Arulmigu Arasamara Swayambu Vinayagar Temple

The SRI Balavinayagar Temple in Bharani Colony, Saligramam, Chennai, was consecrated in 1983 as a small temple to begin with. It has been and is being maintained and expanded by the residents of the Colony through donations from outsiders, and sometimes through their own personal funds.

The temple has grown with time. In 1988, an annual Ekadina Laksharchanai Mahotsavam was started for Sri Balavinayagar, the presiding deity of the temple, and has been performed for the last 25 years. This mahotsavam takes place on January 26 every year, the day on which Sri Balavinayagar was installed in 1983. Many Vedic rituals are carried out and Thirupugazh bhajans sung, as part of this mahotsavam. A samapandhi bhojanam (Annadaanam) takes place following the mahotsavam, for about 400 people. Apart from this, on every Poornima day, about 100 needy people are fed under the Annadhanam scheme. A rare and beautiful ritual - an Oonjal Utsavam - for Sri Balavinayagar, marks the evening of the grand day.