Palani Murugan Temple – Bala Samudram Ahobila
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
It is located 6kms South of Palani Dhandayuthapani
temple is the 500year old Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal temple in Bala Samudram.
The temple in its current form and structure is believed to have been built in
1504 AD by Obula Kunda Nayak, who ruled this region. He was originally from
Ahobilam and was keen to build a Perumal temple here. Indication of the
centuries old existence is the strong granite structure of the complex housing
Lord Varadaraja Perumal that is so symbolic of ancient temples.
Dasavathara Idols inside the Perundevi Thaayar Sannidhi
is a special feature. One finds 12 Raasis sculpted on a single stone on top of
the Maha Mandapa.
In memory of his home town, the Lord here came to be
referred to as Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal. The handsome looking Varadaraja
Perumal is seen in a standing posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi by his side.
Dasavathara Idols
A special feature at the temple is the presence of
ancient Dasavathara idols inside the Perundevi Thaayar Sannidhi.
Liberation from Doshams
Another feature is the presence of 12 Rasis sculpted on
a stone in the Maha Mandapa. Visiting this temple and offering sincere prayers
here is believed to relieve one from doshams.
Festivals
·
11 days Brahmotsavam in
Avani- Chariot Festival on Avani Revathy.
· 11 days Era Pathu Utsavam
in Margazhi following the Paramapada Vaasal opening.
· On Puratasi Saturdays, a
Bhajan takes place from 9pm on Saturday evening till 7am Sunday morning.
· On the Moolam day in
Margazhi, there is a special Abhishekam for Anjaneya.
·
A homam is performed in
Vaikasi on the occasion of Narasimha Jayanthi.
·
Every month, on Swathi
there is a special Abhishekam for Lord Narasimha between 6am and 730 am.
Ancient Vahanas
There are four Vahanas that date back several centuries.
During the Brahmotsavam, Lord Varadaraja goes out on a procession around the
streets of Bala Samudram on the Garuda Vahana, Hanumantha Vahana and Sapparam.
Parikara Sthalam
As a solution to real estate problems, a special pooja
is performed with ground nut invoking the blessings of Varaha Perumal.
A three Raja Gopuram is being planned at the Eastern
entrance.
Quick Facts
Moolavar
: Ahobila Varadaraja Perumal in an east facing standing posture
Thaayar
: Perundevi Thaayar
Time
: 8am-12noon and 4pm-8pm
Contact :
R. Raghavan @ 99409 06500
Connectivity
Town buses are available for every 30 minutes from
Palani bus stand to Bala Samudram. Also, mini buses ply between Palani and Bala
Samudram every half an hour. Auto from Palani bus stand to the temple will cost
Rs. 100-120.