The ancient white Ganesha Temple is located at Thiruvalanchuzhi about eight kilometers from Kumbakonam on the way to Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva but Ganesha who is known as Shwetha Vinayaka or Vellai Vinayagar or Norai Pillayar – is more famous. It is believed that the Ganesha murti was made from sea form. The Vellai Vinayakar murti worshipped is pure white. No offerings are made directly to murti as the deity is made of soft white foam. All offerings and decorations are performed on silver and gold frame. The only offering made directly to the deity is edible camphor, which is crushed and sprinkled on the white Ganesha. Story Of Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Vinayakar There were too many obstacles during the famous churning of ocean (samudra manthan). Sage Narada told the Devas and Asuras that they had not offered prayers to Ganesha in the beginning and therefore they are facing various obstacles. Immediately Devas and Asuras sco