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Courtesy:Sri.R.Gopalakrishnan
MARUTHAMALAI VELMURUGAN TEMPLE
Dear friends
Last week I had been to the Maruthamalai temple near Coimbatore. I had my basic Junior engineer practical training at Coimbatore during 1967. Later I was Asst Engineer at Coimbatore during 1980's. But it is the first time I am visiting the temple. For everything there is time.
The temple is in the base of Western Ghats. Though taxis and cars can go near the temple, still above 30 steps are to be climbed. There are two ways with steps. One recent with new granite finishing. Normally the old granite steps are used for climbing. If one go by auto it is learnt auto is not permitted on the hill section. One has to go by temple minibus. I have gone availing the ample available Red taxi service at Coimbatore.
The following information about the temple is from temple and other websites compiled.
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan 11-2-2016
1. Lord Muruga
Lord Muruga is glorified as the God of mountain and mountainous regions in THIRU MUGURUGATRUPADI, a noted work of the Tamil Literature of the Sangam Age. The word Muruga is a comprehensive term, connoting several meanings such as sweetness, youthfulness, beauty, divinity and honey and therefore it is but natural for the Lord to have His abode amidst scenic beauty among hills and mountains. SITUATED AT A HEIGHT OF ABOUT 500 FEET IN A PLATEAU ON THE WESTERN GHATS, fifteen kilometres north west of Coimbatore, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate, Marudhamalai Hills, dedicated to Lord Muruga (Maruthachalamoorthy) is classified under KUNRUTHORADAL, one of the six main abodes of the God, the others being THIRUVAVINANKUDI (PALANI), THIRUPARANGUNRAM, (NEAR MADURAI), THIRUCHEERALAVAI (Thiruchendur), THIRUVERAGAM (Swamimalai) and PAZHAMUDHIRSOLAI (Azhagarkoil near Madurai), THIRUTHANI.
Set against the backdrop of hazy blue hills dotted with shrubs and bushes of varied hues, the sacred shrine verily reflects the picture of Lord Muruga, magnificently mounted on his vehicle peacock, flaunting and swaying its feathers and plume in full bloom.
2 Origin :
The hoary past of the temple can be traced in such ancient works as Sage Kachyapar's PERUR PURANAM. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadama, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in SKANDAPURNAM. The inscriptions found in Thirumuruganathaswami Temple, Thirumurganpoondi places the origin of the temple in the 12th century A.D. According to Perur puranam, Soorapadama, the scourge of the gods aided by his mighty brothers, Singamukha and Tharaka arrayed against them and struck terror in their already agitated minds by his sudden and surprising charges and depredations. Unable to bear the agony and anguish, the gods approached Lord Siva and sought His succour. Lord Siva comforted the Gods that Lord Muruga would come to their rescue, root out and destroy Surapadama and his retinue enmasse. THE GODS SHOULD HASTEN TO THE MARUDHAMALAI HILLS AND AWAIT THE ADVENT OF LORD MURUGA, THEIR SAVIOUR!
Perur puranam also alludes to a king called Kusathvajan, who, it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudhamalai Muruga. The Divine Cow Kamadhenu is reported to have grazed in the pastures of the hills of Marudhamalai. Perurpuranam lists the three neighbouring hills, vellingiri, Nili and Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva, Parvathi and Subramanya respectively and the three hills taken together as the very symbol of Somaskanda.
3 About the Marudhamalai
3.1 EDUMBAN TEMPLE :
In the shrine of Idumba the image of the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture of carrying a Kaavadi. Married couples having no issues worship the deity and offer toy cradles with the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the Grace of god.
3.2 KUTHIRAI KULAMPADIGAL:
Continuing our ascent, we find a beautiful mandapam, enshrining what is called 'Kudirai Kulambu' (hoof marks of the horse). It is believed that the horse of Lord Muruga caused the marks, as he marched against the Demon Surapadma or the horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased the robbers referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.
3.3 ATHI MULASTHANAM :
As we approach the hill top present is the prime shrine were Lord Subramanya with his two consorts, Valli and Teyvannai, enshrined in the form of linga .The first pooja is performed for these deities.
3.4 PAMPATTI SIDHA KUGAI :
The Pambatti Siddhar Cave is another shrine drawing our attention. It is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached by a narrow path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet. One can notice a natural image of a snake on the rock. There is an underground passage from the cave to the primal shrine through which the Pambati Siddhar wended his way everyday to worship Lord Subramanya in the Company of his consorts
Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga and attained salvation here. A snake comes to the cave everyday and feeds itself on the fruit and milk kept for it. Devotees offer milk and fruit for the snake.
3.5 PAMPATTI SIDHA :
Siddhas are mystic philosophers who exercise their mental faculties to the utmost and attain godhead by means of meditation and reflection. They are endowed with incredible powers of the mind by which they perform great miracles and astound the common world. Siddhas can set at rest all their senses and awaken their spirit alone. Thus they are bodily asleep and spiritually awake. In this blessed mood they enter into a personal communion with god.
It is believed that there were 18 Siddha's. One of the 18 siddha's used to animate dead snakes and dance with him, so he was popularly known as Pambatti Siddhar. Pambatti Siddhar greatly revered in the Kongu region, he is credited with having lived in the company of snakes and made them dance to his tunes. Once, in the course of his wanderings, he chanced to meet one, Sattai Muni Siddhar, a contemporary and counterpart who initiated him into the art of entering into trances - the Jeeva Samadhi Nilai. Once he transmigrated into the dead body of a king and performed great miracles. He composed songs of enlightenment. 'Siddharudam' is a work, attributed to his prophetic genius. Lord Muruga took joy in teasing and tantalizing the Siddha with his spiritual pranks. Once as an enormous boulder came down, rolling gaining momentum, the siddha tried to halt it, arrested its movement and averted a great havoc.
3.7 PANCHA VIRUCHAM :
There is a cluster of trees closely interwinding one another. Under this is installed an Idol of Lord Ganesha. Daily poojas are performed to this deity also. The breeze wafting along the foliage has an unfailing cure for all diseases of the people. A host of saints, invisible to the common man's eyes, are supposed to dwell here doing meditation. An aged Irula tribesman, 80 years old identified the entangled trees as Korakattai, Ichi, Banyan, Vakkanai and Ottu maram and added there was one tree in the group, Peepal in the days of yore, and it is extinct now. The tribalman also said that this tree existed in the same manner even during his childhood. This is a unique phenomenon attracting not only devotees but also botanists.
4 TEMPLE WORSHIP TIMINGS
1 Morning 5:30 A.M to 01:00 P.M
2 Evening 2:00 P.M to 08:30 P.M
5 TEMPLE POOJA TIMINGS
1 Viswaroopa Dharsanam 6.00 A.M
2 Kalasandhi Pooja 9.00 A.M
3 Uchikkalam Pooja 12.00 P.M
4 Sayaratchai Pooja 5.00 P.M
5 Ardha Jama Pooja (Rakkalam) 8.30 P.M
6 DAILY POOJAS AND ARCHANAS
Daily poojas and archanas are performed for the presiding deity. There are schemes enabling the devotees to perform abhishegam and archana for the deity everyday. An endowment investment of Rs. 8000/- under 'Nitya Pooja Kattalai will facilitate a devotee to perform abhishegam and archana in his or her name on a day specified.
An offering of Rs.250/- and Rs.2,000/- for 15 years to the temple will fetch the prasadam of the deity of the Archana performed in the devotee's name on Krithigai for one full year. Prasadam is sent to the devotee concerned by post. Mention may be made here that several devotees from abroad have joined these schemes and are blessed by Lord Muruga.
7 Festivals
In Murugan Temples all over the world Poojas, worships and prayers are conducted daily following a routine, in the morning, noon, evening and night, which devotees attend with offerings to the Lord. Apart from the daily Poojas, special auspicious festivals are also conducted in the temples annualy, almost every month, starting from the Tamil calendar month of Chitrai, which is from middle of April to the middle of the following month May, consequently every month till end of each Tamil year. This monthly festivals is conducted on the day in which the particular star occurs in that month. These special festivals begin early in the morning, with special abishegams followed by poojas and offerings through out the day, and culminate with a procession all over the town with the Lord in a charriot illuminated with colorful lights, accompanied by
(1) Various types of musical instruments played by experts,
(2) Priests chanting Vedas,
(3) Othuvars (reciters) reciting devotional songs in Tamil and
(4) Multitude of devotees, the chariot returning to the Temple in the midnight or at dusk.
Sacred ash and theertham (scared fragrant water) and flowers are offered by the priests with the Lord's blessings to the devotees all through this occasion. Such special festivals are conducted as hereunder:
7-1 CHITTIRA POURNAMI between April 14th to May 13th
This is a Full moon day festival in the first Tamil month Chittirai (between April 14th to May 13th). Devotees observe fasting, worship God Murugan and break fast the next morning. This light [brilliance of the Poorna Chandra (full moon)] helps dispelling darkness to the souls. So Murugan worship and festival start on this day in the first Tamil month of the Tamil year. Similar celebrations as stated above take place in many Murugan temples.
7.2 VAIGASI VISAGAM May 14th to June 14th
Vaigasi is the second Tamil month in the year (May 14th to June 14th). Vaigasi is the 16th star. Lord Murugan is also called Visagan.
7.3 AADI KRITIGAI 16th July to 16th August
Aadi is the fourth month in the Tamil year (16th July to 16th August). Krithigai is the third star. After pooja and prayer, devotees are provided lunch in the noon.
7.4 IPPASI SASHTI 17th October to 15th November
Ippasi is the seventh month in the Tamil year (17th October to 15th November). Sashti is the sixth day after the new moon day (Amavasai Day). It is on this Sashti day the six faced Lord Subramaniyam annihilated Soorapadman the most atrocious Asuran, who imprisoned the Devas, and the Devas were liberated by the Lord. So this festival is celebrated in all Murugan Temples in the world and specially in a very grand manner at Thiruchenthur Temple beside the seaside in Thiruchenthur, Tamil Nadu. Multitude of devotees attend this festival taking place there for seven days, culminating with the sangaram (destruction of all evils) and bestowing of the Lord's grace and blessing to liberated souls.
7.5 THIRU KARTHIGAI 16th November to 15th December
Karthigai is the eighth month in the Tamil year (16th November to 15th December). Thirukarthigai is the third star in the Tamil month. This festival is celebrated in all Murugan Temples all over the world and specially in a very grand manner at Thiru Annamalai Hill Temple in Tamil Nadu. In that evening special Deepa (fire which is called the "sacred thituchudar" in which from Lord Siva appeared in the sky) is placed on the hill top,Braman (God of creation) and Vishnu (Thirumal God of protection) vainly tried to trace the head and foot of that Fire and failed in their efforts. Multitude of devotees including the heads of the scared Mutts of Tamil Nadu which spread spiritualism among people in India and abroad witness this grand festival at Thiruvannamalai and attain the Grace and blessings of Lord Siva. At that night series of small lamps are lit in all Murugan Temples, and Bon Fire (called Sockappan) is lit in the compound of each temple celebrating the victory of the Lord.
7.8 THAI PUSAM 14th January to 13th February
Thai is the tenth month in the Tamil year. (14th January to 13th February). Pusam is the eighth star in the Tamil month. This festival is celebrated in all Murugan temples all over the world and specially in a very grand manner at Palani Hill Temple in Tamil Nadu, Penang Hill and Waterfall Temple at Penang, Batu Caves Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Singapore Temple. In this festival also Lord Subramaniyam comes in procession in silver charriot. Multitude of devotees attend this festival observing fasting and penance and carrying out special prayers, offering Abishega materials, garlands, fruits etc to Lord Subramaniyam and carrying Kavadies in their shoulders, to the Lord up the hill to obtain the Lord's Grace and blessings and become cured of their disabilities, ill health, diseases, troubles etc.
8 Services
8.1 KARUNAI ILLAM : As the adage says, 'Divinity manifests itself in the smiles of the poor', the temple/Devasthanam is running an orphanage, known as 'Karunai Illam'. which provides for 100 destitutes. There are 8 children at present benefitted by it. The devasthanam is ready to accommodate upto the maximum strength. The daily expenses of the inmates towards food, clothing and school fees are all borne by the Devasthanam. The Children are educated upto the higher secondary school level
8.2 HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL :
There is a Higher Secondary School run by the temple at VADAVALLI. The school started in a thatched shed in the year 1971 at Vadavalli has grown from its humble beginnings and bloomed into a full pledged Higher Secondary school housed in a terrace building. A new building with additional classrooms and laboratories has been provided. The institution keeps aloft the torch of knowledge and strives its best to dispel the darkness of ignorance.
8.3 SIDDHA DISPENSARY : There is a SIDDHA DISPENSARY built and run by the temple at Vadavalli for the benefit of general public. A qualified Siddha Doctor comes atop on festival days to treat the sick devotees, if any.
8.4 TRANSPORT FACILITIES : For the benefit of devoties the Temple runs three Mini Buses from foot hills to Hill Top. Devoties can walk through the Steps where Electrical Lamps are fixed on the two sides for the benefit of Devotes.
8.5 SIRUVANI WATER :Temple has invested Rs. 6 Lakhs for the continuous supply of Siruvani water for devotees. Siruvani water is brought from the foot hills of Marudhamalai to the hill top with the help of Motors and Pumps that are donated by many donors from in and around coimbatore. Even the water purification plant has been implemented on hill top.
8.6 ANNATHANA THITTAM :Annadhanam Scheme was started on 23.03.2002. Annadhanam will be served hot for all devoties at 12.15pm daily in this temple. The Donor may participate in this scheme by investing Rs.30,000/- and from the interest of this investment every year Annathanam is given to 150 persons on any one day the donor decides, or the donor may participate in this scheme by giving Rs.3,000/- for a particular day for Annathanam to 150 persons.
9 THANGARATHAM :
Golden Chariot is at the hill top with an height of 16.5 feet that has been made with Gold at an cost of Rs. 1.08 Crores in the year 2003. Devotees can pay a sum of Rs. 1,500 for this golden chariot for which 3 persons are allowed. rulmigu Subramaniyaswami Temple
10 Additional information
Subramaniyaswami Temple, Marudamalai is a popular hill temple dedicated to Hindu god Murugan, situated near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Like most Murugan temples, the temple is situated upon a hillock, part of the Western Ghats ABOUT 15 KM WEST FROM THE CITY OF COIMBATORE. Near the foothill, there is a temple for Pillayar known as the "Thaan thondri Vinaayakar". There is a cave referred to as "Paambaatti Sitthar Kugai" dedicated to a Sitthar who lived here.
11 POOJA TICKETS
1 Archanai Ticket 5.00
2 Special Entrance Ticket 20.00
3 Special Entrance Ticket During Festival Day 20.00 & 50.00
4 Kalasandhi Pooja 25.00
5 Kalasandhi Pooja During Festival Day 50.00
6 Mudikannikkai 10.00
7 Ear Pooring 10.00
8 Marriage 250.00
9 Uthiravu 25.00
10 Abishegam Without Materials 50.00
11 Abishegam With Materials 1200.00
12 Milk Abishegam 25.00
13 Sandhanakaapu 50.00
14 Kavadi 10.00
15 Sagasaranamam 100.00
16 Two Wheeler Pooja 10.00
17 Car Pooja 20.00
18 Maeravanai 300.00
19 Thanga Kavasam 250.00
20 Golden Car 1500.00
21 Annadhanam Per Day -150 Persons 3000.00
MY NOTE- We have taken special entrance ticket for Darsan. All pooja items are available in the top of the hill itself in stalls. Though distance is only 15 KM it takes more time for travel due to traffic. It took more than an hour to reach temple from CHITRA close to Airport. Autos are not allowed to go up. Take taxi/cab to reach the temple.
11 Contact information
• Address
Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer
Arulmigu Subramanya Swami ThiruKoil
Marudhamalai
Coimbatore - 641 046
Telephone +91 - (0422) - 2422490
Email maruthamalaimurugankoil@gmail.com
N.Palanikumar, A. Ilamparithi,
Deputy Commissioner Thakkar
MARUTHAMALAI VELMURUGAN TEMPLE
Dear friends
Last week I had been to the Maruthamalai temple near Coimbatore. I had my basic Junior engineer practical training at Coimbatore during 1967. Later I was Asst Engineer at Coimbatore during 1980's. But it is the first time I am visiting the temple. For everything there is time.
The temple is in the base of Western Ghats. Though taxis and cars can go near the temple, still above 30 steps are to be climbed. There are two ways with steps. One recent with new granite finishing. Normally the old granite steps are used for climbing. If one go by auto it is learnt auto is not permitted on the hill section. One has to go by temple minibus. I have gone availing the ample available Red taxi service at Coimbatore.
The following information about the temple is from temple and other websites compiled.
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan 11-2-2016
1. Lord Muruga
Lord Muruga is glorified as the God of mountain and mountainous regions in THIRU MUGURUGATRUPADI, a noted work of the Tamil Literature of the Sangam Age. The word Muruga is a comprehensive term, connoting several meanings such as sweetness, youthfulness, beauty, divinity and honey and therefore it is but natural for the Lord to have His abode amidst scenic beauty among hills and mountains. SITUATED AT A HEIGHT OF ABOUT 500 FEET IN A PLATEAU ON THE WESTERN GHATS, fifteen kilometres north west of Coimbatore, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate, Marudhamalai Hills, dedicated to Lord Muruga (Maruthachalamoorthy) is classified under KUNRUTHORADAL, one of the six main abodes of the God, the others being THIRUVAVINANKUDI (PALANI), THIRUPARANGUNRAM, (NEAR MADURAI), THIRUCHEERALAVAI (Thiruchendur), THIRUVERAGAM (Swamimalai) and PAZHAMUDHIRSOLAI (Azhagarkoil near Madurai), THIRUTHANI.
Set against the backdrop of hazy blue hills dotted with shrubs and bushes of varied hues, the sacred shrine verily reflects the picture of Lord Muruga, magnificently mounted on his vehicle peacock, flaunting and swaying its feathers and plume in full bloom.
2 Origin :
The hoary past of the temple can be traced in such ancient works as Sage Kachyapar's PERUR PURANAM. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadama, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in SKANDAPURNAM. The inscriptions found in Thirumuruganathaswami Temple, Thirumurganpoondi places the origin of the temple in the 12th century A.D. According to Perur puranam, Soorapadama, the scourge of the gods aided by his mighty brothers, Singamukha and Tharaka arrayed against them and struck terror in their already agitated minds by his sudden and surprising charges and depredations. Unable to bear the agony and anguish, the gods approached Lord Siva and sought His succour. Lord Siva comforted the Gods that Lord Muruga would come to their rescue, root out and destroy Surapadama and his retinue enmasse. THE GODS SHOULD HASTEN TO THE MARUDHAMALAI HILLS AND AWAIT THE ADVENT OF LORD MURUGA, THEIR SAVIOUR!
Perur puranam also alludes to a king called Kusathvajan, who, it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudhamalai Muruga. The Divine Cow Kamadhenu is reported to have grazed in the pastures of the hills of Marudhamalai. Perurpuranam lists the three neighbouring hills, vellingiri, Nili and Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva, Parvathi and Subramanya respectively and the three hills taken together as the very symbol of Somaskanda.
3 About the Marudhamalai
3.1 EDUMBAN TEMPLE :
In the shrine of Idumba the image of the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture of carrying a Kaavadi. Married couples having no issues worship the deity and offer toy cradles with the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the Grace of god.
3.2 KUTHIRAI KULAMPADIGAL:
Continuing our ascent, we find a beautiful mandapam, enshrining what is called 'Kudirai Kulambu' (hoof marks of the horse). It is believed that the horse of Lord Muruga caused the marks, as he marched against the Demon Surapadma or the horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased the robbers referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.
3.3 ATHI MULASTHANAM :
As we approach the hill top present is the prime shrine were Lord Subramanya with his two consorts, Valli and Teyvannai, enshrined in the form of linga .The first pooja is performed for these deities.
3.4 PAMPATTI SIDHA KUGAI :
The Pambatti Siddhar Cave is another shrine drawing our attention. It is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached by a narrow path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet. One can notice a natural image of a snake on the rock. There is an underground passage from the cave to the primal shrine through which the Pambati Siddhar wended his way everyday to worship Lord Subramanya in the Company of his consorts
Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga and attained salvation here. A snake comes to the cave everyday and feeds itself on the fruit and milk kept for it. Devotees offer milk and fruit for the snake.
3.5 PAMPATTI SIDHA :
Siddhas are mystic philosophers who exercise their mental faculties to the utmost and attain godhead by means of meditation and reflection. They are endowed with incredible powers of the mind by which they perform great miracles and astound the common world. Siddhas can set at rest all their senses and awaken their spirit alone. Thus they are bodily asleep and spiritually awake. In this blessed mood they enter into a personal communion with god.
It is believed that there were 18 Siddha's. One of the 18 siddha's used to animate dead snakes and dance with him, so he was popularly known as Pambatti Siddhar. Pambatti Siddhar greatly revered in the Kongu region, he is credited with having lived in the company of snakes and made them dance to his tunes. Once, in the course of his wanderings, he chanced to meet one, Sattai Muni Siddhar, a contemporary and counterpart who initiated him into the art of entering into trances - the Jeeva Samadhi Nilai. Once he transmigrated into the dead body of a king and performed great miracles. He composed songs of enlightenment. 'Siddharudam' is a work, attributed to his prophetic genius. Lord Muruga took joy in teasing and tantalizing the Siddha with his spiritual pranks. Once as an enormous boulder came down, rolling gaining momentum, the siddha tried to halt it, arrested its movement and averted a great havoc.
3.7 PANCHA VIRUCHAM :
There is a cluster of trees closely interwinding one another. Under this is installed an Idol of Lord Ganesha. Daily poojas are performed to this deity also. The breeze wafting along the foliage has an unfailing cure for all diseases of the people. A host of saints, invisible to the common man's eyes, are supposed to dwell here doing meditation. An aged Irula tribesman, 80 years old identified the entangled trees as Korakattai, Ichi, Banyan, Vakkanai and Ottu maram and added there was one tree in the group, Peepal in the days of yore, and it is extinct now. The tribalman also said that this tree existed in the same manner even during his childhood. This is a unique phenomenon attracting not only devotees but also botanists.
4 TEMPLE WORSHIP TIMINGS
1 Morning 5:30 A.M to 01:00 P.M
2 Evening 2:00 P.M to 08:30 P.M
5 TEMPLE POOJA TIMINGS
1 Viswaroopa Dharsanam 6.00 A.M
2 Kalasandhi Pooja 9.00 A.M
3 Uchikkalam Pooja 12.00 P.M
4 Sayaratchai Pooja 5.00 P.M
5 Ardha Jama Pooja (Rakkalam) 8.30 P.M
6 DAILY POOJAS AND ARCHANAS
Daily poojas and archanas are performed for the presiding deity. There are schemes enabling the devotees to perform abhishegam and archana for the deity everyday. An endowment investment of Rs. 8000/- under 'Nitya Pooja Kattalai will facilitate a devotee to perform abhishegam and archana in his or her name on a day specified.
An offering of Rs.250/- and Rs.2,000/- for 15 years to the temple will fetch the prasadam of the deity of the Archana performed in the devotee's name on Krithigai for one full year. Prasadam is sent to the devotee concerned by post. Mention may be made here that several devotees from abroad have joined these schemes and are blessed by Lord Muruga.
7 Festivals
In Murugan Temples all over the world Poojas, worships and prayers are conducted daily following a routine, in the morning, noon, evening and night, which devotees attend with offerings to the Lord. Apart from the daily Poojas, special auspicious festivals are also conducted in the temples annualy, almost every month, starting from the Tamil calendar month of Chitrai, which is from middle of April to the middle of the following month May, consequently every month till end of each Tamil year. This monthly festivals is conducted on the day in which the particular star occurs in that month. These special festivals begin early in the morning, with special abishegams followed by poojas and offerings through out the day, and culminate with a procession all over the town with the Lord in a charriot illuminated with colorful lights, accompanied by
(1) Various types of musical instruments played by experts,
(2) Priests chanting Vedas,
(3) Othuvars (reciters) reciting devotional songs in Tamil and
(4) Multitude of devotees, the chariot returning to the Temple in the midnight or at dusk.
Sacred ash and theertham (scared fragrant water) and flowers are offered by the priests with the Lord's blessings to the devotees all through this occasion. Such special festivals are conducted as hereunder:
7-1 CHITTIRA POURNAMI between April 14th to May 13th
This is a Full moon day festival in the first Tamil month Chittirai (between April 14th to May 13th). Devotees observe fasting, worship God Murugan and break fast the next morning. This light [brilliance of the Poorna Chandra (full moon)] helps dispelling darkness to the souls. So Murugan worship and festival start on this day in the first Tamil month of the Tamil year. Similar celebrations as stated above take place in many Murugan temples.
7.2 VAIGASI VISAGAM May 14th to June 14th
Vaigasi is the second Tamil month in the year (May 14th to June 14th). Vaigasi is the 16th star. Lord Murugan is also called Visagan.
7.3 AADI KRITIGAI 16th July to 16th August
Aadi is the fourth month in the Tamil year (16th July to 16th August). Krithigai is the third star. After pooja and prayer, devotees are provided lunch in the noon.
7.4 IPPASI SASHTI 17th October to 15th November
Ippasi is the seventh month in the Tamil year (17th October to 15th November). Sashti is the sixth day after the new moon day (Amavasai Day). It is on this Sashti day the six faced Lord Subramaniyam annihilated Soorapadman the most atrocious Asuran, who imprisoned the Devas, and the Devas were liberated by the Lord. So this festival is celebrated in all Murugan Temples in the world and specially in a very grand manner at Thiruchenthur Temple beside the seaside in Thiruchenthur, Tamil Nadu. Multitude of devotees attend this festival taking place there for seven days, culminating with the sangaram (destruction of all evils) and bestowing of the Lord's grace and blessing to liberated souls.
7.5 THIRU KARTHIGAI 16th November to 15th December
Karthigai is the eighth month in the Tamil year (16th November to 15th December). Thirukarthigai is the third star in the Tamil month. This festival is celebrated in all Murugan Temples all over the world and specially in a very grand manner at Thiru Annamalai Hill Temple in Tamil Nadu. In that evening special Deepa (fire which is called the "sacred thituchudar" in which from Lord Siva appeared in the sky) is placed on the hill top,Braman (God of creation) and Vishnu (Thirumal God of protection) vainly tried to trace the head and foot of that Fire and failed in their efforts. Multitude of devotees including the heads of the scared Mutts of Tamil Nadu which spread spiritualism among people in India and abroad witness this grand festival at Thiruvannamalai and attain the Grace and blessings of Lord Siva. At that night series of small lamps are lit in all Murugan Temples, and Bon Fire (called Sockappan) is lit in the compound of each temple celebrating the victory of the Lord.
7.8 THAI PUSAM 14th January to 13th February
Thai is the tenth month in the Tamil year. (14th January to 13th February). Pusam is the eighth star in the Tamil month. This festival is celebrated in all Murugan temples all over the world and specially in a very grand manner at Palani Hill Temple in Tamil Nadu, Penang Hill and Waterfall Temple at Penang, Batu Caves Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Singapore Temple. In this festival also Lord Subramaniyam comes in procession in silver charriot. Multitude of devotees attend this festival observing fasting and penance and carrying out special prayers, offering Abishega materials, garlands, fruits etc to Lord Subramaniyam and carrying Kavadies in their shoulders, to the Lord up the hill to obtain the Lord's Grace and blessings and become cured of their disabilities, ill health, diseases, troubles etc.
8 Services
8.1 KARUNAI ILLAM : As the adage says, 'Divinity manifests itself in the smiles of the poor', the temple/Devasthanam is running an orphanage, known as 'Karunai Illam'. which provides for 100 destitutes. There are 8 children at present benefitted by it. The devasthanam is ready to accommodate upto the maximum strength. The daily expenses of the inmates towards food, clothing and school fees are all borne by the Devasthanam. The Children are educated upto the higher secondary school level
8.2 HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL :
There is a Higher Secondary School run by the temple at VADAVALLI. The school started in a thatched shed in the year 1971 at Vadavalli has grown from its humble beginnings and bloomed into a full pledged Higher Secondary school housed in a terrace building. A new building with additional classrooms and laboratories has been provided. The institution keeps aloft the torch of knowledge and strives its best to dispel the darkness of ignorance.
8.3 SIDDHA DISPENSARY : There is a SIDDHA DISPENSARY built and run by the temple at Vadavalli for the benefit of general public. A qualified Siddha Doctor comes atop on festival days to treat the sick devotees, if any.
8.4 TRANSPORT FACILITIES : For the benefit of devoties the Temple runs three Mini Buses from foot hills to Hill Top. Devoties can walk through the Steps where Electrical Lamps are fixed on the two sides for the benefit of Devotes.
8.5 SIRUVANI WATER :Temple has invested Rs. 6 Lakhs for the continuous supply of Siruvani water for devotees. Siruvani water is brought from the foot hills of Marudhamalai to the hill top with the help of Motors and Pumps that are donated by many donors from in and around coimbatore. Even the water purification plant has been implemented on hill top.
8.6 ANNATHANA THITTAM :Annadhanam Scheme was started on 23.03.2002. Annadhanam will be served hot for all devoties at 12.15pm daily in this temple. The Donor may participate in this scheme by investing Rs.30,000/- and from the interest of this investment every year Annathanam is given to 150 persons on any one day the donor decides, or the donor may participate in this scheme by giving Rs.3,000/- for a particular day for Annathanam to 150 persons.
9 THANGARATHAM :
Golden Chariot is at the hill top with an height of 16.5 feet that has been made with Gold at an cost of Rs. 1.08 Crores in the year 2003. Devotees can pay a sum of Rs. 1,500 for this golden chariot for which 3 persons are allowed. rulmigu Subramaniyaswami Temple
10 Additional information
Subramaniyaswami Temple, Marudamalai is a popular hill temple dedicated to Hindu god Murugan, situated near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Like most Murugan temples, the temple is situated upon a hillock, part of the Western Ghats ABOUT 15 KM WEST FROM THE CITY OF COIMBATORE. Near the foothill, there is a temple for Pillayar known as the "Thaan thondri Vinaayakar". There is a cave referred to as "Paambaatti Sitthar Kugai" dedicated to a Sitthar who lived here.
11 POOJA TICKETS
1 Archanai Ticket 5.00
2 Special Entrance Ticket 20.00
3 Special Entrance Ticket During Festival Day 20.00 & 50.00
4 Kalasandhi Pooja 25.00
5 Kalasandhi Pooja During Festival Day 50.00
6 Mudikannikkai 10.00
7 Ear Pooring 10.00
8 Marriage 250.00
9 Uthiravu 25.00
10 Abishegam Without Materials 50.00
11 Abishegam With Materials 1200.00
12 Milk Abishegam 25.00
13 Sandhanakaapu 50.00
14 Kavadi 10.00
15 Sagasaranamam 100.00
16 Two Wheeler Pooja 10.00
17 Car Pooja 20.00
18 Maeravanai 300.00
19 Thanga Kavasam 250.00
20 Golden Car 1500.00
21 Annadhanam Per Day -150 Persons 3000.00
MY NOTE- We have taken special entrance ticket for Darsan. All pooja items are available in the top of the hill itself in stalls. Though distance is only 15 KM it takes more time for travel due to traffic. It took more than an hour to reach temple from CHITRA close to Airport. Autos are not allowed to go up. Take taxi/cab to reach the temple.
11 Contact information
• Address
Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer
Arulmigu Subramanya Swami ThiruKoil
Marudhamalai
Coimbatore - 641 046
Telephone +91 - (0422) - 2422490
Email maruthamalaimurugankoil@gmail.com
N.Palanikumar, A. Ilamparithi,
Deputy Commissioner Thakkar