Maruthamalai Temple

Introduction to Maruthamalai Temple

Murugan is a revered deity for the Tamil people, as he is the patron god of the state of Tamil Nadu. There are many temples for Muruga under different names and in different places in the state. One such place is Maruthamalai, Coimbatore. Muruga is the main deity in Maruthamalai Temple, and people worship him as Subramanya Swamy /Dandayudhapani. The temple is 15 km from Coimbatore city, on the Western Ghats, at the top of a hillock. Its scenic views add to the serenity of the place. Stone inscriptions found here contain the names Marudhan and Marudhachalam, which are also names for Muruga.

Legend of Maruthamalai Temple

As per the Perur legend, in the Vellingiri, Nili, and Marudhamalai hills, Shiva, Parvati, and Subramanya manifested, and the three hills symbolize Somaskanda. An exhausted and thirsted Siddha sought shelter under a Marudham tree and prayed to Muruga for water. He was able to quench his thirst from the water that came out of the tree.

As water began to gush out from the roots of the Marudham tree, the grateful Siddha started glorifying Muruga as the deity of Marudham and Jalam (water). Over time, Marudhajalapati became Marudhachalapati.

The Architecture of Maruthamalai Temple

This ancient Muruga temple's origin dates back over 1200 years. The Dravidian architecture of the temple is impressive. A lot of medicinal herbs cover the hill around the temple. Maruthamalai Temple is second to the Arupadai Veedu temples when it comes to religious importance.

The temple stands on a hill called Marudha Malai, at a height of 600 feet. The temple stairs are of granite. Devotees can worship and take a dip in the temple's three holy springs: Kanni Theertham, Maruda Theertham, and Skanda Theertham. It is believed that devotees who do so can attain good health and wealth. They also have medicinal properties.

At the foothills, devotees can worship Thanthonri Vinayagar. After worshipping Vinayagar, pilgrims ascend 18 steps (Pathinettam Padi) to worship Ayyappa. Idumba's sanctum is located in the middle of the steps towards the hill. His image is carved on a huge round rock carrying a Kaavadi.

The main deity, Subramanya Swamy, graces his devotees from the east at 5 feet height, holding the Dhandayudham in his right hand. His left hand is on his hip, and he carries a spear (vel). The deity blesses his devotees in the form of Swayambhu.

A staircase at the southern end of the Maruthamalai Temple takes pilgrims to the Pambatti Siddhar cave. Supposedly, the Siddhar built a connecting tunnel between his cave to the sanctum sanctorum of Murugan to worship the deity. The pure air and serene atmosphere strengthen a person both physically and mentally. A temple bus is available from the base to the hill.

Festivals of Maruthamalai Temple

In the Maruthamalai Temple, many festivals for the main deity and others are celebrated. Karthigai, Adi Pathinettu (Adi Perukku), Panguni Uttiram, Thaipoosam, Brahmotsavam, Chithirai New Year, Full Moon day (Pournami), etc., are celebrated grandly. Devotees fly from every nook and corner of the world to attend the festivals.

On Vaikasi Vishakham, 108 pal kuda (milk pot) Abhishekam is performed to Subramanya Swamy. Brahmotsavam is celebrated for ten days following Thaipoosam. Devotees assemble here to see Thirukalyanam on the morning of Poosam and Ther festival (golden chariot) in the evening. On this occasion, the deity will be taken on an elephant.

Benefits of Worshipping in Maruthamalai Temple

Devotees worship in Maruthamalai Temple for fulfilling wishes related to jobs, marriage, education, and home. People with malefic Mars visit the temple to reduce the planet's adverse effects related to marriage. Muruga blesses everyone with abundance. Pambatti Siddhar, who has a separate sanctum, is believed to remove all poisons from the body. So, people worship this Siddhar and apply holy ash on the affected body parts for a cure. Infertile couples worship Idumba and offer toy cradles, hoping to be blessed with progeny.