Swaminatha
Swamy Temple, Swamimalai, Thanjavur
Swaminatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Swamimalai Town near Kumbakonam in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. This Temple is considered as one of the six abodes (Padai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. Swamimalai is the 4th Padaiveedu (army camp) of Lord Muruga. The temple is built on an artificial hill (called as Kattu Malai in Tamil). Arunagirinathar had celebrated this place in his Thirupugazh Hymns. Hence, the temple is considered as Thirupugazh Sthalam. The Temple is situated on the northern banks of Cauvery River. Swamimalai is world famous for its school that teaches the ancient craft of making bronze icons.
Legends
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https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/swaminatha-swamy-temple-swamimalai-legends.html
History
This temple is said to have existed even in the 2nd century BC. The Temple finds mention in the hymns of Thirumurugattupadai by Saint Nakkeerar of Sangam age. The Temple was extensively renovated by Parantaka Chola I. The temple was damaged to a great extent and the gopurams were demolished and razed to ground during the Anglo-French War fought between Hyder Ali and the British in the year 1740 AD. The consecration ceremony of the temple was performed on 9 September 2015. The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/swaminatha-swamy-temple-swamimalai-temple.html
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and
from 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Festivals
10 day Chithirai Brahmotsavam in April-May, Vaikasi
Visakam in May-June, Aavani Pavithrotsavam in August-September, 10 day
Navaratri in September-October, Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November, 10
day Tirukarthikai festival in November-December, 10 day Margazhi Thiruvadhirai
in December-January, Thai Poosam in January-February, Panguni Valli Kalyanam in
March-April are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.
Thirupadi festival for the steps is celebrated on the
English New Year day. Also, monthly Kruthika star days, Monthly New moon and
full moon days, Sashti days, Visakam star days, Tamil and English New Year
days, Deepavali and Pongal are devotionally celebrated in the temple. The crowd
in the temple is huge on Tuesdays and all festival days.
Worship Practices
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Religious Significance
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Literary Mention
The Temple is praised in the hymns of Thirumurugattupadai
by poet Nakkeerar considered as the invocation song in Sangam Tamil literature
edition. Lord Murugan of this temple is also praised in the hymns of Thirupugazh
by Saint Arunagirinathar of 15th Century CE.
Prayers
Devotees pray here for happy married life, child boon,
family prosperity, longevity, education, wisdom, higher education, job
opportunities, and promotion in jobs and for removal of obstacles in their
various endeavours. Those facing enemy troubles perform Thirisada archana.
Tonsuring in the temple, abishekam with sandal, panchamirtham (a mixture of
five ingredients), and milk are performed by devotees. Devotees light ghee
lamps. Carry milk pots and Kavadi and arrange pujas. The rich offer liberal
contributions for the maintenance and renovation of the temple.
Facilities
For the convenience of the pilgrims and devotees, 11
rooms, four cottages, two VIP cottages, one donor cottages, three marriage
halls and one dining hall have been constructed and are let out at nominal rent
ranging from Rs. 20/- to Rs. 100/- per day only.
Contact
Swaminatha Swamy Temple,
Thirumanjana Veedhi, Swamimalai,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur District – 612 302
Phone: +91 435 245 4421 / 245 4358
Email: swaminathaswamytemple@gmail.com
Email: swamymalaimurugan@tnhrce.org
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 100 meters from
Swamimalai Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Swamimalai Railway Station, 7 Kms from Kumbakonam,
9 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 34 Kms
from Thanjavur and 88 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on the
main road connecting Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. Frequent bus facility is
available to Swamimalai from Kumbakonam. The temple can be reached very
easily.