Swaminatha Swamy Temple, also known as Swamimalai Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya) located in the town of Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu, India.
It is one of the six important temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, collectively known as the Arupadaiveedu.
The temple is situated atop a small hill, and it is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War, imparted knowledge to his father Lord Shiva.
According to legend, Lord Murugan assumed the role of a teacher and explained the meaning of the sacred syllable “AUM” to Lord Shiva at this location.
The Swaminatha Swamy Temple is renowned for its architectural beauty and religious significance. The main deity of the temple is Lord Swaminatha, who is depicted as a six-faced deity with twelve hands, seated on a peacock.
The shrine is situated on the second floor of the temple complex and can be reached by climbing a flight of sixty steps, symbolizing the sixty Tamil years.
History of Swamimalai Temple
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan enlightened his father, Lord Shiva, about the meaning of the sacred syllable “AUM” or “OM.”
Legend has it that when Lord Murugan took on the role of a teacher, he asked Lord Shiva to explain the meaning of “AUM.” Lord Shiva, in turn, requested Lord Murugan to elucidate its significance.
The conversation between them, known as the “Panchaksara Vidya,” is said to have taken place at Swamimalai.
The temple’s history is also associated with the Skanda Purana, an ancient Hindu scripture that narrates the life and exploits of Lord Murugan. The Skanda Purana mentions the significance of Swamimalai as a place of worship dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Quick Facts
- Address: 10, Vatampokki Street, Taluk, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612302
- District: Swamimalai
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Swaminatha(Kartikeya)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: Car Festival , Skanda Sashti festival
- Architecture: Dravidian architecture
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
ALSO READ: Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple – Dress Code, Architecture, History
Swaminatha Swamy Temple Swamimalai Temple Pooja Timings
| Pooja | Timings |
| Usha Kalam | 6.00 am |
| Kalasandhi | 9.00 am |
| Uchikala Pooja | 12.00 Noon |
| Sayaratchai | 5.30 pm |
| Rendam Kalam | 10.00 pm |
Swaminatha Swamy Temple Swamimalai Temple Sevas Ticket Costs:-
The Temple sevas ticket costs are here
| Sevas Details | Ticket cost |
| Archanai | Rs.5 |
| Kavadi chindu | Rs.50 |
| Kalayana Kanekai | Rs.300 |
| Abishekam | Rs.1500 |
| Thanga rad-ham swami purapadu (Golden Chariot) | Rs.50 |
| Sahasranaamam Archanai | Rs.100 |
| Thanga radham swami purapadu (Golden Chariot) | Rs.1201 |
| Ear Boring | Rs.50 |
| Muththangi | Rs.100 |
| Pattu Parivattam Kanikkai | Rs.20 |
| Baaththiram Kanikkai | Rs.10 |
| kaalnadai Kanikkai | Rs.20 |
| Ubanayam | Rs.500 |
Architecture of Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
The exact period of the temple’s construction is not explicitly documented. However, it is believed to have been built during the Chola dynasty, which ruled the region during the medieval period.
The Chola kings were great patrons of art, architecture, and temple construction, and they made significant contributions to the development of many temples in Tamil Nadu, including Swamimalai Temple.
Gopuram (Entrance Tower): The temple has a towering gopuram at the entrance, which is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings. The gopuram is a prominent feature of Dravidian temple architecture and is characterized by multiple tiers or levels.
Vimana (Main Shrine): The main shrine, also known as vimana, is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The vimana rises above the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), where the presiding deity Lord Swaminatha resides. The vimana is adorned with sculptures and carvings depicting various mythological scenes and deities.
Mandapams (Halls): The temple complex consists of several mandapams or halls, which serve as gathering spaces for devotees during festivals and rituals. These halls are intricately carved and often depict stories from Hindu mythology.
Sculptures and Carvings: The temple is adorned with numerous stone sculptures and carvings that depict various gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and mythological scenes. These intricate carvings showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.
Pillared Hall: The temple complex includes a pillared hall known as the Mukha Mandapam, which features rows of intricately carved pillars. This hall is used for various rituals and is a popular spot for devotees to offer prayers.
Tank (Temple Pond): The Swaminatha Swamy Temple has a temple pond or tank called “Saravana Poigai.” It is considered sacred, and devotees often take a dip in the tank before entering the temple.
How to reach Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai?
By Air
The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), located approximately 70 kilometers away from Swamimalai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station, which is about 6 kilometers away from Swamimalai.
Regular train services connect Kumbakonam with major cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. From here, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road
Swamimalai is well-connected by road, and there are regular bus services from nearby towns and cities. Kumbakonam, which is approximately 6 kilometers away, is a major hub for bus services.
You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Kumbakonam to reach the temple. If you are driving, Swamimalai is easily accessible via the Kumbakonam-Tanjore Road (NH36).
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