Swaminatha Swamy Temple is popularly known as Swamimalai Temple and is a famous Murugan temple on the banks of a tributary of the Kaveri River in Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The temple is the fourth abode of the Six Abodes/Arupadai Veedu. The presiding deity is Swaminatha Swamy, perched atop a 60-foot hill. The shrines of Lord’s mother Meenakshi and father, Sundareswarar are located down the hill. The temple has three gopurams (entrance towers), three enclosures and sixty steps, each named after the sixty Tamil years.
The Idol of Swaminatha Swamy is 6 ft tall. There are golden armors, golden crowns and a diamond lance for Lord Muruga. Swamimalai means “the hill of the lord”. Lord Muruga preached the Pranava mantra “OM” to his father Lord Shiva and that is why he is called “Swaminathan”.
The temple is believed to have existed since the Sangam period of the 2nd century BC and is said to have been modified and rebuilt by Parantaka Chola I. The temple was badly damaged during the Anglo-French War between Hyder Ali and the British in 1740.
Annadhanam is provided to 100 persons every day. On every Sunday and on Kiruthigai day, Vadai and Payasam are provided along with Annadhanam. Marriage, Ear Boring, Head Shave and Danaas are also performed in the temple.
Devotees flock in search of the blessings of marriage, blessings for children, family prosperity, longevity, education, better wisdom, higher education, employment and career progression. Worshiping Swaminatha Swamy in this Temple removes all the evils that befall us in the form of troubles, diseases, animals, fire, water, floods and sins committed.
Six daily rituals are performed every day they are Ushathkalam at 5:30 AM, Kalasanthi at 8:00 AM, Uchikalam at 10:00 AM, Sayarakshai at 5:00 PM, Irandamkalam at 7:00 PM and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 PM. Each ritual comprises four steps: Abhisheka (sacred bath), Alangaram (decoration), Naivethanam (food offering) and Deepa Aradanai (waving of lamps) for Swaminathaswamy.
Swamimalai Temple Hours:
Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Evening: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Swamimalai Murugan Temple Special Pujas:
- 6:00 AM Usha Kalam
- 9:00 AM Kalasandhi
- 12:00 Noon Uchikala Pooja
- 5:30 PM Sayaratchai
- 8:00 PM Rendam kalam
- 10:00 PM Arthajama Pooja
Swaminatha Temple Daily Poojas:
| Pooja | Timings |
|---|---|
| Satrusamhara Thirusadai | 7:30 PM |
| Sahasra Namam | – |
| Padi Pooja | 9:00 AM |
| Ayush Homam | 10:00 AM |
| Mruthunjaya Homam | 10:00 AM |
| Navagraha Homam | 10:00 AM |
| Special Abhishekam for Murugan | 8:00 AM |
| Shubamangala Deepa Pooja | – |
| Rudrabhishekam | – |
Swaminathaswamy Temple History:
Lord Brahma, disrespected Lord Muruga when he visited Mount Kailash. Child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of Pranava Mantra. Brahma could not answer and so Muruga punished Brahma with imprisonment. Muruga took on the role of the creator. Lord Shiva came to the aid of Brahma. Lord Shiva approached Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Muruga refused to release Brahma stating that Brahma was unaware of the meaning of Pranava Mantra. Shiva asked Muruga to explain the meaning and Muruga told Lord Shiva that he would only explain the meaning if Shiva accepted Muruga as his guru. Shiva accepted the request and Muruga explained the meaning of Pranava Mantra to Shiva. This is how the name ‘Swaminatha Swami’ (‘the teacher of Shiva’) was born. The Muruga shrine is at the top of the hill while the Father Shiva shrine is located in the basement.
Swamimalai Temple Festivals:
- Chithirai (Mid-April) – Brahmorsavam – Celebrated for 10 days
- Vaikasi (Mid-May) – Vaikasi Visakha festival
- Avani (Mid-August) – Pavithrorsavam – Celebrated for 10 days
- Purattasi (Mid-September) – Navratri festival – Celebrated for 10 days
- Ippasi (Mid-October) – Kandasashti festival – Celebrated for 10 days
- Karthikai (Mid-November) – Thirukarthikai Festival – Celebrated for 10 days
- Markazhi (Mid-December) – Thiruvathirai festival – Celebrated for 10 days
- Thai (Mid-January) – Thaipoosam – Celebrated for 10 days
- Panguni (Mid-March) – Valli Thirukalyanam
Swamimalai Murugan Temple Address:
No 10,
Vatampokki Street,
Swamimalai,
Kumbakonam,
Thanjavur District,
Tamil Nadu – 612302.
Swamimalai Murugan Temple Location:
Other Six Abodes of Sri Murugan | Arupadai Veedu Temple:
- Palani Murugan Temple / Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple
- Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani
- Sri Solaimalai Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai
- Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur
- Murugan Temple or Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram