Bala Dhandapani Temple, Elk
Hills, Ooty, Nilgiris
Bala Dhandapani Temple is a Hindu Temple
dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Elk Hills in Ooty Town
in Ooty Taluk of Nilgiris District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is one of the Murugan
temple, located at the highest altitude in the world at about 7500 ft above
sea level. The Temple is believed to be 500 years old. Elk Hills was
called as Maankundram in ancient period. This temple is under the Hindu
religious Endowment Board and taken care by Mariamman temple Ooty.
Legends
A couple once went to Palani
seeking child boon. After realizing their wish, they could not go to Palani for
some reason or other. Lord Murugan appeared in their dream and asked them to
raise a temple for him in this hill. The couple was happy, raised the temple
and worshipped him as their prayer commitment. It later became famous in the
region. As the Elk family Deers were large in number in the area, the place came
to be known as Elk Hills.
History
Though it is said to be in
existence for over 500 years by the Badaga community, the present temple is a
recent one. When the temple was established, it had only the hilly
trail. Later, to fulfill the sentiments of the Murugan devotees who
desire to climb steps to reach the Lord, 108 steps were carved on the hill
face. The Maharaja of Nilambur in Kerala has also made considerable
contribution in the establishment of this temple, including gifting the land.
The Temple
The temple is situated at a height
of 7,500 feet. The Hill Temple can be reached after climbing the 108 steps. The
Temple is having a three-tiered Rajagopuram. Flag Staff (Dwaja Sthambamm) and Ardha
Mandapam can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity
is called as Bala Dhandapani. The Lord Murugan sanctum is almost on the rock. He
looks very similar to Palani Murugan.
He is holding the Thanda on the
left hand and resting his right hand on the hip and Akshara Mala around his
head. A rock touching the sanctum of the Badugar temple looks like Perumal
in a reclining position. Neela Narayana Theertham can be found adjacent to the sanctum. The water from the theertham is used for all Abhishekams. Sthala Vriksham is Shenbaga
Tree.
There is a huge statue of Murugan nearly 40 feet tall on the left side of the temple. It is considered as one of the
tallest Murugan statue in India and the design of this statue is similar to the
one seen in Batu Caves, Malaysia. Though it is a small temple, there are
separate shrines for Patha Vinayagar, Siddhi Vinayakar, Kotravai Amman, Jalakandeswari,
Jalakandeswarar, Badrakali, Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar and Ashta Durga.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from
6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
5 days Thaipoosam festival in
January-February, Panguni Uthiram in March-April, Skanda Sashti in
October-November, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June and days related to Murugan
worship are the festivals celebrated in the temple besides Deepavali, Pongal
and new year days, drawing huge crowds.
Prayers
Worshipping Lord Murugan
benefits the devotee with happy wed lock, child boon and all family welfare.
Going uphill to the temple through the natural healthy breeze in the serene
environment cures the devotee from blood pressure, breathing difficulties,
joint pains and other physical problems. Ear boring, tonsuring, carrying Kavadi
and milk pots, observing Krthika fasting, poor feeding, contributing to temple
maintenance and renovations are the prayer commitments followed by devotees.
Contact
Bala Dhandapani Swami Temple,
Elk Hills, Ooty,
Nilgiris District – 643 001
Mobile: +91 94430 46763
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 4 Kms
from Ooty, 3 Kms from Ooty Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Ooty Railway Station, 18 Kms
from Coonoor, 31 Kms from Kotagiri, 49 Kms from Mettupalayam Railway Station,
83 Kms from Coimbatore and 86 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. Ooty is well
connected to Coimbatore, Kerala and Karnataka.
Location
