Periyakulam Rajendra Chozheeswarar (Balasubramaniar Temple), Theni

Address

Periyakulam village,

Theni district– 625 601

Phone: +91 94885 53077

Moolavar

Rajendra Chozheeswarar, Balasubramaniar

Amman

Aram Valartha Nayaki

Introduction

Rajendra Chozheeswarar is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Periyakulam Town in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra Chozheeswarar and Mother is called as Aram Valartha Nayaki. Though Lord Shiva is the presiding deity in the temple, it is more popularly known as Balasubramaniar temple. The Temple is situated on the banks of the Varaha River in Periyakulam. This Temple is believed to be 1500 years old. It is one of the major places of pilgrimage and a prominent attraction for those who are visiting the district of Theni. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung Thirupugazh Hymns on Lord Murugan of this Temple.

Puranic Significance

Lord Murugan gave salvation to Pig:

During the 10th century, Chola Emperor Rajendra Chozhan who ruled this area came to the Agamalai forest which is situated western side of the Varaga Nadhi. He was on hunting expedition, at the time of hunting; he hunted a wild pig which was feeding milk to its kids. The wild pig was killed. The piglets of the dead wild pig cried for milk. At that time because of the mercy of Lord Muruga, the piglets got milk from the dead wild pig. The King saw that and built a temple for Lord Balamurugan and creates a city near to the temple named Kulandhai Managaram. Because of the mercy of Lord Muruga, the dead wild pig had got place in heaven. The sculpture of these stories can be viewed in the Temple.

Equivalent to Kasi:

This temple is considered equal to Kasi. Since Brahma Theertha runs in this river it is believed that any incurable disease is cured when we have a bath in this river water.

Etymology:

The name of this town derived from two Tamil words equivalent to Big Lake (in Tamil Periya means Big Kulam means Pond). In Tamil literature, the name of this town comes as Kulandhai Managaram.

Beliefs

For any health problem, people bathe in the sacred spring and pray to Lord Muruga for relief. Devotees perform abishek and pujas to Lord offering vastras.

Special Features

As the temple was built by Rajendra Chozha, in popular terms, this is called as Big Temple. This Temple is having 5 tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra Chozheeswarar and Mother is called as Aram Valartha Nayaki. Lord Rajendra Chozheeswarar and Mother Aram Valartha Nayaki bless the devotees from their respective shrines with separate flag posts-Kodimaram each. Though Lord Shiva is the presiding deity in the temple, it is more popularly known as Balasubramaniar temple.

Lord Muruga graces the devotees with his six merciful faces accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai. The signs of the 27 stars and the 12 zodiac signs are shown on the roof of the Peacock Mandapam opposite Lord Muruga shrine. Lord Shiva, Mother Ambica and Lord Muruga grace the devotees from this single temple. This temple has three Kodimarams facing each shrine respectively.

Nataraja, Ekambareswarar, Jambukeswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Kanni Moola Ganapathy, Juradevar, 63 Nayanmars, Bhairava and Vishnu, Sun and Moon with their consorts, Saptha Kannikas, planets Rahu and Ketu grace the devotees from separate shrines in the prakara. Speaking volumes of the skill of Chola temple architecture, the pillars have the sculptures of Agora Veerabhadra, Rudra Thandava Murthi, Manmatha and Mother Durga. There is a statue for Lord Ruthra Thandava Moorthy in this temple.

Next to Thirukadavur temple, a statue for Lord Mrithugnar is also in this temple. As the shrine of Lord Mrutyunjaya also is in the temple, many celebrate their 60th and 80th birthdays here. Nearer to this temple, a small temple for Azhagu Natchiamman with a beautiful garden is situated. The temple is on the banks of River Varaha considered as sacred as the holy Ganga. There are two Marudha trees-one male and the other female on the river bank. It is also called Brahmma Theertham.

Festivals

Chithirai Thiruvizha in April-May; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July- August; Thai Poosam in January-February; Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November; Tirukarthikai in November-December and Panguni Brahmmotsavam are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/09/arulmigu-balasubramanya-temple-theni.html