Rathinagiri -- Main Gate

The History of the Shrine

Rathinagiri Bāla Murugan Temple was built around the 14th century. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine.

Greatness of the Shrine:

Ancient Hindu scriptures say that wherever there is a hill, Lord Murugan resides as the all-powerful Deity. Of these Tirupparamkundram, Tiruchendur, Tiruvavinankudi, Tiruveragam and Palamuthircholai are famous shrines, collectively called 'Kundruthoradal'. The holy shrine at Rathinagiri also features in this category.

Literary Evidence:

The 14th Century poet Arunagirinathar has sung about this temple as Rathinakiri Vazh Murukane Ilaya Vāramarar Perumaley', which means 'Murugan, the God of Devas resides in Rathinagiri'.

Divine Blessings

The Omnipotent Power manifests His Blessings to mankind in three forms:

  1. In the form of idol in the shrine.
  2. In the form of the guru.
  3. In the form of the devotee.

Of these three, Lord Bālamurugan manifests himself at Rathinagiri in two forms. The first is in the form of the deity with his two consorts Valli and Teyvanai. The second is in the form of our Guru, Swami Bālamurugan Adimai.