Pralayam Katha Vinayakar Temple, literally translated as the Ganesha Who Saves the World from Pralaya (Destruction/Great Deluge). The Ganesha at this temple is unique from all others and his importance is paramount.
Legend:
During the Krita Yuga, Lord Shiva asked Lord Ganesha to save the world from the Great Deluge or Pralaya caused during the gestation period of Rahu. Lord Ganesha created a well on the east side of this temple tank and channeled all the 7 seas into that well and controlled the deluge and saved the world. This well is known as Yezhu Kadal Kinaru (7 Sea well). This village is known as Thirupurambiyam since during the great deluge, flood stopped away from this village.
Lord Varuna created an idol of Lord Ganesha from sea shells and other materials obtained from the sea and worshiped Him as Pralayam Katha Vinayakar (Ganesha who saved the place from deluge).
Pooja at temple
This Idol of Ganesha is still worshiped in this temple. On the night before Ganesha’s Birthday,( Vinayka Chathurthi) a special abisheka called Thenabishekam is performed for the Ganesha idol which means abisheka with only honey. Nearly 100 kgs of honey is used to anoint the idol of the Vinayagar, a “suyambu” (self) formation.
This event is held only on Vinayka Chathurthi every year, and is performed all through the night. It is believed that the honey is absorbed by the idol, making the event a unique one and it is a wonderful experience to watch that all the honey that is being poured on the idol is being drawn into the idol and at the end of the abishekam the Ganesha deity turns a crimson color.
Location:
Thirupurambiyam is situated on the river side of Kollidam 11Kms away from Kumbakonam.
