2017-07fghjtg-12, Bala Murugan Temple, Rathnagiri, Vellore
2017-07fghjtg-12, Bala Murugan Temple, Rathnagiri, Vellore

Bala Murugan Temple, Rathnagiri, Vellore

Date built:–
Deity:Bala Murugan
Architectural style:Dravidian architecture
Major festivals–
Locale:Rathnagiri
District::Vellore
Address:Balamurugan Temple,Rathnagiri.Keel Minnal, Walajah Taluk,Vellore District – 632 517
Phone+91 4172 266 350 / 266 330

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.

See also  Kameswarar Temple, Madavilagam, Kanchipuram

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.

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

Ratnagiri Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Arappakkam, 3 Kms from Ratnagiri Kilminnal, 10 Kms from Arcot, 7 Kms from Thiruvalam, 4 Kms from Melvisharam, 13 Kms from Ranipet, 15 Kms from Vellore, 18 Kms from Katpadi, 20 Kms from Timiri and 124 Kms from Chennai. Ratnagiri Temple is situated right on the Chennai-Bangalore highway just before Vellore when you travel from Chennai. It is very difficult to miss it from the highway as the temple is on top of a small hillock.

You have the option of parking your vehicle and climb the Hill (100-150 steps) or taking your vehicle (provided it is a small car or less) to the top or taking an Auto (Fixed price) to the top. If you decide to climb, it will hardly take 10 minutes and the whole pathway is covered. TTDC runs a package tour from Chennai every Saturday and Sunday to Sripuram Golden Temple and Ratnagiri Murugan Temple. AC Bus costs about Rs.600 for this one day trip. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Vellore, Katpadi and Ranipet. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.

Contact Details

Balamurugan Temple,
Rathnagiri.
Keel Minnal, Walajah Taluk,
Vellore District – 632 517
Phone: +91 4172 266 350 / 266 330
Mobile: +91 94436 25887

See also  Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Siruvapuri, Thiruvallur

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