Suruli Malai Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Theni

Address

Suruli Malai Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple, Theni

Suruli Malai, Uthamapalayam Taluk,

Theni District – 625 521

Phone: +91 4554 276 715

Moolavar

Bhoodha Narayana Swamy

Introduction

• Location: The Bhoodha Narayana Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Suruli Malai near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk, Theni District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is approximately 400 meters from the famous Suruli Falls and around 124 km from Madurai.
• Significance: The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is situated in a place with rich medicinal properties, near various water resources. Suruli Malai was known as Suruthi Malai in ancient times. This location is also close to the Suruli Andavar Temple and holds both religious and medicinal importance.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of Bhoodha Narayana Swamy:
  • Ravana’s Penance: According to legend, Ravana performed severe penance to Lord Shiva and gained the power to control all 14 worlds, including the planets and zodiac signs. This led to widespread suffering, prompting the Devas to approach Lord Vishnu for protection.
  • Lord Vishnu’s Intervention: In response, Lord Vishnu manifested in a huge form, encompassing the five elements (Pancha Bhoodas)—water, earth, space, fire, and air—blocking Ravana’s forces and preventing them from advancing. The Devas offered food to Lord Vishnu, who then softened and protected them. This form of Vishnu is revered as Bhoodha Narayana.
• Equivalent to Kashi and Rameswaram:
  • The Suruli Falls is the confluence of three rivers—Suruli, Venni, and Kannimar—making it a Triveni Sangamam, akin to the holy confluence at Prayag. Local people who cannot travel to Kashi or Rameswaram for ancestral rites perform the rituals here.
• Historical and Literary Significance:
  • Neduvel Kundram: According to the Silapathikaram epic, Kannagi traveled through Suruli Malai (known as Neduvel Kundram) after burning down the Pandya capital Madurai and continued her journey to Gudalur Vannathiparai.
  • The place is also considered sacred for penance by Siddhas, sages, and Devas.

Beliefs:

• Surabi River and Rituals: Devotees believe that bathing in the Surabi River and worshipping Lord Vishnu at the temple can cleanse one of all sins, offering a peaceful life. It is also believed that the temple fulfills wishes and cures ailments.
• Ancestral Rites: People who are unable to visit Kashi or Rameswaram for performing rites for their ancestors come to this temple to perform these ceremonies.
• Devotional Offerings: Devotees perform abishek (ritual bathing) to the deity and offer garlands, coconuts, fruits, and other items as nivedhana (offerings).

Special Features:

• Deity: The presiding deity, Bhoodha Narayana Swamy, is depicted in a standing posture.
• Shrines: The temple has shrines for several deities, including:
  • Ugra Narasimha
  • Dakshinamurthy
  • Vallabha Ganapathy
  • Navagrahas (the nine planets)
• Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): The Pulichi Tree is the sacred tree of the temple.
• Theertham (Sacred Water): The sacred water associated with the temple is Surabi Theertham.

Festivals:

• Main Festival: The temple celebrates a three-week Chithirai festival in April-May.
• Other Important Pujas and Abishekams:
  • Aadi New Moon Day (July-August)
  • Thai New Moon Day (January-February)
  • Tamil New Year Day (April)
  • Chitra Full Moon Day (April-May)

Century/Period

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Suruli

Nearest Railway Station

Madurai Station

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

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