Teynampet Balasubramanya Swamy Temple, Chennai

Address

Eldams Road, Teynampet,

Chennai District – 600 018

Phone: +91 44 2435 1892 Mobile: +91 98841 72712 / 98410 53511

Moolavar

Balasubramanya Swamy

Introduction

The Balasubramanya Swamy Temple in Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a significant religious site dedicated to Lord Murugan, one of the popular deities in South India.

Puranic Significance

Name and Origin: Originally known as the Ramalingeswarar Temple, this temple primarily worshiped Lord Shiva. However, it underwent a transformation approximately 500 years ago, with the addition of a shrine for Lord Murugan and his consorts Valli and Deivanai, along with a grand Rajagopuram. As a result, people began referring to it as the Balasubramanya Swamy Temple.
Lord Brahma’s Encounter: The temple also features a unique form of Lord Muruga known as Brahma Sastha. According to the temple’s lore, Lord Muruga once encountered Lord Brahma during his visit to Kailash. Despite being a little boy, Muruga questioned Lord Brahma about his position and qualifications, showcasing his wisdom and knowledge. In the temple, you can find an idol of Lord Muruga in a pose symbolizing this encounter.
Miraculous Water Spring: There is a story of Lord Muruga helping a pilgrim who needed water for bathing and worship. When the pilgrim asked local people for a source of water, a young boy (believed to be Lord Muruga) struck the ground with his Vel (sacred spear), creating a spring. This act led to the pilgrim’s joy, and it is believed that Lord Muruga granted darshan to him and decided to stay as Lord Balasubramanya at this location.

Beliefs

Devotees worship Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva for overcoming marriage obstacles and longevity for Husband’s life.

Special Features

Kai Kotutha Kai: Another legend associated with the temple involves a devoted woman named Murugamaiyaar, who was known for her unwavering meditation on Lord Muruga. Her husband, doubting her chastity, cut off her hand. However, she continued her meditation, and Lord Muruga appeared before her, restoring her hand and her physical well-being.
Idol and Deities: While the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Ramalingeswarar, the temple is renowned for its worship of Lord Murugan, particularly Lord Balasubramanya, who is around 4.5 feet tall and stands in a posture. The temple also houses the sanctum of Saint Arunagirinathar. Notably, all the idols in the temple, except for that of Muruga, are sculpted in emerald stone. A unique feature is the emerald stone peacock.
Valli and Murugan: One special aspect of the temple is the depiction of Lord Muruga and his spouse Valli standing hand in hand. Worshipping this form of the divine couple on the Poosam star day is believed to bring blessings and help in getting married quickly, as it is said to symbolize the wedding of Valli and Murugan on the Poosam star day.

Festivals

The temple celebrates various festivals, including Aadi Fridays, Pongal, Monthly Pradoshams, Thai Poosam, Tamil New Year, Chithra Pournami, Arudra Darshanam, Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Kandha Sashti, Avani Sukala Chathurthi, and Monthly Kiruthigai.