Fifteen km west of Coimbatore, on the Western Ghats, situated in a lush, green milieu is the temple of Marudhamalai. Said to belong to the 12th Century, the temple is surrounded by the hilly range on three sides. Several buses ply between Coimbatore and the foothills of Marudhamalai, from where devotees board mini buses to reach the temple. Stone inscriptions dating back to the 12th Century contain words such as Marudhan and Marudhachalam, which reveal that the names were in vogue even then. Marudhamalai abounds in medicinal herbs and the pure air and serene atmosphere should make it a haven for the health-conscious. The hill is dotted with small mandapams for the devotees to relax on their way uphill. At the foothills, where the steps to the temple begin, is the Thaan Thondri Vinayakar Temple. The 18th step above the Vinayakar Temple is another significant spot because those, who are unable to make it to Sabarimala find praying at this place equally gratifying. Another deity that draws your attention on the way is Idumban, who is seen on a huge circular rock at the Temple of Idumban! The three huge stones that stand out for the colour that’s different from the rest, and the mandapam of Kudhirai Kulambu are the other noticeable places on the route. High above these are the Paambaatti Siddhar Cave, Uchchi Pillaiyar Temple and Pancha Vriksham that convey a lot about the hoariness of Marudhamalai.
History of Marudhamalai Murugan Temple
The hoary past of the temple can be traced in such ancient works as Sage Kachiappar’s Perur Puranam. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadma, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in Skandapuranam. The inscriptions found in Tiru Muruganatha Swami Temple, Tiru Murugan Poondi places the origin of the temple in the 12 th century A.D. Kongu Nadu was divided into 24 regions in the early days. It is learnt that one such Arai Nadu in the west has its boundary in the Marudhamalai Hills. Perur Puranam and the inscriptions at Tiru Murugan Poondi speak of Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Muruga Himself and the Marudham tree as the symbolic representation of his spear (vel). Marudhamalai is celebrated by Saint Arunagirinathar in his celestial songs.
Location of Marudhamalai Murugan Temple
Marudhamalai Hills Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple is situated at a height of about 500 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats, fifteen kilometers north west of Coimbatore, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate.The city of Coimbatore is well linked to the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai by road, rail and air. From Coimbatore bus stand many city buses ply to Marudhamalai. The Devasthanam has provided 3 buses from the foothill to reach the temple on top.Several amenities and facilities have been provided for the benefit of the devotees to worship the deity. A good motorable road has been laid upto the hilltop by the Temple Devasthanam. Marudhamalai Murugan Temple is a Awesome Place For Vacations.
Facilities
This is by all means a great boon to the physically handicapped who cannot climb the steps. There are three mini buses run by the Devasthanam, plying to and fro in quick succession at a very nominal charge for the benefit of the devotees. The Ghat Road is also electrified.At dusk, it is a varietable feast to the eye to stand far away from the hills and gaze at the illumination spiraling like stars strung together in the sky.On the hilltop there is a wedding hall for celebrating marriage and at the foothill, there is a rest house, called Marudham which has twelve rooms provided with excellent amenities for stay and worship.
Other Information about Temple
Temple Pooja Times:- 6.00 A.M. (Ushakkalam) Kalasandhi 9.00 A.M. Uchikkalam 12.00 A.M Tiru koil kappiduthal .00 to 2.00 P.M in day time Sayaratchai 5.00 P.M. Ardha Jama 8.30 P.M. (Rakkalam). Festivals & Poojas:- There are several festivals celebrated glorifying Lord Marudhachalapathy like Kārttikai, ādi Pathinettu, Padivizha, Tamil New year’s Day, English New Year’s Day, Kārttikai Deepam, Thaipoosam – Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uttiram popular travel destinations. The Thaipoosam Car Festival is a festival, most splendid and spectacular, attracting a large number of devotees.