Suruli Malai Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Theni

Address

Suruli Malai, Uthamapalayam Taluk,

Theni District – 625 521

Phone: +91 4554 276 715

Moolavar

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy

Introduction

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Suruli Malai near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Bhoodha Narayana Swamy. Suruli Malai was also called as Suruthi Malai in ancient times. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The Temple is located close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Andavar Temple. The hill has many water resources with rich medicinal properties coupled with religious importance. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Suruli Falls, 124 Kms from Madurai and 141 Kms from Madurai Airport.

Puranic Significance

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy:

Ravana performed severe penance on Lord Shiva and acquired the power of keeping all the 14 worlds, their subjects, planets and the 12 zodiac routes, 27 stars under his single command. He harassed every being. All of them reached Lord Vishnu through a mysterious path and submitted their prayers for relief from the cruelties of Ravana. Ravana found all had left. He sent Saturn to find them who only returned with an empty message. He ordered Sage Narada to find the Devas. Narada on his way met a sage performing penance among anthills and enquired him if he knew where Devas were then. The sage told Narada the place where they were discussing with Lord Vishnu. Knowing their whereabouts, Ravana set out with his huge army to capture the Devas and others. Lord Vishnu in a huge form covering both earth and sky combining the powers of water, earth, space, fire and air (Pancha Bhoodas) blocked the march of Ravana and his men. He was all furious spitting fire. Ravana could not stand the Bhooda Rupa of Lord and simply retreated to protect himself. Devas came to Lord Vishnu, offered him rice food with their prayers. Lord was softened. That Lord Bhoodha Narayana is protecting us from this holy land.

Equivalent to Kashi / Rameshwaram:

As the Suruli falls is the confluence of three rivers – Suruli, Venni and Kannimar, this place is considered a Triveni Sangamam (similar to Prayag in Allahabad). Hence the local people, who are unable to go to Kashi / Rameswaram for performing rites for their ancestors, perform the rituals in this place.

Neduvel Kundram:

According to history, Kannagi of Silapathikaram fame, left the Pandya capital Madurai after furiously burning it travelled through Suruli Malai then known as Neduvel Kundram and reached Gudalur Vannathiparai. The hill had mention in the celebrated Tamil epic Silapathikaram

Place for performing penance: Siddhas, Sages and Devas in the celestial world chose this place for performing penance.

Beliefs

Bathing in Surabi River and worshipping the Lord cleanses people from all sins promising a peaceful life. They get their wishes fulfilled and cured of all ailments. Those unable to visit Kasi or Rameswaram to perform the ceremonies for their ancestors, do it here. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and offer garlands with coconuts, fruits etc. as nivedhana.

Special Features

The Temple is situated close to famous Suruli Falls and Suruli Andavar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Bhoodha Narayana Swamy. He is gracing the devotees in standing posture. There are shrines for Lords Ugra Narasimha, Dakshinamurthy, Vallabha Ganapathy and Navagrahas in the prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is Pulichi Tree and Theertham associated with this Temple is Surabi Theertham.

Festivals

Three weeks Chithirai festival in April-May is the main festival of the temple. Special pujas and abishekams are dedicated to Lord on the Aadi new moon day in July-August, Thai new moon day in January-February, Tamil New Year day in April and Chitra full moon day in April-May