Marudamalai Murugan Temple

Marudamalai is one of the most popular abodes of Lord Muruga and in importance it is next only to the Arupadaiveedu ("The six Fort-Houses of Muruga"), for Muruga devotees. Some people consider Marudhamalai to be the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with a few other contenders for the spot, including Kunrakudy, Sikkal and Vayalur.

Like most Murugan temples, Maruthamalai Murugan temple is situated upon a scenic hill that is a part of the beautiful lush green Western Ghats and is about 15 km from the vibrant city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

This is an ancient temple. References to this temple are found in inscriptions in the Thirumuruganpoondi temple. ThirumuruganPoondi temple is a "Tevarapaadalpetrastalam" and is at least 1200 years old. So we can surmise that the Marudhamalai temple is older than 1200 years.

There is a shrine called the "Paambaatti Shithar Kugai" (Paambaatti Shithar cave) that is in proximity to the Murugan temple. Legend has it that a Sitthar referred to as the Paambaatti Sitthar lived here in Marudhamalai. Paambaatti Sitthar is one of the most notable 18 Sitthars. Pambaatti Sitthar as his name indicates that he was associated with snake charming. As is the custom of the Sitthars of Tamil Nadu, he too, in the interest of mankind, has written extensively on the medicinal values and applications of plants.

Near the foothills, there is a temple for Lord Pillayar who is known as the "Thaanthondri Vinaayakar" (which means that the Pillayar idol appeared on its own without human intervention.)

This temple is under the control of Religious endowments department of Government of Tamil Nadu. Lord Muruga Idol in the temple looks as below


This temple is located on a hilltop called Marutha Maillai (roughly translating to "hill of vegetation"), true to its name, the legend has it that this hill has many herbs of medicinal value. The hill is also home to a particular sect of tribal tamil people. The temple in recent years has been renovated and the local business community is supporting this activity. The temple also plans to have a rope car operate from the foothills. In recent years number of Nature cure clinics have come up nearby this hillside.

Awareness of Marudamalai has been enhanced through feature films produced by Chinnappa Devar in the 1970s. The kumbabishekam was performed in 1997. According to epic, a saint prayed to God sitting under a marudha tree for helping him quench his thirst and tiredness. Soon he noticed water springing from beneath the tree. Overwhelmed, he pronounced 'Lord Muruga' as as the Lord of Marudhajalapathi. In due course it became 'Marudamalai'.

Dharshan Timings
6 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Daily Poojas
At 6 a.m.- Vishwaroopa Dharisanam,
9 a.m. - Kalasandhi Pooja,
12 noon - Ucchikala Pooja,
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.- Thirukappu iduthal,
5 p.m. - Sayaratchai,
8.30 p.m. - Ardha Jama Pooja.

Auspicious Occassions in the Temple

Navarathri
Aadipperukku
Tamil New Year
Vaikasi Car Festival
Karthigai Deepam
Margali Pooja
Aruthira Darisanam
Thai Poosam


HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Peelamedu airport is 10-km from the city, which operates regular flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Madurai.
Rail: Coimbatore is a major railway junction on the Southern Railways and has trains to Chennai, Rameswaram, Madurai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Kozhikode, Mettupalayam, Kochi and Delhi.
Road: Coimbatore is connected by road with all major places in South India. For local transportation, city buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are available. State Transport Corporation plies mini luxury coaches between various points in the city and airport.
s12 is a city bus which can be easily accessible for the people going by Air. which operates for every 2 hours from Peelamedu.


Address
Arulmigu SubramaniaSwamy Thirukoil
Marudamalai, Coimbatore - 641 046.
Phone: + 91 - 422 - 2422490