Vennaimalai Balathandayuthapani Temple, Karur

Address

Vennamalai, Karur district,

Tamil Nadu 639006

Moolavar

Balathandayuthapani

Introduction

Location: The temple is located in Vennaimalai, about 5 km from P. Velur on the way to Karur via Vengamedu, Tamil Nadu.
Age: It is believed to be more than 1500 years old.
Significance: Worship at this temple is said to help devotees achieve progress in all aspects of life.

Puranic Significance

Divine Darshan: According to legend, a Yogi Bhagavan meditated and received the Darshan of Lord Muruga, who instructed him to spread the word of his presence in Vennaimalai hills.
King Karuvur’s Role: The Yogi informed King Karuvur, who built a Mandap under a tree and installed the deity Lord Balasubramaniar there.
Shrines: The king also built shrines for Kasi Viswanatha and Visalakshi to the south of Lord Muruga’s shrine and installed the Shanmugha Yantra on the northern side.
Lord Brahmma’s Penance: The temple’s story also ties to Lord Brahmma’s penance. After becoming proud of his creation abilities, he could no longer continue his work. He was advised by Lord Shiva to perform penance in Vanjivanam, while Kamadhenu, the divine cow, took over the creation of the world and formed a hill of butter with a sweet-water spring, which still cools the hill’s rocks even during summer.
Significance of the Hill: Standing at the hill and meditating is believed to bestow wisdom and liberation from evil influences. Lord Balasubramaniar is considered very graceful here.

Beliefs

Holy Spring: It is believed that a devotee who dips in the holy spring at the foot of the hill, created by the divine cow Kamadhenu, for five consecutive days and worships Lord Balasubramaniar, will be blessed with children and relieved of adverse conditions.

Devotees also perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the idol) and offer Vastras (clothes) to the Lord.

Special Features

Karuvurar Siddhar: The Vennaimalai Murugan Temple, along with Thanjavur Brahadeeswarar Temple and Karur Pasupatheeswarar Temple, is one of the few temples that has a shrine dedicated to the revered Karuvurar Siddhar.

Festivals

The temple celebrates various festivals, including:
- Kruthika star day in the month of Karthikai (November-December).
- All Mondays (especially during Karthikai).
- Thai Poosam in January-February.
- Panguni Uthiram in March-April.