Thursday, January 28, 2016

Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai, Thanjavur

Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai, Thanjavur

Swaminatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Swamimalai Town near Kumbakonam in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. This Temple is considered as one of the six abodes (Padai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. Swamimalai is the 4th Padaiveedu (army camp) of Lord Muruga. The temple is built on an artificial hill (called as Kattu Malai in Tamil). Arunagirinathar had celebrated this place in his Thirupugazh Hymns. Hence, the temple is considered as Thirupugazh Sthalam. The Temple is situated on the northern banks of Cauvery River. Swamimalai is world famous for its school that teaches the ancient craft of making bronze icons.





Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/swaminatha-swamy-temple-swamimalai-legends.html

History

This temple is said to have existed even in the 2nd century BC. The Temple finds mention in the hymns of Thirumurugattupadai by Saint Nakkeerar of Sangam age. The Temple was extensively renovated by Parantaka Chola I. The temple was damaged to a great extent and the gopurams were demolished and razed to ground during the Anglo-French War fought between Hyder Ali and the British in the year 1740 AD. The consecration ceremony of the temple was performed on 9 September 2015. The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.





The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/swaminatha-swamy-temple-swamimalai-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and from 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Festivals

10 day Chithirai Brahmotsavam in April-May, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aavani Pavithrotsavam in August-September, 10 day Navaratri in September-October, Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November, 10 day Tirukarthikai festival in November-December, 10 day Margazhi Thiruvadhirai in December-January, Thai Poosam in January-February, Panguni Valli Kalyanam in March-April are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.

Thirupadi festival for the steps is celebrated on the English New Year day. Also, monthly Kruthika star days, Monthly New moon and full moon days, Sashti days, Visakam star days, Tamil and English New Year days, Deepavali and Pongal are devotionally celebrated in the temple. The crowd in the temple is huge on Tuesdays and all festival days.

Worship Practices

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/swaminatha-swamy-temple-swamimalai-worship-practices.html

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/swaminatha-swamy-temple-swamimalai-religious-significance.html

Literary Mention

The Temple is praised in the hymns of Thirumurugattupadai by poet Nakkeerar considered as the invocation song in Sangam Tamil literature edition. Lord Murugan of this temple is also praised in the hymns of Thirupugazh by Saint Arunagirinathar of 15th Century CE.

Prayers

Devotees pray here for happy married life, child boon, family prosperity, longevity, education, wisdom, higher education, job opportunities, and promotion in jobs and for removal of obstacles in their various endeavours. Those facing enemy troubles perform Thirisada archana. Tonsuring in the temple, abishekam with sandal, panchamirtham (a mixture of five ingredients), and milk are performed by devotees. Devotees light ghee lamps. Carry milk pots and Kavadi and arrange pujas. The rich offer liberal contributions for the maintenance and renovation of the temple.

Facilities

For the convenience of the pilgrims and devotees, 11 rooms, four cottages, two VIP cottages, one donor cottages, three marriage halls and one dining hall have been constructed and are let out at nominal rent ranging from Rs. 20/- to Rs. 100/- per day only.

Contact

Swaminatha Swamy Temple, 

Thirumanjana Veedhi, Swamimalai, 

Kumbakonam Taluk,

Thanjavur District – 612 302

Phone: +91 435 245 4421 / 245 4358

Email: swaminathaswamytemple@gmail.com

Email: swamymalaimurugan@tnhrce.org

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Swamimalai Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Swamimalai Railway Station, 7 Kms from Kumbakonam, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 34 Kms from Thanjavur and 88 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on the main road connecting Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. Frequent bus facility is available to Swamimalai from Kumbakonam. The temple can be reached very easily. 

Location