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Murugan temples are all located on top of hillocks, and Maruthamalai Temple is among the most exquisite, located 14 km from the city of Coimbatore. It is situated on the Western Ghats, surrounded by hills on all three sides. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century according to the stone inscriptions in the Temple. It is at a height of 500 feet in the plateau. The climate is salubrious and evergreen. It is one of the Arupadivedu (six abodes) of Lord Muruga, popularly known as Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy.
The story of Pambatti Siddhar is popular among the people of the region. It is believed that the Siddhar is well-versed in removing venom from snakes. One day he comes to Maruthamalai in search of a snake gem, where he confronts a sage, who asks him not to waste time with snakes but instead find the purpose of his life. During his penance, Muruga appeared in front of the saint and blessed him. Even today, you can find the Pambatti shrine, a place where Muruga blessed the saint.
A thirsty Siddha took shelter under the marudham tree in the hilly region and prayed to Muruga for water. Miraculously water jetted from the roots, quenching the thirst of the Siddha. Hence the place was called Marudhajalapati or Marudhachalapati.
The Perur Puranam of Kachyapar dates back the Temple to the Surapadma period. Surapadma, his brothers Singamukha and Taraka tortured the Devas. Unable to bear the anguish, the Devas approached Lord Shiva to rescue them. Shiva deputed Muruga to protect the Devas.
The legend is that King Kusadhwajan worshipped Maruthamalai Muruga and was blessed with a male child.
The Sacred cow Nandhini was also said to have grazed this holy land.
Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, welcomes you at all the temples in Tamil Nadu, and this one is no exception. At the foothills of Maruthamalai, Thanthonri Vinayagar means a self-consecrated deity. In the Perur Puranam, the deity is praised in the Marudhamalai Thanthonri Pathigam.
The next flight of ascending is the Pathinettam Padi (eighteen steps). Devotees of Ayyappa who cannot undertake the arduous trip to Sabarimala can offer their prayers here.
The flight of steps to the hilltop can be easily climbed by enjoying the vegetation and the cool breeze bringing the goodness of the herbs.
Mid-way, you can find the Shrine of Idumba. The image of the deity carrying a Kavadi is carved on the rock. As you alight the step, you can find Kudirai Kulambu or the horse hoof marks. These are the hoof of the horse the Lord used during the war against Surapadma.
The original deity was Lord Muruga with Valli and Teyvannai; his consorts are now enshrined in the outer Prakara. It is at this very site the Devas met Lord Muruga and prayed to destroy Surapadama. All the deities in this location are self-consecrated.
Though the front mandapam can accommodate a big number of devotees, the sanctum sanctorum is small. On the outer Prakara, Shivalingam and Ambigai are seen.
The main deity is made of granite at the height of 5 feet and facing the east direction. He is seen holding a Dandayudham (rod) in the left hand and a Vel (spear) position across. The deity here is seen in Andi Kolam, devoid of all the ornaments and wearing only a loin cloth.
At the Maruthamalai Temple, several festivals are celebrated and in particular Karttigai, Adi pathinettu, Thaipoosam, Panguni Uttiram, Padivizga, Tamil New Year, Karthigai Deepam, etc. Devotees in lakhs throng the place to seek the benevolence of Muruga during these festival days. Among these festivals, the major ones include Vaikasi Visakam in May-June and Thaipoosam (ten-day Brahmmosthavam) in January-February.
The Maruthamalai is home to rare medicinal herbs that are said to remove physical and mental conditions. The serenity in the hills brings about peace of mind. KayaKalpam is a Divine medicine for salvation, and it is believed that sages and rishis traveled from far and wide in search of this medicine here. A dip in the Marudha Theertham and the Skanda Theertham is likely to ring good health and wealth.
The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 25 km from the Temple.
Coimbatore railway station is at a distance of 16km from the temple.
The Tamil Nadu State Corporation buses ply to and fro to the Temple, connecting different districts in the state to the Maruthamalai Temple.
The Temple opens at 5.30 am and closes during the mid-day at 1.00 pm. It reopens at 2.00 pm and closes at 8.30 pm.
If you wish to have customized spiritual tours or pilgrimages arranged in India for yourself or for a group of people, please contact Brindavan Mystic Services
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