Marudamalai Murugan
Temple, Coimbatore
Subramaniaswamy Temple, Marudamalai is a popular hill temple
dedicated to Hindu god Murugan, situated near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Like most Murugan temples, the temple is situated upon a hillock, part of the Western Ghats about 12 km west from the city of Coimbatore. Near the foothill, there is a temple for Pillaiyaar known as the "Thaan thondri Vinayakar". There is
a cave referred to as "Paambaatti Sitthar Kugai"
dedicated to a Sitthar who lived here.
Marudamalai Hills Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple is situated
at a height of about 500 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats, 12 kilometers North
West of Coimbatore, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate.
The city of Coimbatore is well linked to the capital of Tamil
Nadu, Chennai by road, rail and air. From Coimbatore bus stand many city buses
ply to Marudamalai. The Devasthanam has provided 3 buses from the foothill to
reach the temple on top.
Several amenities and facilities have been provided for the
benefit of the devotees to worship the deity. A good Motorable road has been
laid up to the hilltop by the Temple Devasthanam.
History
Lord Muruga is glorified as the God of mountain and mountainous
regions in Thiru Murugatrupadai, a noted work of the Tamil Literature of
the Sangam Age. The word Muruga is a comprehensive term, connoting several
meanings such as sweetness, youthfulness, beauty, divinity and honey and
therefore it is but natural for the Lord to have His abode amidst scenic beauty
among hills and mountains. Situated at a height of about 500 feet in a plateau
on the western Ghats, 12 kilometers north west of Coimbatore, amidst lush
vegetation and salubrious climate, Marudamalai Hills, dedicated to Lord Muruga
(Maruthachalamoorthy) is classified under Kundruthorādal, one of the six main
abodes of the God, the others being Thiruvavinkudi (Palani), Thiruparagundram,
(Near Madurai), Thirucheeralavai (Thiruchendur), Thiruverangam (Swamimalai) and
Pazhamudirsolai (Azhagarkoil near Madurai), Tiruthani. Set against the backdrop
of hazy blue hills dotted with shrubs and bushes of varied hues, the sacred
shrine verily reflects the picture of Lord Muruga, magnificently mounted on his
vehicle peacock, flaunting and swaying its feathers and plume in full bloom.
Origin
The hoary past of the temple can be traced in such ancient works
as Sage Kachyapar's Perur Puranam. The origin of the temple is rooted in
legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadma, the demon destroyed
by Lord Subramanya referred to in Skandapuranam.
The inscriptions found in Thirumuruganathaswami Temple,
Thirumurganpoondi places the origin of the temple in the 12th century A.D. According
to Perur Puranam, Surapadma, the scourge of the gods aided by his mighty
brothers, Singamukha and Taraka arrayed against them and struck terror in their
already agitated minds by his sudden and surprising charges and depredations.
Unable to bear the agony and anguish, the gods approached Lord
Siva and sought His succor. Lord Siva comforted the Gods that Lord Muruga would
come to their rescue, root out and destroy Surapadma and his retinue en masse.
The gods should hasten to the Marudamalai Hills and await the advent of Lord
Muruga, their Saviour! Perur Puranam also alludes to a king called Kusathvajan,
who, it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudamalai
Muruga. The Divine Cow Kamadhenu is reported to have grazed in the pastures of
the hills of Marudamalai. Perurpuranam lists the three neighbouring hills, Vellingiri,
Nili and Marudamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva, Parvathi and
Subramanya respectively and the three hills taken together as the very symbol
of Somaskanda.
A Siddha, overcome by excessive tiredness and thirst, sought
shelter under the shade of a marudham tree and prayed for the mercy of Lord
Muruga for a shower of water, which sprang at once, as though by a miracle from
the tree.
As water gushed out from the roots of the marudham tree, the
Siddha jumped in joy, glorifying Muruga as the Lord of Marudham
and jalam (water). With the passage of time, Marudhajalapati became
Marudhachalapati.
Temple
Idumban Temple:
The shrine of Idumban is located almost in the middle of the path
of steps. The image of the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture
of carrying a Kaavadi. Married couples having no issues worship the deity and
offer toy cradles with the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the
Grace of god.
Kuthirai Kulampadigal:
Continuing our ascent, we find a beautiful mandapam, enshrining
what is called 'Kudirai Kulambu' (hoof marks of the horse). It is believed that
the horse of Lord Muruga caused the Marks, as He marched against the Demon
Surapadma.
Standing at the foot hill, as we gaze towards the north, in the
distant hills, we discern three stones in diverse colours, which are the
petrified form of three thieves cursed by Lord Muruga for their sinful act of
plundering the treasures belonging to the temple. Just below the stone forms,
there is a flat stone which, it is said, is but the jewel box stolen by the
thieves. It is said Lord Muruga came in the guise of cavalier, chased and
punished them.
The horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased the robbers
referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.
Athi Mulasthanam:
The presiding deity, it is said, is a later installation, the
original deity being that of Lord Subramanya with His two consorts, Valli and
Teyvannai, enshrined nearby to the south in the outer Prakara. They are the
very deities referred to in the Perur Puranam. It is here the gods persecuted
by Surapadma approached Lord Subramanya and implored him to destroy the demon.
The deities are all of spontaneous origin (Swayambu).
At length, we reach the top where Lord Subramanya reigns supreme
in all His radiance, exuding all grace and charm! The idol made of granite is
about five feet in height, facing the east with the right hand holding
Dandayudham (rod), the left hand placed on the hip and a spear (Vel) placed across.
The image bears a close resemblance to the deity at Palani.
The statue at the sanctum sanctorum, divested of all its
adornments, lined with a slender cloth brings to our mind the 'Andi Kolam', the
aspect of a mendicant assumed by the Lord in Palani. What distinguishes Marudamalai
Andavar from Palani Andavar is the sporting of a turban on the head with a tuft
behind. The beauty of the deity defies all description and is more a thing to
be experienced than expressed!
The shrine is not a big one. The sanctum sanctorum and the Ardha
Mandapam are comparatively small. The front mandapam is wide enough to
accommodate a fairly large number of devotees. Shivalingam flanks the presiding
deity on the left and Ambigai on the right in the outer Prakara.
Sage Kachiyappar says even tens of thousands of Maras (love gods)
cannot match Lord Muruga of Marudamalai in His magnificence! The word Marudhachalapati
means Master of the Hills that abound in Marudham trees.
The Lord assumed the appellation after the association of the
words, Marudham, Achalam and Pati, representing the Marudham tree, the hills
and the Master respectively.
Uchipillayar Kovil:
Two kilometers north of the main shrine is situated 'Uchipillayar
Kovil' gracing the devotees. The idol has been installed recently. On every
'Chathurthi' the deity is bedewed, anointed and adorned and devotees throng the
temple in great numbers to worship on that day.
Right from foot hills to the temple on top we find elegantly built
Mandapams erected for devotees to take rest. These are a boon to the sevarthees
who frequent the temple.
Pampatti Sidhar Kugai:
Siddhas are mystic philosophers who exercise their mental
faculties to the utmost and attain godhead by means of meditation and
reflection. They are endowed with incredible powers of the mind by which they
perform great miracles and astound the common world. Siddhas can set at rest
all their senses and awaken their spirit alone. Thus they are bodily asleep and
spiritually awake. In this blessed mood they enter into a personal communion
with god.
As the Siddha used to animate dead snakes and dance with him, he
was popularly known as Pambatti Siddhar. Once he transmigrated into the dead
body of a king and performed great miracles. He composed songs of
enlightenment. 'Siddharudam' is a work, attributed to his prophetic genius.
Lord Muruga took joy in teasing and tantalizing the Siddha with His spiritual
pranks. Once as an enormous boulder came down, rolling gaining momentum, the Siddha
tried to halt it, arrested its movement and averted a great havoc.
The Pambatti Siddhar Cave is another shrine drawing our attention.
It is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached by a narrow
path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet. Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as
his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga and attained salvation here. One can
notice a natural image of a snake on the rock.
Of the eighteen noted Siddhas with such attributes, was one
Pambatti Siddhar greatly revered in the Kongu region. He is credited with having
lived in the company of snakes and made them dance to his tunes. He himself was
delighted to dance with them. Once, in the course of his wanderings, he chanced
to meet one, Sattai Muni Siddhar, a contemporary and counterpart who initiated
him into the art of entering into trances - the Jeeva Samadhi Nilai.
A snake comes to the cave everyday and feeds itself on the fruit
and milk kept for it. There is an underground passage from the cave to the
primal shrine through which the Pambati Siddhar wended his way everyday to
worship Lord Subramanya in the Company of His consorts.
Pancha Virucham:
There is a cluster of trees closely intertwining one another.
Under this is installed an Idol of Lord Ganesha. Daily Poojas are performed to
this deity also. The breeze wafting along the foliage has an unfailing cure for
all diseases of the people. A host of saints, invisible to the common man's
eyes, are supposed to dwell here doing meditation. An aged Irula tribesman, 75
years old identified the entangled trees as Korakattai, Ichi, Banyan, Vakkanai
and Ottu maram and added there was one tree in the group, Peepal in the days of
yore, and it is extinct now. The tribesman also said that this tree existed in
the same manner even during his childhood. This is a unique phenomenon
attracting not only devotees but also botanists.
Thanthondri Vinayagar
Temple:
As we approach the foothills, at a little distance from it, the
deity Ganesha greet us. Offering our prayers to Śrī Vigneshwara, the remover of
obstacles, we begin our ascent to the hills. It is significant to note that the
deity is not a chiseled one but it is of a spontaneous origin (Swayambu). The
'Thanthonri Vināyagar' (self-born) is extolled in the 'Marudamalai Thanthonri Pathigams'
of Perur Puranam. Tamil scholars are keenly devoted to the Lord.
After worshipping Thanthonri Vināyagar, we ascend what is known as
'Pathinettam Padi', which has exactly a flight of eighteen steps, reminding us
of Lord Ayyappa. Such if those as could not undertake the strenuous trek to the
Sabari Hills offer worships here and fulfill their vows.
The flight of steps from the foothill to the top causes hardly any
strain; rather the climb is light and exhilarating as one goes up the neatly
carved steps, gazing round the luxuriant growth of vegetation and breathing the
refreshing cool breeze wafted along the herbs of the hills.
Other Shrines:
To the right of the main shrine inside the prakara we find Sri. Patteeswarar
shrine (the main deity of Perur). To the left is located Sri. Maragathamigai
shrine (the main goddess of Perur). The main shrine of Lord Muruga is a unique
Somaskanda Moorthy as the Lord is enshrined between.
Just in front of Maragathamigai, we have the Navagraham shrine.
Another unique feature of the temple is the Perumal shrine towards the left of
Alangara Mandapam. The Sapta Kanimar shrine is located at the banks of Marutha
Theertham. This is the reason why it is called Kanni Theertham.
Water Source:
There are springs of holy water with the names Marudha Theertham
and Skanda Theertham. A dip into these springs brings forth health and wealth
to devotees.
Sthala Vriksham:
The Marudham tree is the Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree of the
shrine)
Pooja Details & Fees
Temple Worship Timings
S.No
|
Details
|
|
1
|
Morning
|
5:30 A.M to 01:00 P.M
|
2
|
Evening
|
2:00 P.M to 08:30 P.M
|
Temple Pooja Timings
S.No
|
Details
|
|
1
|
Viswaroopa Dharsanam
(ushakkalam)
|
6.00 A.M
|
2
|
Kalasandhi Pooja
|
9.00 A.M
|
3
|
Uchikalam Pooja
|
12.00 P.M
|
4
|
Thirukkappiduthal in day time
|
1.00 P.M to 2.00 P.M
|
5
|
Sayaraitchai Pooja
|
5.00 P.M
|
6
|
Ardha Jama Pooja
(Rakkalam)
|
8.30 P.M
|
Poojas & Archana Fees
Daily Poojas and archanas are performed for the presiding deity.
There are schemes enabling the devotees to perform Abishegam and Archana for
the deity every day. An endowment investment of Rs. 8000/- under 'Nitya
Pooja Kattalai will facilitate a devotee to perform Abishegam and Archana in
his or her name on a day specified.
An offering of Rs.250/- and Rs.2,000/- for 15 years to the
temple will fetch the Prasadam of the deity of the Archana performed in
the devotee's name on Krithigai for one full year. Prasadam is sent to the
devotee concerned by post. Mention may be made here that several devotees from
abroad have joined these schemes and are blessed by Lord Muruga.
S.No
|
Pooja
|
Price
|
1
|
Archanai Ticket
|
5.00
|
2
|
Special Entrance Ticket
|
10.00
|
3
|
Special Entrance Ticket during Festival
|
20.00 & 50.00
|
4
|
Kalasandhi Pooja
|
25.00
|
5
|
Kalasandhi Pooja during Festival Day
|
50.00
|
6
|
Mudikanikai
|
10.00
|
7
|
Ear Piercing
|
10.00
|
8
|
Marriage
|
250.00
|
9
|
Uthiravu
|
25.00
|
10
|
Abishegam without Materials
|
50.00
|
11
|
Abishegam with Materials
|
1200.00
|
12
|
Milk Abishegam
|
25.00
|
13
|
Sandhanakaapu
|
50.00
|
14
|
Kaavadi
|
10.00
|
15
|
Sagasaranamam
|
100.00
|
16
|
Two Wheeler Pooja
|
10.00
|
17
|
Car Pooja
|
20.00
|
18
|
Maeravanai
|
300.00
|
19
|
Thanga Kavasam
|
250.00
|
20
|
Golden Car
|
1500.00
|
21
|
Annadhanam Per Day (150 Persons)
|
3000.00
|
Festivals
In Murugan Temples all over the world Poojas, worships and prayers
are conducted daily following a routine, in the morning, noon, evening and
night, which devotees attend with offerings to the Lord. Apart from the daily
Poojas, special auspicious festivals are also conducted in the temples annually,
almost every month, starting from the Tamil calendar month of Chitrai, which is
from middle of April to the middle of the following month May, consequently
every month till end of each Tamil year. This monthly festivals is conducted on
the day in which the particular star occurs in that month. These special
festivals begin early in the morning, with special Abishegams followed by Poojas
and offerings throughout the day, and culminate with a procession all over the
town with the Lord in a chariot illuminated with colorful lights, accompanied
by
(1)
Various types of musical
instruments played by experts,
(2)
Priests chanting Vedas,
(3)
Othuvars (reciters)
reciting devotional songs in Tamil and
(4)
Multitude of devotees, the
chariot returning to the Temple in the midnight or at dusk.
Sacred ash and Theertham (scared fragrant water) and flowers are
offered by the priests with the Lord's blessings to the devotees all through
this occasion. Such special festivals are conducted as hereunder:
Chithra Pournami:
Between April 14th to May 13th
This is a Full moon day festival in the first Tamil month
Chittirai. Devotees observe fasting, worship God Murugan and breaks fast the
next morning. This light [brilliance of the Poorna Chandra (full moon)] helps
dispelling darkness to the souls. So Murugan worship and festival start on this
day in the first Tamil month of the Tamil.
Vaikasi Visakham:
May 14th to June 14th
Vaikasi is the second Tamil month in the year (May 14th to June
14th). Vaikasi is the 16th star. Lord Murugan is also called Visagan.
Aadi Kiruthikai:
16th July to 16th August
Aadi is the fourth month in the Tamil year (16th July to 16th
August). Krithigai is the third star. After pooja and prayer, devotees are
provided lunch in the noon.
Ippasi Sashti:
17th October to 15th November
Ippasi is the seventh month in the Tamil year. Sashti is the sixth
day after the new moon day (Amavasai Day). It is on this Sashti day the six
faced Lord Subramaniya annihilated Soorapadman the most atrocious Asuran, who
imprisoned the Devas, and the Devas were liberated by the Lord. So this
festival is celebrated in all Murugan Temples in the world and especially in a
very grand manner at Thiruchendur Temple beside the seaside in Thiruchendur,
Tamil Nadu. Multitude of devotees attend this festival taking place there for
seven days, culminating with the sangaram (destruction of all evils) and
bestowing of the Lord's grace and blessing to liberated souls.
Thiru karthikai:
16th November to 15th December
Karthigai is the eighth month in the Tamil year (16th November to
15th December). Thiru karthigai is the third star in the Tamil month. This
festival is celebrated in all Murugan Temples all over the world and especially
in a very grand manner at Thiru Annamalai Hill Temple in Tamil Nadu. In that
evening special Deepa (fire which is called the "sacred thituchudar"
in which from Lord Siva appeared in the sky) is placed on the hill top, Braman
(God of creation) and Vishnu (Thirumal God of protection) vainly tried to trace
the head and foot of that Fire and failed in their efforts. Multitude of
devotees including the heads of the scared Mutts of Tamil Nadu which spread
spiritualism among people in India and abroad witness this grand festival at
Thiruvannamalai and attain the Grace and blessings of Lord Siva. At that night
series of small lamps are lit in all Murugan Temples, and Bon Fire (called
Sockappan) is lit in the compound of each temple celebrating the victory of the
Lord.
Thai Pusam:
14th January to 13th February
Thai is the tenth month in the Tamil year. (14th January to 13th
February). Pusam is the eighth star in the Tamil month. This festival is
celebrated in all Murugan temples all over the world and especially in a very
grand manner at Palani Hill Temple in Tamil Nadu, Penang Hill and Waterfall
Temple at Penang, Batu Caves Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Singapore
Temple. In this festival also Lord Subramaniya comes in procession in silver chariot.
Multitude of devotees attend this festival observing fasting and penance and
carrying out special prayers, offering Abishega materials, garlands, fruits etc
to Lord Subramaniya and carrying Kavadies in their shoulders, to the Lord up
the hill to obtain the Lord's Grace and blessings and become cured of their
disabilities, ill health, diseases, troubles etc.
Services
Karunai Illam:
As the adage says, 'Divinity manifests itself in the smiles of the
poor', the temple/Devasthanam is running an orphanage, known as 'Karunai
Illam’, which provides for 100 destitutes. There are 8 children at present
benefitted by it. The Devasthanam is ready to accommodate up to the maximum
strength. The daily expenses of the inmates towards food, clothing and school
fees are all borne by the Devasthanam. The Children are educated up to the
higher secondary school level.
School:
There is a Higher Secondary School run by the temple at Vadavalli.
The school started in a thatched shed in the year 1971 at Vadavalli has grown
from its humble beginnings and bloomed into a full-fledged Higher Secondary
school housed in a terrace building. A new building with additional classrooms
and laboratories has been provided. The institution keeps aloft the torch of
knowledge and strives its best to dispel the darkness of ignorance.
Siddha Dispensary:
There is a Siddha Dispensary built and run by the temple at
Vadavalli for the benefit of general public. A qualified Siddha Doctor comes
atop on festival days to treat the sick devotees, if any.
Transport Facilities:
For the benefit of devotees the Temple runs three Mini Buses from
foot hills to Hill Top. Devotees can walk through the Steps where Electrical
Lamps are fixed on the two sides for the benefit of Devotees.
Siruvani Water:
Temple has invested Rs. 6 Lakhs for the continuous supply of
Siruvani water for devotees. Siruvani water is brought from the foot hills of Marudamalai
to the hill top with the help of Motors and Pumps that are donated by many donors
from in and around Coimbatore. Even the water purification plant has been
implemented on hill top.
Annadhanam Thittam:
Annadhanam Scheme was started on 23.03.2002. Annadhanam will be
served hot for all devotees at 12.15pm daily in this temple. The Donor may
participate in this scheme by investing Rs.30,000/- and from the interest of
this investment every year Annadhanam is given to 150 persons on any one day
the donor decides, or the donor may participate in this scheme by giving
Rs.3,000/- for a particular day for Annadhanam to 150 persons.
Golden Chariot:
Golden Chariot is at the hill top with a height of 16.5 feet that
has been made with Gold at a cost of Rs. 1.08 Crores in the year 2003. Devotees
can pay a sum of Rs. 1,500 for this golden chariot for which 3 persons are
allowed.
Contact
Deputy Commissioner /
Executive Officer
Arulmigu Subramanya Swami Thirukoil,
Marudamalai,
Coimbatore - 641 046