photoshop, Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pakasalai, Thiruvallur
photoshop, Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pakasalai, Thiruvallur

Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pakasalai, Thiruvallur

Date built:–
Deity:Bala Subramanya, Muruga
Architectural style:Dravidian architecture
Major festivals–
Locale:Pakasalai
District::Thiruvallur
Address:Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple,Pakasalai,
Phone+91 91765 29893
 Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Pakasalai Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. There are several temples in Tamil Nadu where Lord Muruga is found alone, without his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Out of these temples, those in which he stands as Brahma Sastha are noteworthy. This is one of the temple where Lord Murugan graces devotees in Brahma Sastha form. There are a number of places such as Ayanavaram, Thiruvottriyur, Vayalanallur, Poondi and Manavur around Chennai City where Lord Muruga is found in the form of Brahma Sastha. Brahma Sastha form of Murugan in this temple is one of the most beautiful of them.
The temple is situated between Cooum and the Kusasthalai rivers. Lord Muruga in the form of Brahma Sastha – over 5.5 feet tall, looks majestic in the sanctum sanctorum. He is commonly known as Padhiri Ayya or Padhiriyar. Lord Murugan is found with the Akshara Mala and Kamandalu in his rear arms and the right fore arm is shown as Abhaya Hastha and the left fore arm is placed on his waist. There is a separate shrine for Saint Arunagirinathar.
Along with him idols of the other Muruga devotees, namely, Saint Pamban Swamigal, Chidambaram Swamigal who installed the Murugan at Thiruporur, and Kumara Gurubarar. The original single granite shrine has been extended on both sides to form Mandapas and circumambulatory space. The temple has been recently consecrated and looks clean and beautiful.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 7.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 4.30 PM to 7.00 PM.

See also  Nedungalanathar Temple, Thirunedunkulam, Trichy

Festivals

During the annual Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Maasi, (Feb-Mar) a special pooja happens here. The Sakthi Vel (spear) of Lord Muruga is worshipped by the devotees in this pooja, and they find that they are relieved from chronic problems in their life.

Prayers

Those who are desirous of being rid of diseases or a representative from the family, vows to light lamps with ghee and lotus wicks for forty-eight days. If this is followed sincerely and with true devotion, the person’s health improves within the time period. In case of those unable to come to the temple daily, the priest offers to light the lamps on their behalf. Once they are better, the devotees or their representatives come to the temple and perform 108 circumambulations or Anga Pradakshinams (rolling around the temple) to offer thanks.

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

Brahma Sastha:

Lord Brahma had once become arrogant, that he was indeed the creator of the entire universe, and without him, the world would come to an end. Lord Muruga wanted to humble him and asked him the meaning of Pranava Mantra. Lord Brahma did not know the meaning. Lord Muruga imprisoned him in order to punish him and took over the role of creation. He also acquired the symbols of Lord Brahma, namely, the Akshara Mala and the Kamandalu. This form of Lord Muruga is referred to as Brahma Sastha.

Place for Salvation:

The temple is found on the banks of the river Kusasthalai and is mentioned in Matsya Puranam, Koorma Puranam, Bhavishya Puranam, Linga Puranam and Markandeya Puranam. The Kusasthalai river is referred to as Dakshina Sivaganga Theertham and as Uttara Vahini as it flows from South to North. Any river flowing from South to North is said to be holier and benefit those who meditate on its banks seeking liberation or mukthi.

See also  Velleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai

Pathiri Ayya:

Lord Murugan of this Temple is also called as Padhiri Ayya or Padhiriyar. There is an interesting legend behind the name Padhiri Ayya or Padhiriyar. During the British Period, there was a collector who was travelling along the river. As he rested under the shade of the trees, he found the idol of Lord Muruga in the then, single shrine granite structure. In the form of Brahma Sastha, holding Akshara Mala and Kamandalam, he seemed from a distance, like a priest holding a Rosary to the British officer. So, he wanted to take a closer look at the Padhiri. (word for Priest) Those with him thought it was not a good idea, as he may not be allowed access into a Hindu temple.

However, it is believed, that Lord Muruga, came in the form of a priest and took him into the temple that night. The Collector was overwhelmed. From then on, the Lord has come to be known as Pathiri Ayya. Till date, during the Aadi Kiruthigai festival, a number of Christians join the Hindus in breaking coconuts thanking the “Pathiri” for fulfilling their prayers. The temple is an excellent example of communal harmony where people of both religions come together and offer their gratitude side by side.

People worshipped Lord Muruga here:

Lord Muruga at this temple has also been worshipped by Sage Agasthya, Lord Brahma, Chitragupta, Narada, and the nine planets as per the Puranas.

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Narasingapuram 6.5 Kms from Perambakkam, 11 Kms from Kadambathur, 13 Kms from Thakkolam, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur and 61 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms away from Manavur Railway Station on the Chennai Arakkonam suburban train route, and a number of autos and share autos ply from the Manavur station to the temple. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (60 Kms).

See also  Alarmatheeswarar Temple, Alamathi, Thiruvallur

Contact Details

Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple,
Pakasalai,
Thiruvallur District – 631210
Mobile: +91 91765 29893

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