Swaminatha Swamy temple | Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Swamimalai Murugan Temple is one of the 6 divine abodes of Lord Muruga which has been mentioned by Nakkeerar in his Tamil Poem Tirumurukaatruppadai. It is probably established in an artificial Mountain site named as- Kattu Malai in Tamil and that Place is firmly called as- Thiruveragam". The Temple has three decorated Gopurams on the South side, the Three Praharams along with Five Storeys and the two prime entrances. This famous Hindu Abode was establshed in 2nd century BC from the Sangam Period and hence re-constructed by Parantaka Chola I. This is the oldest Hindu Temple and attracts a ton of devotees around. It is positioned near Kumbakonam which is about 5 kilometres from Kumbakonam. It is sited on the banks of a tributary of River- Cauvery. Swamimalai Muruga is well- known as Swaminatha, Balamurugan and Swaminatha shared pious lore about the divine “Om” to his father Lord Shiva and later on got the name Swaminathaswamy. Many Festivals are celebrated in this devout Pilgrimage including- Soora Vahana Festival, Skanda- Sashti Monthly Kirutikai festival. Temple Car festival (April) Navaratri festival (May) Kanda Shashti festival (October) Tiru Karthikai festival (Nov/Dec) Pankuni Uttiram festival (March). Priests perform Pooja ceremonies on the different occassions with various set of rituals and the customs. Subramanya Sahasranama,- an illustrious holy festivity was started in the temple some years back. In this sacred observation- Archana (a Pooja- event )is observed with 1008 forms of Muruga.