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.
