Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai

Address

Sri Swaminatha Swamy Temple Thirumanjanaveethi, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur – 612302. Phone Number : 04352454421

Diety

Swaminathaswamy, Amman: Meenakshi

Introduction

The Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Swamimalai, about 5 km from Kumbakonam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. The temple is situated on the banks of a tributary of the river Cauvery and is approximately 250 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its serene and picturesque surroundings. The Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy Temple is one of the six holy shrines of Lord Murugan, collectively known as the Arupadaiveedu. These temples hold great significance for Murugan devotees and are places of pilgrimage. The presiding deity, Swaminathaswamy, is enshrined atop a 60-foot hillock, which requires climbing a flight of sixty steps. The number of steps is symbolic, and each step is named after one of the sixty Tamil years.The temple also houses shrines for Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and his consort Parvathi (Meenakshi) located downhill from the hill temple. This reflects the divine family of Lord Murugan. According to Hindu legend, Swamimalai is the place where Lord Murugan explained the profound meaning of the Pranava Mantra, symbolized by “AUM,” to his father, Lord Shiva. This significant event led to Lord Murugan being known as Swaminathaswamy. The Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy Temple has a rich history, believed to date back to the Sangam period, around the 2nd century BC. It is thought to have been modified and expanded by Parantaka Chola I, one of the Chola dynasty rulers. The temple faced significant damage during the Anglo-French war between Hyder Ali and the British in 1740. Despite this, the temple was restored and continues to be an important center of worship and pilgrimage for devotees.

Puranic Significance

The Swamimalai temple is ancient and has a history dating back to the 2nd century BC. It is believed that Parantaka Chola I contributed to the construction and development of the temple. The temple is one of the six holy shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan, collectively known as Arupadaiveedu. Each of these shrines holds great significance for Murugan devotees.

1. Teaching of Pranava Mantra: The temple is renowned for the legend where Lord Murugan explained the profound meaning of the Pranava Mantra, “OM,” to his father, Lord Shiva, who listened as a devoted disciple. It is said that this event took place at Swamimalai, making it a sacred location.
2. Mythological Significance: According to mythology, the temple is associated with the story of Saint Bhrugu, who embarked on an intense penance, and the sacred fire from his head reached the heavens. The devas appealed to Lord Shiva to extinguish the fire. In the process, Lord Shiva lost his knowledge and is believed to have regained it by learning the Pranava mantra from Lord Murugan at this very temple.
3. Imprisonment of Brahma: The temple also features a significant story where Lord Murugan imprisoned Lord Brahma for not knowing the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. With Brahma imprisoned, all creations came to a standstill, and Lord Siva had to intervene and become a disciple of Lord Murugan to secure Brahma’s release.
4. Architectural Beauty: The temple is admired for its architectural beauty, with the shrine situated atop a hillock. It features a statue of King Karthaveeriyarjunan, the majestic ruler who played a role in the temple’s construction.
5. Sixty Steps: To reach the shrine, one must ascend sixty stony steps, symbolizing the sixty Tamil years. These steps are said to lead to the Lord, who is beyond the confines of time and space.
6. Devotees’ Pilgrimage: Devotees from across India and around the world visit this temple, especially on Kiruthigai days every month. Many devotees consider Swaminathaswamy as their family deity and come to fulfill their vows by carrying various Kavadi or decorated palanquins as offerings to the Lord.
7. Shrines: The temple also has shrines dedicated to Lord Siva as Sri Meenakshisundareswarar and goddess Parvathi as Sri Meenakshi. These shrines were established by Pandiyan King Varaguna, who stayed at the temple on his way to another sacred shrine.

Special Features

Swamimalai is fourth among the six padai veedu or sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga.. Beauty and importance of Swamimalai was found in THIRU MURUGATRU PADAI written by Nakkerar and THIRUPUGAZH written by Arunagirinathar. Swamimalai is where Muruga preached what as called as Pranava mantra (OM) to his own father, Lord Shiva, at a young age. Sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. THIRU PADI THIRU VIZHA also called PADI POOJAI is celebrated grandly on Both English and Tamil new year days.

Festivals

The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Vaikasi Visagam festival is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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