Rajendra Chozheeswarar (Balasubramaniar Temple),
Periyakulam, Theni
Rajendra Chozheeswarar is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Periyakulam Town in Theni
District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra Chozheeswarar and
Mother is called as Aram Valartha Nayaki. Though Lord Shiva is the presiding
deity in the temple, it is more popularly known as Balasubramaniar temple. The
Temple is situated on the banks of the Varaha River in Periyakulam. This Temple
is believed to be 1000 years old. It is one of the major places of pilgrimage
and a prominent attraction for those who are visiting the district of Theni.
Saint Arunagirinathar had sung Thirupugazh Hymns on Lord Murugan of this
Temple.
Legends
Lord Murugan gave salvation to Pig:
During the 10th century,
Chola Emperor Rajendra Chozhan who ruled this area, came to the Agamalai forest
which is situated western side of the Varaga Nadhi. He was on hunting
expedition, at the time of hunting, he hunted a wild pig which was feeding milk
to its kids. The wild pig was killed. The piglets of the dead wild pig cried
for milk. At that time because of the mercy of Lord Muruga, the piglets got
milk from the dead wild pig. The King saw that and built a temple for Lord
Balamurugan and create a city near to the temple named Kulandhai Managaram.
Because of the mercy of Lord Muruga, the dead wild pig had got place in heaven.
The sculpture of these story can be viewed in the Temple.
Equivalent to Kasi:
This temple is considered
equal to Kasi. Since Brahma Theertha runs in this river it is believed that any
incurable disease is cured when we have a bath in this river water.
Etymology:
The name of this town derived
from two Tamil words equivalent to Big lake (in Tamil Periya means Big Kulam means
Pond). In Tamil literature, the name of this town comes as Kulandhai Managaram.
The
Temple
As the temple was built by
Rajendra Chozha, in popular terms, this is called as Big Temple. This Temple is
having 5 tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra
Chozheeswarar and Mother is called as Aram Valartha Nayaki. Lord Rajendra
Chozheeswarar and Mother Aram Valartha Nayaki bless the devotees from their
respective shrines with separate flag posts-Kodimaram each. Though Lord Shiva
is the presiding deity in the temple, it is more popularly known as
Balasubramaniar temple.
Lord Muruga graces the
devotees with his six merciful faces accompanied by his consorts Valli and
Deivanai. The signs of the 27 stars and the 12 zodiac signs are shown on the
roof of the Peacock Mandapam opposite Lord Muruga shrine. Lord Shiva, Mother
Ambica and Lord Muruga grace the devotees from this single temple. This temple
has three Kodimarams facing each shrine respectively.
Nataraja, Ekambareswarar,
Jambukeswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Kanni Moola Ganapathy, Juradevar, 63
Nayanmars, Bhairava and Vishnu, Sun and Moon with their consorts, Saptha
Kannikas, planets Rahu and Ketu grace the devotees from separate shrines in the
prakara. Speaking volumes of the skill of Chola temple architecture, the
pillars have the sculptures of Agora Veerabhadra, Rudra Thandava Murthi,
Manmatha and Mother Durga. There is a statue for Lord Ruthra Thandava Moorthy
in this temple.
Next to Thirukadavur temple, a
statue for Lord Mrithugnar is also in this temple. As the shrine of Lord
Mrutyunjaya also is in the temple, many celebrate their 60th and 80th birthdays
here. Nearer to this temple, a small temple for Azhagu Natchiamman with a
beautiful garden is situated. The temple is on the banks of River Varaha
considered as sacred as the holy Ganga. There are two Marudha trees-one male
and the other female on the river bank. It is also called Brahmma Theertham.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from
6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Chithirai Thiruvizha in
April-May; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July- August; Thai
Poosam in January-February; Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November;
Tirukarthikai in November-December and Panguni Brahmmotsavam are the festivals
celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
For any health problem, people
bathe in the sacred spring and pray to Lord Muruga for relief. Devotees perform
abishek and pujas to Lord offering vastras.
Contact
Rajendra Chozheeswarar
(Balasubramaniar Temple),
Periyakulam – 625 601
Phone: +91 94885
53077
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
250 meters from Periyakulam Government Hospital Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Periyakulam
Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Vaigai Dam, 17 Kms from Theni Railway Station, 27 Kms
from Vathalagundu, 72 Kms from Kodaikanal, 82 Kms from Madurai and 93 Kms from
Madurai Airport. The Temple is situated in the Periyakulam – Sothuparai Road. Bus
facilities are conveniently available.
Location
Location