Lord Murugan, also known as the “Tamil God,” holds a significant place in Hinduism, especially in Tamil Nadu.
He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
According to mythology, Lord Murugan was born as six children through the flames from the third eye of Lord Shiva and was raised by the Karthika women.
When Goddess Parvati hugged all six children together, they became one with six heads, and Lord Murugan is also known as “Aarumuga.”
Let’s delve into the rich history of one of the famous and important shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan – Subramanya Swamy Temple, Marudhamalai, located in Coimbatore.
The temple, known as Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, is located in Maruthamalai in Coimbatore District and is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, also called Subramanya Swamy.
The temple has a rich history, with legends associated with the renowned Pambatti Siddhar, who was known as the “Snake Doctor” for his expertise in catching snakes and extracting venom for medicinal purposes.
One day, while searching for a rare snake breed called Naga Rathnam in Marudhamalai, Pambatti Siddhar encountered the sage Sattai Munivar, who imparted spiritual wisdom to him.
Realizing the futility of hurting living beings, Pambatti Siddhar vowed to never harm any life on Earth and turned to worshipping Lord Murugan at Maruthamalai.
Pleased with his penance, Lord Murugan appeared before him with his wives Valli and Deivana, and blessed him with wisdom. Since then, Pambatti Siddhar has been revered as “Maruthamalai Mamani” by devotees.
How many steps in Maruthamalai Temple?
Maruthamalai Murugan Temple Special
The Marudhamalai temple, nestled in a scenic hill station, is accessed via about 837 steps.
Along the way, there is a shrine dedicated to Varadaraja Perumal. Additionally, the Sapta-kanniyar Sanctuary, located enroute to the Pambatti Siddhar Sanctuary, hosts special worship during the auspicious occasion of Aadi Peruku, which falls on the 18th day of the Tamil Month Aadi.
Another noteworthy site is the Idumban Sanctuary, situated along the road leading to the temple, with a tiger vehicle opposite to this junction.
Arthajama Pooja Special:
Pambatti Siddhar, who received the blessings of Lord Murugan, crafted a unique idol of Lord Murugan at Marudhamalai. This idol features Lord Murugan with two arms, akin to the Palani Murugan, holding an anklet in his right hand and with his left arm resting on his waist. The idol also sports a distinctive ponytail (Kudumi) at the back of the head and anklets on the feet.
Lord Murugan adorns different types of decorations each day, including royal ornaments, vibudhi kappu, and sandalwood adornments.
On special occasions like Karthigai and Thaipoosam, he wears a resplendent golden armor.
However, during Arthajama Puja, he appears in a simplistic form as Dandayuthapani, without any ornamentation or crown, showcasing his divine self-portrait.
Pambatti Siddhar Temple
The Pambatti Siddhar Sanctuary is nestled within a cave, situated amidst the towering cliffs. The revered sage is depicted holding a magudi, a wind instrument used to attract snakes, in his right hand, and a stick in his left hand. Adjacent to the sanctuary, there are also idols of Shivalingam and Nagar. After performing the puja for Lord Murugan, a special puja is also conducted for Pambatti Siddhar. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that Pambatti Siddhar continues to worship Lord Murugan at this sanctuary. Devotees pour milk into a bowl in his sanctuary every day, and it is said that the milk level may decrease the next day, indicating that Siddhar has anointed the milk to Lord Murugan as an act of devotion. This ritual is considered to be a testament to the ongoing reverence and worship of Pambatti Siddhar towards Lord Murugan.
