Quick answer: Paal abhishekam (milk abhishekam) at the Sri Balasubramania Swamy Temple, Siruvapuri (near Chennai) is a milk-bathing ritual for Lord Murugan. Regular abhishekam tickets are sold at the temple counter on most days except Sunday and Tuesday, with an indicative cost of about ₹1000 per slot for up to four people. A large annual paal abhishekam is held during the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August). Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide — we do not book sevas or take payments. Please confirm timings, cost and booking with the temple office or the Tamil Nadu HR&CE department before you travel.
Key Information at a Glance
| Temple | Sri Balasubramania Swamy (Balamurugan) Temple |
| Location | Siruvapuri (Chinnambedu), near Ponneri, Tamil Nadu |
| Distance from Chennai | About 35–40 km via GNT Road / NH16 |
| Main deity | Lord Murugan as Sri Balasubramaniar |
| Abhishekam days | Most days except Sunday and Tuesday (confirm locally) |
| Indicative abhishekam cost | Around ₹1000 per slot (up to 4 people) |
| Annual paal abhishekam | Tamil month of Aadi (July–August) |
| Special days | Skanda Sashti, Karthigai Deepam, Tuesdays |
| Managed by | Tamil Nadu HR&CE department |
About Siruvapuri and the Paal Abhishekam
The Sri Balasubramania Swamy Temple stands in the village of Siruvapuri, also called Chinnambedu, in the northern outskirts of Chennai along the Gummudipoondi (GNT) road. The presiding deity is Lord Murugan in his child form as Sri Balasubramaniar, worshipped here alongside shrines for Lord Shiva and the Goddess. The temple is closely tied to a much-loved legend in which the Lord restored the severed arms of a devotee named Murugammai who never stopped her worship, which is why many pilgrims come here seeking relief and blessings.
Abhishekam means the ceremonial bathing of the deity, and paal abhishekam is the form in which milk is poured over the sacred image of Murugan. Devotees regard the milk bath as especially auspicious, performed with prayers for health, prosperity and the wellbeing of the family. At Siruvapuri, abhishekam is conducted with care by the temple priests, and devotees who book a slot are usually allowed to be present near the sanctum during the ritual.
Timings and Indicative Cost
The temple generally opens in the morning and again in the evening, with abhishekam offered in fixed slots during the day. Reported abhishekam timings and rates are shown below as a guide only. The exact slots, prices and the rule on which weekdays abhishekam is performed can change, so treat these figures as indicative.
| Item | Indicative detail |
| Temple darshan | Morning and evening sessions (confirm current hours) |
| Abhishekam slots | Around 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM |
| Abhishekam days | Most days except Sunday and Tuesday |
| Indicative cost | About ₹1000 per slot, up to 4 people |
| Approximate duration | Around 30 minutes |
Please confirm at the temple: timings, ticket prices, the number of people allowed per ticket and whether a separate paal abhishekam ticket is sold change from time to time. Always verify the current details with the temple office or the official HR&CE channels before planning your visit. Sri Vyasa Pooja does not issue tickets or collect money for any seva.
How to Book Officially and Special Days
Siruvapuri is administered by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, so all genuine seva tickets are issued by the temple itself or through official government channels. The most reliable way to book is to buy an abhishekam ticket in person at the temple counter. Counter sales for a given month commonly open from the start of the month, and where an online quota exists it is reported to be released a few days later. Because online availability for this temple can be limited or change, the safest route is to call or visit the temple office to confirm before you arrive.
For official information you can refer to the Tamil Nadu HR&CE department website at hrce.tn.gov.in. Avoid third-party agents who promise guaranteed bookings for a fee, as the temple does not require any middleman. The biggest paal abhishekam of the year is traditionally held during the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August), often on a Tuesday, and draws large crowds. Other important occasions include Skanda Sashti in the month of Aippasi (October–November) and Karthigai Deepam (November–December), when special poojas are performed and footfall is very high. If you wish to attend on these days, plan well ahead and reach early.
How to Reach
Siruvapuri lies roughly 35 to 40 km north of Chennai and is well connected by road. By car or taxi, take the GNT Road (NH16, the Chennai–Kolkata highway) towards Gummudipoondi and turn off near Chinnambedu for the temple. Government and private buses run from Chennai, including services from the CMBT bus terminus, towards Ponneri and Chinnambedu; from the local bus stand the temple is a short distance away. The nearest railway station commonly used by pilgrims is Ponneri, after which a bus or auto completes the journey, while Chennai is the nearest airport for those travelling from out of state. Road and transport details can change, so check current routes before you set out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is paal abhishekam at Siruvapuri Murugan temple?
Paal abhishekam is a ritual bathing of Lord Murugan with milk, performed by the temple priests. Devotees consider the milk bath highly auspicious and offer it with prayers for health, prosperity and family wellbeing. A large paal abhishekam is held annually during the Tamil month of Aadi.
How much does abhishekam cost at Siruvapuri?
Reported abhishekam tickets are around Rs. 1000 per slot for up to four people, but this is only indicative. Prices and the number of people allowed per ticket can change, so confirm the current rate at the temple office before you book.
How do I book abhishekam at Siruvapuri Murugan temple?
The temple is managed by the Tamil Nadu HR&CE department, so genuine tickets come from the temple counter or official channels. The most reliable method is to buy a ticket in person at the temple counter. Verify any online option and current availability with the temple before travelling.
Which days are special for abhishekam at Siruvapuri?
Tuesdays are special for Murugan worship, and the temple sees large gatherings during Skanda Sashti in Aippasi and Karthigai Deepam in the Tamil month of Karthigai. The main annual paal abhishekam falls in the month of Aadi. Reach early on these days as crowds are heavy.
