Sivagiri Sri Balasubramanya Swamy Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Sivagiri Sri Balasubramanya Swamy Temple, Thirunelveli

 Sivagiri,

Thirunelveli District – 627 757

Phone: +91 – 4636 – 251 015

Moolavar

Balasubramanya Swamy

Introduction

• Location: Sivagiri, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Balasubramaniyar (Muruga) as the main deity; Utsavar is Muthukumarar.
• Theertham: Saravana Poigai.
• Connectivity:
  • Distance: 108 km from Madurai on the Kuttralam route.
  • Transport: Nearest railway station is Rajapalayam; nearest airports are Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance:

• Mythological Backdrop:
  • After defeating the demon Soorapadman, Lord Muruga was en route to Tiruparankundram for his wedding with Mother Deivanai.
  • Sage Agasthya, performing penance, sought darshan of Lord Muruga. Muruga appeared and stayed at this place as per the sage’s wish.
  • Known as Balasubramanya due to the Lord’s childlike form.
• Temple Age: Estimated to be over 1,500 years old.

Beliefs:

Devotees visit for relief from:

• Adverse planetary aspects.
• Paralysis and other health issues.
• Children’s specific problems.

Special Prayers:

• Milk abhishekam and prayers aligned to specific planetary days.

Special Features:

• Unique Iconography:
  • Lord Muruga depicted with turf matted as a crown.
  • A metal plate (thagadu) with zodiac symbols placed at His feet, symbolizing relief from planetary issues.
• Sacred Environment:
  • Situated on Sakthi Malai (Shakti Hill) amidst scenic hills and water sources.
  • Shiva Hill on the left and temple layout follows the Somaskanda tradition (Muruga with Shiva and Shakti on either side).
• Additional Shrines:
  • Lord Sundareswarar and Mother Meenakshi (adjacent shrines).
  • Shrines for Lord Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Navagrahas, Ashtabuja Durga, Bhairava, Idumban, and more.
  • Lingodhbava Shrine: Located on the ghoshta wall with Brahmma and Chandikeswara.
  • Kali Shrine: Located mid-hill, receives first pujas of the day and special pujas on full moon days.
• Significance:
  • Lord Muruga praised as Navagraha Muruga.
  • Anugnai Vinayaka presides over the Pada Mandapam, marking the site of Agasthya’s darshan.

Festivals:

• Major Celebrations:
  • Panguni Brahmmotsavam (March–April): 11 days with Soora Samharam on day 6, wedding festival on day 7, and coronation festival on day 11.
  • Aipasi Skanda Sashti (October–November): 6–7 days, marking the victory over Soorapadman.
  • Vaikasi Visakam (May–June).
  • Masi Magam (February–March).
• Unique Rituals:
  • During Panguni Brahmmotsavam, Lord Muruga appears in three distinct forms reflecting attributes of Shiva (red attire), Brahma (white attire), and Vishnu (green attire).
  • Theerthavari (river bath) on Panguni Uthiram day.
• Commemoration of Saint Tirugnanasambandar:
  • Festival on day 6 of Panguni Brahmmotsavam honors his connection with divine wisdom milk fed by Mother Parvati

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/03/balasubramanya-swamy-temple-sivagiri.html

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Sivagiri

Nearest Railway Station

Rajapalayam

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Location on Map

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