STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA
TAMIL NADU
near Kumbakonam -
Thiruvalanchuzhi
by Lalitha Venkat
The ancient Vinayaka
temple in Thiruvalanchuzhi (about 8km from Kumbakonam) is noted for its
great dimensions and architectural grandeur.
The idol is
white in color and hence the name Sweta Vinayaka. According to legend,
the Devas did not worship Vinayaka before churning the Ocean of Milk to
get nectar, so they got poison instead of nectar. When reminded of their
negligence, they made an idol of Vinayaka from the foam of the sea. Hence
the white color of the deity.
Believers attach
great importance to the white vinayaka with the trunk turned right.
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