Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga (Karthikeya).This magnificent temple is located on the hillock, which is about 60 feet high. The temple is considered as one of the Arupadaiveedu of Lord Muruga. The pathway to the temple has sixty steps, which represents man’s 60 years of life cycle, as per the Hindu mythology. It is believed by the devotees that visiting this holy shrine will remove evil thoughts from our mind and body.
There are three sanctums in the temple, one is located at the bottom of the hill and second one half way through the hill, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati and at the top of the hill is Lord Muruga. The temple contains Kalyana Mandapam (Marriage Hall), sacred well (Vajra Theertham) and other idols of Gods. Bus tickets online reservation system is offered by the Tamil Nadu Government to buy bus tickets instantaneously.
History of the shrine
The temple dates back to 2nd century and it is said be built by the Chola dynasty.
The inscription depicted says it was constructed by Parantaka Chola I. The temple was badly demolished to ground during English and French wars in the year 1740.
Folklore of Swaminatha temple
This shrine is famous because the son (Muruga) himself taught “Pranava Mantra” to his father Lord Shiva. As per the legend the mantra was not able to be recalled by Lord Shiva due to some curse. So he called his son (Muruga or Subrahmanya) to enquire whether he knows about the important mantra.
Lord Subrahmanya admitted that he knows about the mantra and would teach his father only if he accepts him as his Guru.
Lord Shiva accepted Subrahmanya as his guru and learnt the chants. The teachings of mantra took place on this hillock and so this place is popularly known as Swamimalai.
When to visit
The pujas are performed to Lord Subrahmanya 6 times in a day. On the day of Krittika many devotees visit the temple, as it is a very auspicious day for the Lord. Every Thursday of the week the Lord holds his weapon (Vel) studded with diamonds. The popular festivals are skanda Shashti, Brahma Utsavam and marriage ceremony of the Lord Subrahmanya with Vali.
Apart from these, other festivals that add glory to the temple is Temple Car festival, Visakam festival, Navaratri festival, Tiru Karthigai festival, Thaipusam festival and Panguni Uthiram festival.
How to reach there
Swamimalai is well connected to nearby places. It is about 8 kms from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district. Nearest domestic airport is Trichy and the nearby railway line is in Kumbakonam.
Regular bus service is provided by the government and private operators from cities like Trichy, Kumbakonam, and Chennai etc. Online booking of bus tickets facility is also provided to long distance travellers.
Accommodation
Facilities are offered by the temple management for comfortable stay. They provide 11 normal rooms, 2 VIP cottages, 2 standard cottages and one cottage for donor. Besides these, there are other private hotels around the temple area that provides spacious rooms and basic amenities.
