Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple, Jalan Yam Tuan, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

 

It is customary for the ‘Chettiar’ community to build temples wherever they reside. Therefore, in the year 1899, this spiritual haven was established by the enterprising Nacchappan Chetiar. This businessman was living at a nearby ‘Chettiar ketinggi’ (residence of Chettiar traders), and always used to walk past a vacant land on his way home after work in the evening. On a particular evening, he saw an apparition of a young boy playing with a ‘mayil’ (peacock) on the vacant land. The young boy silently waved at Nachappan Chettiar, requesting him to come hither. Nachappan Chettiar was astounded by this vision, and immediately decided to build a temple at this premise. He purchased the vacant land, installed a ‘Vel’ (diving javelin) and initiated spiritual prayers for Lord Thandayuthapani.

Many of the former priests have experienced the playful antics of the presiding deity. As Lord Thandayuthapani is youthful, he always teases his ardent devotees. Veeramani Gurukkal who was attached to a different temple at that time, dreamt of beautiful, slender ‘Vel’. After his dream, he became restless and could not sleep at night. After several weeks, he came to the Bala Thandayuthapani temple to replace his uncle, who had left back to Sri Lanka. He realised the divine instruction from the infant deity, and faithfully served Lord Thandayuthapani. While in attendance, the devoted priest always had visions of a lustrous child running around the temple, playing with peacocks. This indicates the presence of divinity at this temple, both mystical and beyond comprehension.

The temple boasts of having the largest ‘Thanga Ratham’ (golden chariot) for Lord Thandayuthapani in Malaysia. The splendour and intricacy of the golden chariot is immaculate. The frame is made from teak, and covered with a copper plate covering. The covering has been coated with gold, utilising up to 2.5kg of gold. As gold has the highest spiritual vibration, it is a metal that attracts spiritual blessings from the realms above.
Address: 139A, Jalan Yam Tuan, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

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