Balasubramaniar Temple, Seelanaickenpatti,
Oothumalai, Salem
Balasubramaniar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in
Seelanaickenpatti, Oothumalai, in Salem district, Tamilnadu. Oothumalai
is about 11 kms from Skandasramam. This hill top temple too is dedicated
to lord Muruga, assuming the name of Balasubramaniar.
It is a
small temple, but very interesting for two reasons: Here, Lord Muruga is seen
holding the neck of his beloved peacock, a unique posture not to be seen in any
other temple. Also, the view from the hill top is amazing and one could capture
a good view of Salem town from here.
This
Temple is situated around 17 kms from Salem junction on top of a hill. Sage
Agastya wrote the Tamil Grammar Agathiyam from this place only.
Legends
According
to the history of the place (Sthalapuranam), Seven Rishis (Saptha Rishis) had
their bath very early in the morning in a spring here, particularly at the time
of the dawn of the New Moon day during the Shivarathri days and performed pujas
to Lord Sadhasiva. That Shiva Siddha, Kanjamalai Siddha, Karadi Siddha, Palani
Bogar lived here is mentioned in Kongumandala Sathagam and Papanasa Purana palm
leaves. Rishi Suga as a parrot and Rishi Kanva performed penance here.
Tamil
language, Sage Agasthya and Lord Muruga are inseparable according to both history
and the scriptures. When Agasthya came to Pothigai, he created the river
Thambaraparani. He stayed in a Muruga temple in the place close to a waterfall.
In course of time, this temple came to be known as Agasthya Temple. According
to researchers, Agasthya wrote the Tamil Grammar Agathiyam from this temple.
It is
believed that Sage Agasthya, during his journey in Tamilnadu could have visited
this temple (Seelanaickenpatti-Oothumalai) where Lord Muruga graces in the
child form.
The
Temple
The
presiding deity Balasubramaniar graces in the temple with His Peacock vehicle
in a standing form. Lord Vinayaka is on His left while Lord Shiva with Nandhi -
Bull vehicle is on the right. The caves in the area indicate the presence of
Jains here in those days. There is also evidence that Sage Agasthya worshipped
Lord Muruga here.
Srichakra
Devi with Yantras having 43 triangles (the diagrammatic representation of the
Alogical Siva-Shakti) related to Shakti worship is installed in the temple.
There is a hermitage also with a Rishipatni (wife of a sage) near the temple.
On the other side, Sage Agasthya is sitting on a tiger skin under a tree.
Kabila Rishi cave also is here whose form in depicted in a sculpture. The
carving has a cow, a tree and a trident.
Swarna
Vinayakar, Agastheeshwarar, Sadasivar, Navagrahas the nine planets grace the
devotees from separate shrines in the temple. Vilwa is the holy tree in the
temple. People pray to Lord Balasubramaniar, Devi Bala Tripurasundari and
Chakradevi for relief from evil aspects and a bright life.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Panguni
Uthiram in March-April, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Vaikasi Visakam in
May-June and Skanda Sashti in Iyppasi – October-November are the festivals
celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those
praying in this temple are blessed with progress in business and prosperity.
Devotees perform abishek to Lord Muruga and offer clothes.
Contact
Sri
Balasubramaniar Temple,
Seelanaickenpatti,
Oothumalai,
Salem
district, Tamilnadu
Connectivity
Oothumalai
Murugan Temple is 6 km from Salem on the Seelanaickenpatti bypass
road. Nearest railway station is located at Salem. Nearest Airport is
located at Trichy & Coimbatore.