Balamurugan Temple – Ratnagiri

Travel for 17 km from Vellore to reach the ancient Hindu temple of Ratnagiri Balamurugan. The temple makes its place on the top of a hillock in Ratnagiri on Vellore. Lord Murugan is the presiding deity of the temple. The deity is worshipped in two forms, one being Lord Thirukkolam, with his wives Valli and Devasena and the other being Lord Gurukkolam. Other gods worshipped the temple are Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Murugan, Brahma, Durga, and Chandikeswarar. This temple is thought to be constructed by Arunagiri Natharz in the 14th century. Bala Muruganadimai Swamy later in the year 1980 renovated the temple. The temple shows the Chola style of architecture. At the entrance of the temple, one can notice a huge tower. The idol of Bala Murugan is grand and stunning showing him in a chariot which is made of granite. The garbhagriha too is made of granite. The Lord Vinayaka sits in two places, one of the top and one on the foot of the hill. Festivals- The temple commences grand gathering during Skanda Shasthi in the month of July-August and Aadi Kruthukai. The deities are taken into golden Chariot ride across the city during the festivals.