Wherever there is a hill, Lord Murugan resides there as a deity.
-Ancient Hindu Scripture
Do you know there is a Balamurugan Temple in the Vellore district, near the Arcot of Ranipet? Arulmigu Balamurugan Tirukkovil is one of the most famous temples in Rathinagiri, Tamil Nadu. Situated on the southern banks of the Palar River, this temple is a major tourist destination and a holy place for the devotees of Hinduism.
Rathinagiri is a spiritual home since thousands of pilgrims come to visit and take blessings from Lord Muruga. It has a unique story to tell the world, one of love, dedication and devotion. Let’s explore the history and the unique story of the temple together. Stay with us till the end.
History and Significance of Arulmigu Balamurugan Tirukkovil
Arulmigu Balamurugan Tirukkovil is a 14th-century religious construction built by Arunagirinathar, the renowned Shaiva saint and poet. He was a dedicated devotee of Lord Mururuga.
“Rathinagiri Vazh Murugane Ilaya Vaaramarar Perumaley” (Lord Murugan, the God of Devas, resides in the Rathinagiri hills.) – Arunagirinathar
The temple was made of sand originally. But it is believed that, as time passed, the sand structure turned into stone.
There was a time when the temple didn’t get enough money and resources to take care of it properly, which led the temple into bad conditions. It was ‘Tavatiru Balamurugan Adimai’ who worked behind what we see today in the temple.
The Story of Tavatiru Balamurugan Adimai
The story of Balamurugan temple would be incomplete without mentioning Balamurugan Adimai, a dedicated devotee who spent most of his life in the temple working towards its development. He is the man behind the temple’s present glory.
This man has a very interesting story to tell those who visit the temple, one of how an ordinary man became a leading force in uplifting not only the temple but the whole community. He was born as the son of Kandasami Mudaliar and Singarammal in Kilminnal village near Rathinagiri.
His parents named him Dakshinamurthy and Sachidanandan. He was working as a clerk in the electricity department when he was 27 years old. On 20th March 1968, when he was offering his usual prayer to Lord Murugan in the Balamurugan Temple, he noticed the condition of the temple, which was in a neglected state.
When he was walking around the temple with a heavy heart due to this, he fainted and had a divine awakening. From that day onwards, he left behind the life he was leading and vowed to be silent until the temple was restored.
It’s been long since he started working hard towards his goal and successfully achieved it. Today he is a spiritual guide to the people of Rathinagiri and a social activist. People come from various parts of the country to get their blessings.
It is believed that there are three forms in which Lord Murugan manifests.
- In the form of the idol
- In the form of guru.
- In the form of devotee.
In Rathinagiri, Lord Balamurugan manifests in 2 forms. One is in the form of the idol with his two consorts, Valli and Teyvanai, and the other is in the form of Guru Swami Balamurugan Adimai. If you want to get blessed seeing the living manifestation of Murugan, you better start packing for Rathinagiri.
The Unique Architecture and Design
Arulmigu Balamurugan Temple was a sand shrine once. Today it is an eye-catching granite structure with unique designs, paintings and carvings that depict the story of the devotion and love of Lord Murugan.
There are 150 steps to reach the main shrine, where you get to see the idol. When you visit Balamurugan Temple in Rathinagiri, you get blessings from Lord Vinayaka, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara and Goddess Durga.
The temple consists of two small temples devoted to Lord Vinayaka at the top and bottom of the Rathinagiri hill. At the initial stage, the size of the temple was only 200 square feet. But today, it is a 30,000-square feet gorgeous granite structure with a massive tower at the entrance.
The Main Deity: Lord Murugan
Murugan is revered in Tamil culture as a protector and guide who is an inspiring figure of unwavering strength, purity, wisdom, and grace. When you go through the mythology of Hinduism, you’ll understand why Tamil people celebrate him.
Murugan’s life is filled with tales of his divine birth, his triumph over the demon Surapadman, and his teaching of the sacred Om syllable to his own father, Shiva. These stories underscore his role as a divine warrior and a wise teacher, symbolizing both physical and spiritual strength.
In Tamil Nadu, there are 6 temples dedicated to Murugan that depict six stages of his legend. They are collectively called ‘Aru Padai Veedugal’, with each of them having unique history behind them.
Temple Location (District) Significance Unique Feature Palani Murugan Temple Dindigul Known for Murugan’s aspect as a renunciation and healer; Murugan chose to stay here in humility after a divine dispute. The idol is made using medicinal herbs Thiruchendur Murugan Temple Thoothukudi Worshiped as a divine warrior who defeated the demon Surapadman. Situated on the seashore, Soorasamharam festival is celebrated here Swamimalai Murugan Temple Thanjavur Represents Murugan as a divine teacher who taught the meaning of “Om” to Lord Shiva. Three-level structure symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment. Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple Madurai Site of Murugan’s marriage to Deivayanai, symbolizing love and unity. Rock-cut architecture built into a hill, dating back to the 8th century. Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple Madurai Depicts Murugan in a benevolent form, blessing devotees with his consorts Valli and Deivayanai. Located in a forested area, symbolizing fertility and nurturing. Thiruthani Murugan Temple Tiruvallur Marks Murugan’s attainment of inner peace and wisdom after defeating Surapadman. Hilltop location with 365 steps, representing days of the year, offering panoramic views. Festivals and Rituals
Every occasion related to Lord Muruga is celebrated in the temple. The day when Swamiji Adimai had his first enlightenment is also celebrated every year. It is during these times the temple has the most visitors.
Celebration Significance Timing Ādi Krittika Lord Murugan’s Birthday Ādi month (July-August) Ādi Velli Auspicious Friday dedicated to Goddess worship Fridays in Ādi month (August or September) Kanda Shashti Six-day celebration of Murugan’s victory Six days during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) Navaratri Nine-night festival honoring the Goddess Nine nights, typically in September or October Panguni Uthiram Celebrates divine marriages of Shiva and Parvati, Rama and Sita, Muruga and Devasena, Vishnu and Andal. Full moon of Panguni month (March-April) Swamiji’s Enlightenment Anniversary Commemorates Swamiji’s enlightenment 20th March Timings of the Temple
Open time: 6 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm
Abhishekam: 6 am to 10:30 am and 5:30 pm.
Temple office hours: 9 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm.
How to Reach Arulmigu Balamurugan Temple in Rathinagiri?
On airway: 112.1 km to Chennai International Airport
20.8 km to Vellore Airport
On Railway: 7 km to Tiruvalam Railway station.
On Road: 400 m from Rathinagiri bus stand
You have to climb 150 steps to reach the top to get darshan. If you can’t climb this much, there’s a road leading uphill with two hairpin bends from which you can enjoy the beauty of nature around. You can park your vehicle in the parking area up there. There’s only 20 steps from the parking lot, which is a lot easier than climbing 150 steps.
Things to Keep in Mind When You Visit the Temple
- Wear traditional and decent clothes
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes
- Respect other pilgrims
- Smoking is prohibited
- Taking photos are not allowed
Temple Administration and Community Initiatives
The temple administration under the guidance of Balamurugan Adimai, has contributed so much to society. They spent 240 lakh on the construction of the temple and 400 lakh on other social welfare projects, including the building of the hospital.
- Constructed hospital in 1988
- Have about 30 employees
- Provides medicines at discounted prices
- Conducts monthly eye camps
- Free cataract surgery for underprivileged people
- Provides service of medical experts.
- Built schools
- Dug wells
- Constructed roads
Conclusion
Are you someone who loves traveling to places where you can connect with nature and feel spiritually empowered? Then, Arulmigu Balamurugan Temple in Ratnagiri is a must visit place that you shouldn’t miss.
It is a world famous Murugan temple situated at a hillock where you have to travel covering two hairpin bends to reach its top. Here, thousands come and visit every year to get blessings from Lord Murugan.
The temple brings positivity and eradicates all the negativity when you spend some time here. Plan your next trip to Arulmigu Balamurugan Temple and experience the divine power surrounding the temple and get blessed with the vision of Murugan.
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