadal, created an idol of Lord Vinayaka from sea foam, and offered their prayers. Their sincere devotion resulted in the successful retrieval of 'amruth' from the ocean. The current pillaiyar at the temple is believed to be the same one to whom Indira offered worship and subsequently left in Thiruvalanchuzhi for the benefit of others. It is said that even today, Indira visits to perform pooja on the auspicious occasion of Pillaiyar Chathurthi.

Architecture of Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple

The temple, oriented towards the west, features a seven-tiered gopuram, and comprises three distinct precincts. The outermost precinct contains the temple tank, a Bhairava shrine attributed to Loga Mahadevi, the queen of Rajaraja III, as well as a shrine dedicated to Kshetrapala Devar. The second precinct is home to the Swetha Vinayagar shrine, which is adorned with intricately designed pillared halls. This shrine is centrally positioned in alignment with both the gateway tower and the sanctum.

Within the square-shaped sanctum of the first precinct resides the image of Kapartheeswarar in the form of a Linga. The elegant Ambal, referred to as Periyanayagi, is depicted in a standing posture within a separate sannidhi, located to the right of Karpaganathar. Additionally, in a distinct shrine situated in the inner prakaram, a striking six-faced Murugan with twelve hands is depicted seated on a peacock, accompanied by his wives, Valli and Deivayanai, who are portrayed in standing positions beside him. There is also a separate shrine dedicated to Astabhuja Kali.

Festivals of Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple

The Vellai Pillaiyar Temple located in Thiruvalanchuzhi observes various festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Maha Shivaratri, Thiru Karthikai, as well as monthly ceremonies like Sankatahara Chaturthi, Krithigai, and Pradosham. Among these, Ganesh Chaturthi stands out as the principal festival, celebrated over a span of 10 days with active involvement from the entire village.

Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Vellai Pillaiyar Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple

The most favorable time to visit Vellai Pillaiyar Temple is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are milder. Additionally, the winter season coincides with significant events such as the annual 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival and Maha Shivaratri, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors. During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated with vibrant lights, drawing in thousands of tourists and pilgrims eager to join in the celebrations. It is recommended to steer clear of the peak summer period from April to June, as the heat in Tamil Nadu can be quite severe, making visits to the temple less enjoyable.

How to Reach Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Pillaiyar Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station offers extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services are available to Kumbakonam from all regions of Tamil Nadu. About 8 Km away, one can take a bus or hire an auto-rickshaw or cab from Kumbakonam to reach the Thiruvalanchuzhi.