Subramanya Swamy Temple, Marungoor – History
Idai-Aattru-Mangalam
is the ancient name of this place, since this place had 2 rivers flowing
around. Some of the Tamil Poets of the Sangam period – like Marungoor Kizhaar
Kannannar, Marungoor Baahai Chaathan Bhoodhanaar, Marungoor Pattinaththu
Sendhan Kumaranaar are from this place. In ancient times Marungoor village was
a place for iron and steel industry. The soil was rich in iron and it was
extracted and weapons were made. Steel was exported from this area. Over the
centuries, the reserves were lost. (ref: Travancore State Manual – Vol – 2 –
Page 635)
This was
a war bastion with huge sheds for horses, armour houses, fort. The emergency
armour room is now called as Aabhaththu kaaththa Veera Nangai Temple. This is
the family deity of the local chieftains (small kingdoms). The Govt seal had a
peacock and roaster as symbol and has “Thirukkai Vela Sengundham Thunai” as
slogan. During Navarathri times, they had special functions here and celebrated
Durgashtami in the Devi temple here and all weapons were kept in puja and was
taken on parade on the 10th day, along with Palli Vettai ceremony.
The last
king was Sahala kalai Marthanda Varma till AD 1504. He couldn’t rule further.
He kept his swords and weapons at the feet of Devi here and even now the royal
function has weapons placed in display. In 1570, the hands of the Murugan
statue broke off. The king tried to change the stone idol. But the God came in
his dream and asked him not to replace the statue. Instead he was asked to fit
the Panchaloka (alloy of 5 metals) hands. The king did so. (Ref: Travancore
State Manual – Vol 2, Pg 294-295). The same can be seen even now.
