Swamimalai, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Swamimalai Murugan Temple

At a distance of 9 Km from Kumbakonam and 37 Km from Thanjavur, Swamimalai Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple situated on the banks of river Cauvery in the town of Swamimalai near Kumbakonam. Also known as Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy Temple, the Swamimalai Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the warrior god. Swamimalai is famous for being fourth of the six Arupadaiveedu (Battle Camps) of Lord Murugan, the others being Thiruparankundram, Thiruchendur, Palani, Thiruthani and Pazhamudhircholai. The temple is also known as the Sundareswara Swamy Temple because of the presence of Meenakshi Sundareswarar. It is one of the most famous Murugan temples near Trichy.

History of Swamimalai Murugan Temple

The Swaminathaswamy Temple located in Swamimalai is an ancient site, believed to date back to the Sangam period in the 2nd century BC. It is reported that Parantaka Chola I made significant modifications and renovations to the temple. The structure suffered considerable damage during the Anglo-French war involving Hyder Ali and the British in 1740. Additionally, the Kandhanathaswamy Thirukovil in Eraharam is linked to the temple's history and is regarded as the original temple of the Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy temple. In contemporary times, the temple is overseen and managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Swamimalai Murugan Temple

The presiding deity Lord Murugan is depicted here as expounding the meaning of Pranava mantra 'Aum' to his father Lord Shiva. According to legend, Brahma showed disrespect towards Murugan during his visit to Mount Kailash. Angered by this, the young Muruga questioned Brahma about his method of creating living beings. Brahma responded that he did so with the assistance of the Vedas. Upon hearing this, Muruga challenged Brahma to recite passages from the Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text, beginning with the holy syllable called the Pranava Mantra (Om). At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. When Brahma was unable to do so, Muruga imprisoned him and assumed the role of the creator. The Devas then appealed to Shiva to intervene and persuade Muruga to free Brahma. Lord Shiva approached Muruga and requested the release of Brahma, but Muruga declined, asserting that Brahma did not comprehend the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. In response, Shiva asked Muruga to clarify its meaning, which he did. Consequently, Lord Muruga earned the title Swaminatha, signifying the Teacher of Shiva.

Architecture of Swamimalai Murugan Temple

The Swamimalai Murugan Temple is situated atop a 60 feet high hill and features three gopurams along with three distinct enclosures. The initial enclosure is located at the base of the hill, the second is positioned midway up, and the third encompasses the sanctum at the summit. Visitors ascend a total of sixty steps, each named after one of the sixty Tamil years, to reach the Murugan Temple. The first thirty steps lead to the second enclosure, while the remaining thirty steps guide worshippers to the third enclosure.

At the heart of the temple lies the central shrine, which contains a six-foot tall granite statue of Swaminathar adorned with golden armor, crowns, and a diamond-tipped weapon. The principal deity is referred to as 'Balamurugan' and 'Swaminatha Swami.' The first enclosure features images of Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswarar, and the festival representation of Swaminathaswamy. Additionally, there is a Vinayagar shrine situated outside the first enclosure. In contrast to other Murugan temples, where a peacock is typically positioned in front of the main deity, this temple displays a white elephant before Murugan. The shrines dedicated to his mother, Meenakshi (Parvati), and father, Shiva (Sundareswarar), can be found further down the hill.

Festivals of Swamimalai Murugan Temple

The Swamimalai Murugan Temple, also known as the Swaminatha Swamy Temple, celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year. The 10-day Tirukarthikai festival in November/December is the most important festival of the temple drawing lakhs of devotees. Chithirai Brahmotsavam in March/April, Vaikasi Visakam in May/June, Aavani Pavithrotsavam in August/September, Navaratri in September/October, Thai Poosam in February, and Panguni Valli Parinayam in March are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.

Swamimalai Murugan Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Swamimalai Murugan Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Swamimalai Murugan Temple Timings

Monday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Swamimalai Murugan Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan Available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Swamimalai Murugan Temple

The best time to visit Swamimalai Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. The 10-day Tirukarthikai festival in November/December and Chithirai Brahmotsavam in March/April offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the temple's lively ambiance, drawing thousands of devotees. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple in the peak summer months from April to June, as temperatures can rise significantly, complicating outdoor activities.

How to Reach Swamimalai Murugan Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station offers extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services are available to Kumbakonam from all regions of Tamil Nadu. About 9 Km away, one can take a bus or hire an auto-rickshaw or cab from Kumbakonam to reach the Swamimalai Murugan Temple.