Balasubramanyan Kabilarmalai

Balasubramanyan, Kabilarmalai

Other Temples - Namakkal District

God

Balasubramanyan (also called Kuzhandhai Velan), facing east

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Idumban, Sidhdhi Vinayaka, Naagar, Kalahastheeswarar, Kabilambikai, Navagraha, Kala Bhairava, Vinayaka, Naagar, Durga, Chandikeswara

Balasubramanyan Kabilarmalai is an east-facing hill temple that can be reached by climbing about 120 steps. At the base is a shrine for Vinayaka. On the way up is a shrine for Idumban and two more Vinayaka idols. The entrance inside the temple is from the south and east. The sanctum sanctorum of the main deity is in a cave. There is a beautiful metal-plated Flagstaff and three peacock mounts in front of the main deity. The main deity is in a standing posture, as a child. At one spot near the sanctum, a cool waft of breeze blows flickering the lamp. Further up on the peak of the hill is a shrine for Vinayaka as Uchi Pillayar. There is a temple chariot stationed below the hill.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kabila Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Naaval (Syzygium cumini)

History

Balasubramanyan Kabilarmalai is said to be an ancient cave temple. Some Sangam Era literatures are said to mention Kabilar Malai. An ancient Brahmi inscription of Chera King Selva Kadumko Valia Athan found in Aarunattar Malai in Pugalur is said to mention the King’s love for the poems written by Kabila in Pathitru Pathu and donated land and gold to him. During the Nayak period, one of the generals who performed various services to the Thiruchengode temple is said to have contributed to Balasubramanyan Kabilarmalai also. A poet called Siraimeettaan Kabirayar (around 1634 CE) has written Kabilarmalai Kovai among other literary works.

Legend

Kabilar, a poet of the Sangam Era is believed to have been in penance on this hill for a long time. The Chera King Selva Kadumko Valia Athan who was very impressed by Kabilars poems is believed to have visited him here and donated land as much as he can see and gold coins. Thus the hill came to be called Kabilar Malai. Kabilar is believed to have worshiped a self occurring (Swayambu) idol here as Lord Muruga and an idol was installed only later.

Directions

Balasubramanyan Kabilarmalai is about 25 kilometers southwest of Namakkal via Paramathi.

Stay and Food

None locally except tea shops. The closest is Namakkal.

Other Temples

Tamilnadu Temples