Serene Maruthamalai subramanya temple,TN

Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple. Credit: Ramakrishna Anand

Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple,TN.Credit: Ramakrishna Anand

Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple,TN.
Credit: Ramakrishna Anand

Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple, TN.Credit: Ramakrishna Anand

Lord Muruga or Karthikaya, being an important  Hindu deity, is revered across Tamil Nadu.  As such,there is no dearth of Murugan (also referred to as Subramanya) temples across Tamil Nadu. Some Murugan temples are Prarthanai sthlams - where one's grievances can be got rid of by way of  making offerings to the presiding deity, hence, such places are crowded with devotees. With rare exceptions tradition has it, almost all Karthikaya temples are located on hills in a serene, secluded environment surrounded by lush greenery -a quiet place that will tempt you to go into a trance, oblivious to the pains of modern living and stressed life. One such place is Maruthamalai Murugan temple.

‘Thai Poosam’at Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple,  www.thehindu.com

Above image: Devotees pulling the temple car on the occasion of ‘Thai Poosam’ at Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple, T.N. on Tuesday.Feb. 03, 2015.............

Located 15 km from the industrial city of Coimbatore on the Western Ghat mountainous area, this beautiful Murugan temple built in the 12th century attracts thousands of people from far and wide. Buses are available in plenty to go to the top of the hill. Devotees also walk uphill to reach the shrine , then and there relaxing in various Mantapams built on the way for the convenience of devotees who prefer padayatra. From health point of view, it is a good exercise to hike and, further, the hills here have all kinds of medicinal plants and herbs. Breathing fresh air in a place like this will purify your soul as well as your body. On the way, one can see  small shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Idumban and other sub deities.

Atop the hill adjacent to the Prakara, one can go down the steps to see the Pampatti Siddhar caves where the siddhar used to live long ago. It is said of Siddhars that they had tremendous mystical powers gained through proper meditation, yoga and breathing exercises done with intense devotion.

marudhamalai murugan temple.car festival.  www.marudhamalaimurugantemple.tnhrce.in

Here Lord Muruga is with his consorts valli and Deivanai. The Aathi moolasthanam of the deity is Lingam. If the temple is what it is to day and has become more popular in the last two decades, it is because of  late Sri Sando Cinnappa Thevar, an ardent devotee and a well-known film producer of Tamil movies. He also produced Hindi movies as well, one being the famous flick Haathi Mere Saathi(in the 1960s). He built buildings and made several improvements for the visitors. When he was poor and directionless, he used to come here and pray. His abiding faith in god, prayer and hard work helped him through the turbulent period in his life. Remarkably a pious man, though  he donned villain roles in the movies.

Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple,TN,Credit: Ramakrishna Anand

The temple management runs a school for destitutes and gives them  every thing  free - food, clothing, rooms, books, etc up to their high school level.

Thai poosam (Tamil month of Thai- January -February) is an important festival. The festival starts with Ko Pooja followed by special abisekams (anointing the deity). As part of the festival devotees pull the temple chariot (car /Ther in local parlance) carrying the deities of Subramnia Swami and his consorts. Same day, a good number of people will carry Kavadi with milk pots hanging from it and reaching  up hill barefoot. Thai poosam festival is celebrated at all Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu with bakthi. 

marudhamalai murugan temple.  www.marudhamalaimurugantemple.tnhrce.in

Tit Bits: (from: http://temple.dinamalar.com)

01. The  beautiful Vel (spear) weapon of Lord Muruga installed in the sanctum sanctorum is 6.75 feet tall. 

02. The Chakras represent the Panchabhoodas – five elements making the world - earth, space, fire, wind and water are shown in the stem part of the Vel. 

03.  A small hole is made in the Vidhana for natural light to fall on the Vel. 

04. The first hall – mandap is formed with six points representing the Sa  Ra Va Na Bha Va,  six letter mantra  of Lord Muruga.

            .......  (from: http://temple.dinamalar.com)
              

 http://www.marudhamalaimurugantemple.tnhrce.in/pooja.html