Bala Murugan Temple, Rathnagiri – The Temple
As Ratnagiri Bala Murugan temple is located on top
of a small hill, there is flight of steps to reach the hilltop. However,
nowadays the vehicles go right upto the temple. The very first shrine that
would welcome the devotee is Karpaga Vinayaka. After that there is a shrine
that enshrines Lord Murugan along with his consorts Valli and Devasena as metal
(procession/Utsava) idols. Adjacent to that, there is another shrine of Shanmukha
(Murugan with six heads) along with Valli and Devasena. These are also metal
processional idols. The rare depiction in this shrine is that you can find
Brahma on top of elephant in front of Murugan.
The sanctum enshrines Bala Murugan along with his
consorts Valli and Devasena. The idol of the presiding deity Bala Murugan is
very beautiful. The wall surrounding the shrine has the small niche images of
Ganesha, Dhakshinamoorthi, Murugan, Brahma and Durga. Chandikeswara is found
near Brahma. Separate pathways were laid to ascend and descend the hill. A
chariot made of granite was made and the main deity was installed there to
facilitate renovation of the sanctum sanctorum. Two temples for Lord Ganesha
were built at the foothill and uphill. A golden chariot was made for the Lord
Murugan to circumambulate the shrine. Ornaments of gold, silver and precious
stones were made to decorate the idol.
The entire Temple is covered by 3 storey high
ceilings with Hugh pillars which ensure that pilgrims are protected from the
heat\Sun and at the same time have sufficient air circulation. The sannidhis
are well spaced out and should accommodate a decent enough crowd. The granite
floors ensure a soothing walking surface. The temple is also maintained clean
and spotless. One of the special feature of this temple is that the prayers and
archanai or holy verses are recited in the local language Tamil.
It is believed that the divine power in the temple
manifests its blessings in three forms
1. In the form of the Lord Murugan idol in the
shrine
2. In the form of the guru Swami Balamurugan Adimai
3. In the form of the devotee.
