Uthiramerur Balasubramania Swamy Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Uthiramerur Balasubramania Swamy Temple, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu- 603406.

Deity

Balasubramania Swamy

Introduction

• Location: Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Muruga (Balasubramania Swamy).
• Temple Features: Adjacent to Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple, it has a unique landscape with rocky surroundings and a spacious front area, including a recent addition of an Ayyappan Sannidhi.
• Historical Significance: Praised in the Thirupugazh Hymns by Arunagirinathar.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • Dates back to the 8th Century.
  • Built by Jeyam Konda Chozhan.
  • The deity is a Swayambu (self-evolved) representation of Lord Muruga.
• Mythological Story:
  • Known as Ilayanar Velur, where youthful Muruga protected sages from demons.
  • Sage Kashyapa’s hermitage was located here; he prayed to Lord Kadamba Nathar for protection.
  • Lord Muruga, aided by his divine father, defeated the demons and established the temple for Lord Tirukadamba Nathar.
  • The temple stands as a significant site where Muruga performed penance and received his Vel (spear).

Beliefs

• Devotee Practices:
  • Devotees pray for the realization of their wishes.
  • Abishek (ritual bathing) is performed to Lord Muruga, and Kavadis (offerings) are carried by devotees.

Special Features

• Unique Aspects:
  • Elephant as the vahanam (carrier) for Lord Muruga, a rarity in Murugan temples.
  • The main deity, Balasubramaniar, is approximately 5-6 ft. tall and richly adorned.
• Additional Deities: Includes Pillaiyar, Lord Shiva, Skandhar, Shanmugar, and Navagrahas.
• Architectural Highlights:
  • Vast outer Prakaram with Dhwajasthambha (flagpole).
  • Five-tier Rajagopuram and significant sculptures depicting architectural excellence.
• Key Locations:
  • Vel of Lord Muruga is enshrined for public worship.
  • A shrine for Lord Kadambanathar located in the northeast corner.
  • Sumithirai Chandikeswara shrine, a unique feature compared to typical Shiva temples.
• Natural Elements: Asara Kondrai tree serves as the Sthala Viruksham (sacred tree).
• Recent Additions: Ayyappa Sannidhi adds to the temple’s complexity.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations:
  • Aipasi Annabishekam and Skanda Sashti (October-November).
  • Karthikai Deepam (November-December).

Century/Period/Age

8th Century.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Uthiramerur

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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