Sri Swaminathaswami temple - kumbakonam

Moolavar	:	Swaminathar, Subbiah
Urchavar	:	-
Amman / Thayar	:	Valli, Deivanai
Thala Virutcham	:	Gooseberry
Theertham	:	Vajra theertham, Kumaradarai, SaravanaTheertham, Nethra Kulam, Brahmma Theertham
Agamam / Pooja	:	-
Old year	:	1000-2000 years old
Historical Name	:	Thiruveragam
City	:	Swamimalai
District	:	Thanjavur
State	:	Tamil Nadu

Temple's Speciality

Lord Muruga graces devotees in His best attire. He looks with a ripe, wise and philosophical look during the Vibuthi (sacred ash) abishek, a majestic Balasubramania in Sandal abishek. If one closely observes the sanctum sanctorum, the peeta – stage- on which the Lord stands looks like the Shivlinga Avudayar and the Lord as Shivalinga itself. This represents the philosophy that Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga are but one and not different from each other. In the place of the traditional peacock before the Lord, there is elephant here, which was gifted by Indira after the destruction of demon Harikesa, according to scriptures. 


General Information

There are no hills in Thanjavur district.  It is in this region, Swamimalai stands.  As hills are the abodes of Lord Muruga, He is gracing from this hill temple.  There are 60 steps to reach the hill temple representing the 60 Tamil Years.  These are considered at par with the importance of 18 steps in Sabarimala.  The deities of the Tamil years are praying to Lord Muruga in the form of steps.  Hence, the Padi Puja (puja for the steps) is conducted on Tamil and English New Year days with coconuts, fruits and singing hymns.

Temple History

It is a popular story that Brahamma the Creator bypassed Lord Muruga when both met on an occasion without offering the respect to the Young Lord which He deserved.   Muruga intercepted Brahmma and demanded the meaning of the Pranava Mantra Ohm.  The Creator could not answer.  Muruga pounced on Brahmmas four heads and put him in prison as he was not qualified for the creation job.  He began creation Himself.  Vishnu appealed to Lord Shiva for the release of Brahmma.  Muruga obeyed His father’s order.  When Lord Shiva asked the Son to explain the meaning of Ohm, the Young Son explained the meaning in detail, but secretly close to Father’s ears as this is such a holy mantra which the righteous and wise alone should know.  The event took place in this sacred soil.

Special Features

Miracle Based: Tamil word Murugu means all youthfulness and handsomeness. Needless to say that Lord Muruga is handsomeness personified. He shines in every dress-Alankara. He is a ripe spiritual leader in Vibuti abishek, a Majestic Balasubramania in Sandal abishek. If we look closely at the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Muruga appears as the Bana part of a Shivalinga and the peeta as the Avudayar. This is to emphasize the truth that Lord Muruga and Lord Shiva are not different from each other but one. In the place of peacock as the Vahan, an elephant is before the sanctum. It is said that an elephant Harikesan by name, earlier a demon, worshipped Lord Muruga. This is the elephant, the famous Iravadham gifted to Lord Muruga, according to Puranas. 

Opening Time
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Address
Sri Swaminathaswami Temple, Swamimalai, Thanjavur district.

Phone
+91- 435- 245 4421

Location :
Frequent bus facility is available to Swamimalai from Kumbakonam. The temple can be reached very easily.

Near By Railway Station :
Kumbakonam.

Near By Airport :  
Tiruchi.