Bala Murugan Temple, Rathnagiri, Vellore

Balamurugan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Rathnagiri Village atop Thirumanikundram Hill in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be built around the 14th century. It is situated on top of a hill. There are 130 steps to the hillock top. Ancient Hindu scriptures say where there is a hill, there is Lord Murugan. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine.

Ratnagiri is a small village near Vellore on the way from Chennai to Bangalore in South India. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung Thiruppugazh on this temple. Of these Tiruchendur, Tiruparankundram, Tiruvavinankudi, Tiruveragam and Palamuthircholai are famous shrines, collectively called ‘Kundruthoradal’. The holy shrine at Rathinagiri also features in this category.

Temple Opening Time

• Darshan Timings:6.00 am – 1.00 pm & 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm.
• Abhishekam Timings:6.00 am to 10:30 am & 5:30 pm.
• Temple office working hours:9 am to 1 pm & 3 pm to 6 pm.

Festivals

Skanda Shashti is the most important and auspicious festival of the temple when thousands of people gather. In the month of July-August, Aadi Kruthikai is also celebrated with great joy. During the festivals, the idols of Lord Muruga and his wives are decorated with gold and silver. The idols are then taken for a procession on a Golden chariot around the temple.

As the Lord is a Bala – child, Surasamharam does not take place during the Skanda Sashti festival. Tamil New Year Day; Aadi Velli (auspicious Friday in the month of August or September); Navaratri (Nine Nights of the Goddess Festival); Panguni Uttiram; January 1st; The anniversary of Swamiji’s enlightenment 20th March are the other festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.