Alavaipatty Sri Bala Subramanya Temple, Namakkal

Address

Alavaipatty Sri Bala Subramanya Temple, Alavaipatty, Rasipuram, Namakkal District- 637505.

Diety

Sri Bala Subramanya

Introduction

The Bala Subramanya Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is located in Alavaipatty Village near Rasipuram in the Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is situated atop a hill with 1500 steps, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. Alavaimalai is part of the Eastern Ghats, and the temple offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

1. The temple is believed to be around 1500 years old, making it a place of historical and cultural importance.
2. Distance from Nearby Places:
   • Rasipuram Old Bus Stand: Approximately 12 kilometers
   • Salem Airport: About 46 kilometers
   • Trichy Airport: Approximately 131 kilometers
3. Name Origin: The name Alavaimalai is derived from the Tamil language. It can be broken down as follows:
   • “Arai” (அரை) – Half
   • “Vazhi” (வழி) – Way
   • “Malai” (மலை) – Hill
4. Deities: The presiding deity of the temple is known as Ekambaranathar, who is a Swayambu Moorthy. The temple is primarily famous for Lord Murugan, who is also known as Bala Subramanyar. There is a separate shrine for Bala Subramanyar within the temple complex. The mother goddess in the temple is called Kamakshi Amman.
5. Siddhars: It is believed that Siddhars, in invisible form, worship the Lord in this temple. Siddhars are mystical saints in Tamil tradition known for their spiritual and healing powers.
6. Hill Temple: The temple is located on a hill and has 1500 steps that span a distance of 2 kilometers. The temple is facing west.
7. Festival Image: The festival image of the hill temple is housed in the Ekambaranathar Temple at the foothills. This temple is surrounded by fortress-like walls.
8. Sthala Vrikshams: The sacred trees (Sthala Vrikshams) associated with the temple are Ilandhai and Vilvam.
9. Inscriptions: There are inscriptions on the hill that reference Poymaankaradu, a nearby hillock where an illusionary figure of a deer appears due to the play of light and the shaping of the rocks. These inscriptions may provide historical and cultural insights into the region.

Festivals

Karthikai Somavaram and Panguni Uthiram are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Century/Period/Age

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Rasipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Salem, Rasipuram

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

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