Marudhamalai Hill Temple | Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple Coimbatore
Maruthamalai Murugan Temple is located on a scenic hill in Maruthamalai at
a height of about 500 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats ,15 km west of
Coimbatore Tamil Nadu . This temple built in the 12th century , The temple is
surrounded by the hill range on three sides.
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The peak on which Marudamalai Temple is situated is called Marudha Malai
meaning 'hill of vegetation' and has many curative herbs. You can enjoy
stunning views with its marvellous architecture set against a stunning
scenic back drop of Maruthamalai
temple the sunrise and the sunset view
looks spectacular from this temple.
According to Puranas, a Siddha overcome by tiredness, take shelter under
the shade of a Marudha tree and pray to God to help him to quench his thirst.
This temple are found in inscriptions in the Thirumuruganpoondi temple.
The source of the temple is rooted in legendary ancient times and dates
back to the age of Surapadama, the evil spirit ruined by Lord Subramanya
referred to in Skanda purnam. Lord Siva comforted the Gods that Lord Muruga
would come to their help, root out and destroy Surapadama and his follower’s
enmasse.
The gods should hasten to the Marudhamalai Hills and await the advent of
Lord Muruga, their rescuer, Perupuranam also alludes to a king called Kusathvajan,
who, it is said, was bestowed with a male child, only after worshipping
Marudhamalai Muruga. Kamadhenu is reported to have grazed in the pastures of
the hills of Marudhamalai.
Perurpuranam had listed the three adjoining hills Nili, Vellingiri and
Marudhamalai as the very demonstrations of Lord Siva, Parvathi and Subramanya
correspondingly and the three hills taken together as the very representation
of Somaskanda.
The sacred shrine replicates the picture of Lord Muruga, marvelously
mounted on his beautiful vehicle peacock, and swaying its feathers in full
bloom Marudamalai murugan Temple.
How many steps in Maruthamalai Temple :
The Marudhamalai temple located in a hill station and it consists of about
837 steps.
Maruthamalai Murugan Temple History :
Thanthonri Vinayagar : The foothills of Maruthamalai Murugan Temple at a little distance from it,
the deity Ganesha greet us. Offering our prayers to Śrī Vigneshwara, the
remover of obstacles, we begin our ascent to the hills.
The deity is not a chiseled one but it is of a spontaneous origin
(Swayambu). The 'Thanthonri Vināyagar' (self-born) is extolled in the
'Marudhamalai Thanthonri Pathigam' of Perur Puranam. Tamil scholars are keenly
devoted to the Lord.
After worshipping Thanthonri Vināyagar, we ascend what is known as
'Pathinettam Padi', which has exactly a flight of eighteen steps, reminding us
of Lord Ayyappa. if those as could not undertake the strenuous trek to the
Sabari Hills offer worships here and fulfil their vows.
The flight of steps from the foothill to the top causes hardly any strain
rather the climb is light and exhilarating as one goes up the neatly carved
steps, gazing round the luxuriant growth of vegetation and breathing the
refreshing cool breeze wafted along the herbs of the hills.
Petrified From Thieves : The foot hill, as we gaze towards the north, in the
distant hills, we discern three stones in diverse colours, which are the
petrified form of three thieves cursed by Lord Muruga for their sinful act of
plundering the treasures belonging to the temple.
Just below the stone forms, there is a flat stone which, it is said, is but
the jewel box stolen by the thieves. It is said Lord Muruga came in the guise
of cavalier, chased and punished them.
Shrine of Idumba : Idumba is located almost in the middle of the path of steps. The image of
the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture of carrying a Kaavadi.
Married couples having no issues worship the deity and offer toy cradles with
the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the Grace of god.
Kudirai Kulambu : The foot hill Continuing we find a beautiful
mandapam, enshrining what is called 'Kudirai Kulambu' (hoof marks of the
horse). It is believed that the horse of Lord Muruga caused the Marks, as He marched
against the Demon Surapadma. Or the horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased
the robbers referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.
Primal Shrine : It is
said, is a later installation, the original deity being that of Lord Subramanya
with His two consorts, Valli and Teyvannai, enshrined nearby to the south in
the outer Prakara.
They are the very deities referred to in the Perur Puranam. It is here the
gods persecuted by Surapadama approached Lord Subramanya and implored Him to
destroy the demon. The deities are all of spontaneous origin (swayambhu).
Main Shrine : shrine is not a big one. The sanctum sanctorum and the
Ardha Mandapam are comparatively small. The front mandapam is wide enough to
accommodate a fairly large number of devotees. Sivalingam flanks the presiding
deity on the left and Ambigai on the right in the outer Prakara.
Pambatti Siddhar Cave : Pambatti Siddhar Cave is another shrine drawing our
attention. It is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached
by a narrow path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet.
Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga
and attained salvation here. One can notice a natural image of a snake on the
rock.
the eighteen noted siddhas with such attributes, was one Pambatti Siddhar
greatly revered in the Kongu region. He is credited with having lived in the
company of snakes and made them dance to his tunes.
He himself was delighted to dance with them. Once, in the course of his
wanderings, he chanced to meet one, Sattai Muni Siddhar, a contemporary and
counterpart who initiated him into the art of entering into trances - the Jeeva
Samadhi Nilai.
snake comes to the cave everyday and feeds itself on the fruit and milk
kept for it. There is an underground passage from the cave to the primal shrine
through which the Pambati Siddhar wended his way everyday to worship Lord
Subramanya .
Panchavriksha : There is a cluster of trees closely interwinding one
another. Under this is installed an Idol of Lord Ganesha. Daily poojas are
performed to this deity also. The breeze wafting along the foliage has an
unfailing cure for all diseases of the people.
A host of saints, invisible to the common man's eyes, are supposed to dwell
here doing meditation. An aged Irula tribesman, 75 years old identified the
entangled trees as Korakattai, Ichi, Banyan, Vakkanai and Ottu maram and added
there was one tree in the group, Peepal in the days of yore, and it is extinct
now.
The tribesman also said that this tree existed in the same manner even
during his childhood. This is a unique phenomenon attracting not only devotees
but also botanists.
Uchipillayar Kovil : Two kilometers north of the main shrine is situated 'Uchipilliayar Kovil'
gracing the devotees. The idol has been installed recently. On every
'Chathurthi' the deity is bedewed, anointed and adorned and devotees throng the
temple in great numbers to worship on that day.
Right from foot hills to the temple on top we find elegantly built
mandapams erected for devotees to take rest. These are a boon to the sevarthees
who frequent the temple.
Other Shrines : The
main shrine inside the prakara we find Sri.Patteeswarar shrine (the main deity
of Perur). To the left is located Sri.Maragathambigai shrine (the main goddess
of Perur). The main shrine of Lord Muruga is a unique Somaskanda Moorthy as the
Lord is enshrined between.
In front of Maragathambigai, we have the Navagraham shrine. Another unique
feature of the temple is the Perumal shrine towards the left of Alangara
Mandapam. The Sapta Kanimar shrine is located at the banks of Marutha
Theertham. This is the reason why it is called Kanni Theertham.
Water Source :
There are springs of holy water with the names Marudha Theertham and Skanda
Theertham. A dip into these springs brings forth health and wealth to devotees.
Sthala Vriksham :
The Marudham tree is the sthala vriksham (sacred tree of the shrine)
Moolavar : Lord
Subramanya reigns supreme in all His radiance, exuding all grace and charm! The
idol made of granite is about five feet in height, facing the east with the
right hand holding Dandayudham (rod), the left hand placed on the hip and a
spear (vel) placed across.
The image bears a close resemblance to the deity at Palani. The statue at
the sanctum sanctorum, divested of all its adornments, loined with a slender
cloth brings to our mind the 'Andi Kolam', the aspect of a mendicant assumed by
the Lord in Palani.
What distinguishes Marudhamalai Andavar from Palani Āndavar is the sporting
of a turban on the head with a tuft behind. The beauty of the deity defies all
description and is more a thing to be experienced than expressed!
Sage Kachiyappar says even tens of thousands of Maras (love gods) cannot
match Lord Muruga of Marudhamalai in His magnificence! The word Marudhachalāpati
means Master of the Hills that abound in Marudham trees.
The Lord assumed the appellation after the association of the words,
Marudham, Achalam and Pati, representing the Marudham tree, the hills and the
Master respectively.
Devotees have given the facility where they can walk through the steps
where electrical lamps are fixed on the two sides for the safety of devotees. The
temple also plans to have a rope car from the foothills. In current years
number of nature cure clinics has come up nearby this hillside.
Marudhamalai Hill Temple Coimbatore Pooja Timings : Morning Time : 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM , Evening Time: 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM ,
The daily puja is performed according to Kamika Agamam.
Temple Pooja Times : 6.00 A.M. (Ushakkalam) Kalasandhi 9.00 A.M.
Uchikkalam 12.00 A.M Tiru koil kappiduthal .00 to 2.00 P.M in day time
Sayaratchai 5.00 P.M. Ardha Jama 8.30 P.M. (Rakkalam)
The offering of tiru kappu may change on certain occasions and festive
days.
Note: In Road – Vehicles are not allowed to hill temple after 7:00 pm.
For Two Wheelers: 7 am to 5 pm
In Steps : 6:30 am to 4:30 pm
Marudhamalai Hill Temple Coimbatore Entry Fee : No entry fee,
However, for special darshan devotees needs to get a ticket of 50 INR.
Marudhamalai Hill Temple Coimbatore Festivals :
1.Chittira Pournami
2. Vaigasi Visagam
3. Aadi Kritigal
4. Thai Pusam
5. Ippasi Sashti
6. Thiru Karthigai
Best Time to Visit Marudhamalai Hill Temple Coimbatore : Between the months of November to March .
Marudhamalai Hill Temple Coimbatore Address :
Temple Rd, Maruthamalai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046
How To Reach Marudhamalai Hill Temple Coimbatore :
By Road : Coimbatore bus station
By Air:
Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest Airport which is 25 km away
By Train:
Coimbatore Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station which is 16 km
away .
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