Balasubramaniaswamy Oothumalai

God

Balasubramaniaswamy, facing east

Goddess

None

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Idumban, Shiva, Chakra Kaala Bhairava, Navagraha

Balasubramaniaswamy Oothumalai is an east-facing hill temple. A nice motorable road goes to the temple. The old temple has been considerably expanded and built up in recent times providing various amenities to devotees. The main deity here is Lord Muruga in the form of a child in a standing posture with his lance weapon and peacock mount. On either side of his sanctum are Vinayaka and Shiva. There is an ancient Sri Chakra installed here in a separate shrine. The hill has several natural springs that are said to have medicinal properties, giving the hill its name Oothumalai (Hill of springs). There are caves and other shrines on the hill.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Natural Springs on the hill

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

The original temple at Balasubramaniaswamy Oothumalai is old. The temple as we see it today is a modern construction. Historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Sage Agastya is believed to have visited Balasubramaniaswamy Oothumalai and installed the Sri Chakra here. Several Sages and Sidhdhars including Kapila, Bhogar, Pulippani, Kalangi, and others are believed to have visited and lived on this hill.

Directions

Balasubramaniaswamy Oothumalai is in Seelanaickenpatti outside Salem. It is situated near the busy junction of the NH44 going towards Namakkal, the highway that goes via Attur towards Kallakurichi on one side and towards Dharmapuri via Omalaur on another side.

Stay and Food

Salem has some excellent restaurants and hotels.