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Swamimalai Murugan Temple – Swamimalai Temple Timings - Story

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Swamimalai Murugan Temple, located near Kumbakonam, is one of the six Arupadai Veedu Temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Muruga. Legend has it that Muruga revealed the secret of OM to Shiva at Swamimalai. Muruga is worshipped here as Swaminathan. The temple is located around 8 km from Kumbakonam on the northern banks of Kaveri River.

Swamimalai Temple Timings

Morning Darshan Timings
From - 05:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Evening Darshan Timings 
 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Detail Puja Timings 
Usha Kalam 06:00 AM
Kalasandhi 09:00 AM
Uchikala Poojas 12:00 Noon
Sayaratchai 05:30 PM
Rendam kalam 08:00 PM
Arthajama pooja 10:00 PM

Story of Swamimalai Temple

Legend has it that once Shiva asked his son Muruga the meaning of Pranava mantra “OM.” Muruga told Shiva that the secret of OM can only be revealed to a devotee who is devoid of ego. It is said that Shiva then knelt beside Muruga with folded hands and bowed head and politely asked him to explain the meaning. Muruga then became the Guru of Shiva and revealed the secret of OM – the Pranava Mantra.

This divine incident took place at Swamimalai.

In keeping with the legend, the shrine of Shiva as Sundareswar is located below the hill and the temple of Muruga is located atop the hill.



The temple is located atop a man made hill. Sixty steps, corresponding to the number of years in a cycle in Tamil Calendar, lead to the temple.

Murugan Murti in the Temple

The main murti of Muruga, worshipped here as Swaminathan, is 6 feet tall. He holds a staff in one hand and the other hand rests on his thigh. The base of the murti is similar to Shivalingam – symbolically suggesting that both father and son are present.

Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati is also located at the base of the hill.

The temple has three gopurams. The sculptures in the main Rajagopuram narrate incidents from the Skanda Purana.

The tree associated with the temple is Nelli Tree. The sacred pond is known as Vajra Theertham.

The main offerings include Panchamirtham, vibhuti or sacred ash, flowers and sandalwood past.

Tonsuring of head and taking Kavadi is performed by thousands of devotees.

Important Festivals

Temple festival is observed in April. Other important festivals include Vaikasi Visakam, Skanda Sashti, Kartigai Deepam, Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram.

Swamimalai Muruga Temple Contact - Phone Details

0435-2454421
0435-2454358

Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple,
Thirumanjana Veedhi,
Swamimalai,
Thanjavur - 612302