Swami Malai Murugan Temple
Know the Temple:
Located 5 km from Kumbakonam, in Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu, this revered temple honors Lord Murugan, the embodiment of higher knowledge, wisdom and power.
Greatness of the temple:
As Hindu legend says, Muruga, Lord Shiva's son, expounded the true meaning of the Pranava Mantra ("OM") to his father Shiva, earning the name Swaminathaswamy. This ancient temple, dates back to 2nd century BC and is one amongst the six padai veedu temples of Muruga.
Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, was imprisoned by Lord Murugan for his ignorance of the Pranava Mantra's meaning. The celestial deities approached Lord Shiva, who requested Murugan to release Brahma. Murugan refused, stating Brahma's ignorance warranted punishment. Shiva, intrigued, asked Murugan to explain the mantra's meaning. Murugan's profound explanation enthralled Shiva, who listened intently. Later Muruga pardoned Brahma and released him.
Another legend tells that Lord Shiva lost his knowledge due to a Brahmarishi's curse. Lord Murugan, as his guru, taught him the substance of the Pranava Mantra.
Offering prayers for Muruga at this temple is believed to grant wisdom, knowledge, success in academics, higher studies admission and career development.
Key Temple Facts
- Location: Swamimalai, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
- Main Deity: Lord Murugan (Swaminathaswamy)
- Special Boons: Knowledge, wisdom, academic excellence, success in education
- Specialty: 4th among six abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan
- Worshipped by: Lord Brahma, Goddess Bhu Devi and Lord Indra
- Unique Feature: Elephant instead of peacock axial to Murugan's image
- Famous Festivals: Brahma Utsavam, Murugan Valli, Vaikasi Visagam, Sashti
- Literary Significance: Hymns by Arunagirinathar (Tiruppukazh) and Nakeerar (Tirumurukatrupadai)
- Puranic Names: Thiruveragam, Gurugiri, Gurumalai
- Worshipped by: Lord Brahma, Goddess Bhu Devi, Lord Indra, Saint Arunagirinatha, Saint Nakkeerar, and Tamil poet Avvaiyar
