Ayikudi Balasubramanya Swami Temple
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 Hanuman River |
Ayikudi Balasubramanya Swami Temple
The Ayikudi Balasubramanya Swami Temple is located in the village of Ayikudi, Thirunelveli district near Thenkasi. The little temple is a treat to pilgrims and tourists who come to visit the Kutralam Falls , Kasi Vishwanathar Temple [www.pradosham.com/thenkasi.php] & Thiruchendur
Until 1947 this area was under the regime of Thiruvadhankur Kings. The temple is situated on the banks of Hanuman Nadhi. Sri Hanuman who was said to have stopped by and rested on the banks of this river on his way to Lanka, hence the river was named Hanuman nadhi. Obviously this is why Rama & Subramanya are popular names in this region.
Lord Karthikeya appears among five Vrikshas (trees) and the five Devatas in the form of a young Balasubramanya. The five Vrikshams are Arasu (Surya) , Vembu neem (Ambhikai), Kariveppilai Curry leaves tree ( Mahesha), Madhalai (Ganesha) & Mavilangu (Vishnu).
A devotee named Mallan at Nanjaipara, found the main deity Idol of the temple in the Mallam River. Once there lived a Brahmin Mugura Bhakthar sanyasi who obtained samadhi in that area. His samadhi was built on the shores of Hanuman Nadhi. An Arasa Tree was planted at that place & his community was conducting pujas & ceremonies there. The idol of Balasubramanya Idol that was found at Mallapuram was installed on the samadhi of that Sanyasi and the pujas were continued.
Until 1931 the top of the temple was only made by coconut & palm leaves. About 150 years back the Thiruvadhankur Royal family took up the temple management. Then the temple was renovated and festivals were organized. The Utsava Murthi was known as Muthukumara swami. The Balasubramanya Mulavar Pujas were conducted in the traditional way by the Brahmins and the Utsava pujas & processions were conducted by Shivacharyas.
The Idol: Both the Mulavar & the Utsavar are identical, The idol is a small Vigraham, with the young baby faced Muruga, with four hands Vajram, Shaktivaram & Abhayam with a Peacock on the left and the lord sits on a lotus Padmapeetam.
Special ways of Prayer: The Arasa leaf Vibhuthi Prasadham ( Holy Ash) available in this temple is very powerful. Padi Payasam, Kavadi, Pallkudam are some of the important ways in which the devotees show their love to the Lord. According to legend, on the steps leading to the Hanuman nadhi Sri Balamuruga takes payasam along with other children.
Special Days: During Aipasi month Nov 15- Dec 15, During Skandha shasti Soorasamharam festivities are popular for 7 days in this temple. Each day of the Utsavam the Lord is decorated differently and there is a Huge crowed of devotees attending the festivities. Special pujas are conducted in the temple during Chithirai Vishu, Vaigasi Vishakam & Masi Makam. The lord is taken on the Peacock on the streets as a procession around the temple.
Devotees believe that those who get the dharshan and pray to this Balasubramanya will attain all the prosperity.
