This temple is popularly known as Swamimalai Swaminath Temple. This temple was built by Pandya king but the additions to the temple were later done by Cholas and Pandyas. This temple is one of the six famous temples of Shri Muruga (Karthikeya). And is also one of the Panchakroshi sthala of Kumbhakonam and one of the Saptasthana temples around Kumbhakonam as well. It is built on an artificial hill and is located very near to Kumbhakonam on the bank of river Kaveri. The temple is believed to be about 2000 years old. To reach the main shrine of Shri Muruga, one has to climb 60 steps which are supposed to represent the 60 years in a tamil calendar. The temple has three parikramas and Shri Muruga’s shrine has 3 entrances. The main entrance to the temple is to the south where we come across a five tier rajagopuram. The main temple of Shri Muruga is known as Mel Kovil. Mel (above / top). The temple at the bottom is known as Shri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Kovil. The outer prakaram is at the ground level. The second one is in the middle staircase and the innermost shrine is of Shri Muruga and is known as Swaminath Swami. There is a golden chariot which is taken in a procession. Devotees, by paying Rs 1001, can take deity in procession in golden chariot. Shaiva saint Shri Arunagirinadar has sung a hymn about the Lord in this place.
Mulavar: Shri Swaminath Swami along with his consorts Shri Valli and Shri Deivayani.
Kshetra vruksha: Gooseberry Tree (amla)
Sacred teertha: Vajra Teertha, Saravana Teertha, Brahma Teertha, Netra Teertha, River Kaveri known as Kumar Attuthurai (river bank).
Puranik Name: Thiruveragam
Kshetra Purana:
Shri Bhumadevi came to this place as atonement for a curse given by Shri Parvati Devi. She did penance at this place and got rid of curse. After that she did not go away from this place but stayed here as Gooseberry tree.
Shri Brahma came to meet Shri Muruga with high ego as he had a feeling that he had a knowledge of everything in the universe. Shri Muruga questioned him about the meaning of Pranava mantra. As Shri Brahma could not explain the meaning, Shri Muruga struck his danda on Brahma’s head. He kicked him after making him fall at his feet and imprisoned him. He himself took over task of creation. Shri Vishnu was worried about the fate of Shri Brahma. He sought the help of Shri Shiva for the release of Shri Brahma. Shri Muruga obeyed the command of his father and released Shri Brahma. Shri Shiva took Shri Muruga on his lap in appreciation. He requested his son to explain the meaning of Pranava mantra which even Shri Brahma did not know. Shri Karthikeya told his father as this mantra should not be explained to anyone openly (as it is a secret.). He explained this mantra in the ears of his father. Hence he became the guru for his father. Hence he got the name Swaminath Swami. And the place is known as Swami Malai. As Shri Karthikeya was guru for those who worshiped him namely Shri Brahma, Shri Bhumadevi and Shri Indra, the place is known as GuruMalai and GuruGiri.
About shrines and idols in this temples
The sixty steps are believed to be that of the devatas associated with this temple. It is believed that they worshiped Shri Muruga as a steps to his shrine. Hence they are worshiped on Tamil new year days with flowers and fruits. This worship is known as Thiru padi (step) puja. There are several shrines in main Subramanya temple. At the second entrance there is an idol depicting Shri Muruga as if explaining about Omkar to Shri Shiva.
At the entrance there is an idol of Shri Netra Vinayaka who is believed to cure the diseases connected with eye. Idols of Karthaveeryarjuna, Idumbal, and the army of Shri Subramanya. As we move towards the sanctum sanctorum we come across the idol of Sabhapati (Shri Subramanya with Shri Valli), Senapati (Shri Subramanya with Shri Deivanai), Shri Subramanya with Shri Valli and Shri Deivanai, Shri Nataraja and saint Shri Arunagiri Nadar. There are shrines of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi, Shri Saraswati Devi, Shri Veerabhadra, Shri Surya, Shri Chandra, Shri Dandayudhapani.
The idol of Shri Muruga known as Dandayudhapani, a six feet tall with Shakti vel (sphear) and a danda in his hand. He is mounted on Elephant instead of peacock. The base of idol is known as Shiva peetham. This sphear (Shakti vel) given by his mother Shri Parvati Devi is supposed to have all three shaktis namely - Icchashakti, Kriyashakti and Dnyanashakti. The netra teertha was created by him with his sphear.
Special features:
When abhishek of Shri Muruga is done with sacred ash, he appears like gyani with complete knowledge.
When abhishek is done with sandalwood paste, he is Balasubramanyam.
When we look at the Shri Swaminath Swami, the peetham looks like base of Shiva Linga known as Avudayar. And Shri Muruga appears as the cylindrical portion of Shiva Linga known as Bana.
Festivals:
Thai (Jan-Feb) - Thai Thaipusam festival for 10 days, Pongal
Masi (Feb-Mar) - Mahashivaratri
Chitrai (Apr-May) - 10 days brahmotsav
Vaikashi (May - June) - Divine marriage utsav on Vishakha nakshtra
Aadi (Jul-Aug): Aadi Pooram
Avani (August-Sept) - Ganesh chaturthi
Purattasi (Sept-Oct) - Annabhishek, Navaratri, arrow festival.
Aippasi (Oct-Nov) - Annabhishek and 10 days Skanda shashthi festival
Karthigai (Nov-Dec) - 10 days Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam.
Margazhi (Dec-Jan) Thiruvathira, 10 days Thiruvaduthurai, Arudra Darshan
Panguni (Mar-April) Uttara nakshatra festiva
Besides these special pujas on Tamil and English new year known as Thirupadi, puja on all Krittika nakshatra days, first day of every new month, full moon days, new moon days, every shashthi and on vishakha nakshatra.
Prayers: People pray here for child boon, prosperity, longevity of life, education, and for eradication of sins.
Address: Shri Swaminathar Swami temple, Swami Malai, 612302, Near Kumbhakonam Tamil Ndu
Telephone: 91-4352454421
Timing: 5 am to 1 pm, 4 pm to 8 pm
Courtesy: Various websites and blogs
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