Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai – Religious Significance

Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai – Religious Significance

Moola Linga Sthalam:

According to legend, Mahalingaswamy is the centre of all Shiva temples in the region and the Saptha Vigraha Moorthis (seven prime consorts in all Siva Temples) are located at seven cardinal points around the temple, located in various parts of the state.

The seven deities are;

·        Nataraja in Chidambaram Nataraja Temple,

·        Chandikeswarar in Senganur Satyagireeswarar Temple,

·        Vinayagar in Thiruvalanchuzhi Vellai Vinayagar Temple 

·        Muruga in Swamimalai Murugan Temple

·        Bhairava in Sirkazhi Sattainathar Temple 

·        Navagrahas in Suriyanar Koil Suryanar Temple

·        Dakshinamoorthy in Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple

The other deities of a Shiva temple associated with Mahalingeswarar are;

·        Durga in Patteeswaram Thenupuriswarar Temple 

·        Somaskanda in Thiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple

·        Nandi at Thiruvaduthurai Gomuktheeswarar Temple

·        Ambal at Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar Temple 

Arupadaiveedu:

Arupadaiveedu (the Six Abodes of Lord Murugan) are six temples situated in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The six most sacred abodes of Lord Murugan was mentioned in Tamil Sangam, Thirumurugattupadai, written by Saint Nakkeerar and in Thirupugazh written by Saint Arunagirinathar. 

The six temples are as follows;

1.    Palani Murugan Temple, Dindigul

2.    Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, Madurai

3.    Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai, Thanjavur

4.    Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram, Madurai

5.    Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Thiruvallur

6.    Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Thoothukudi

Thirupugazh Sthalam:

Arunagirinathar had celebrated this place in his Thirupugazh Hymns. Hence, the temple is considered as Thirupugazh Sthalam.