Marudhachalamurthy is the Lord Muruga’s Temple in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, situated on a hill that dates back to the 12th century. It also depicts the Sangam period during which it was built by Tamil Kings. As most of the temples of Muruga are built on an elevation, this too justifies the pattern, having built on a hill. This is also considered as the seventh house of Lord Murugan.
The temple is named Marudham because of the trees marudhamaram present in the hill. This temple of Muruga faces the East direction, which is not the case with other Muruga temples. Thai Poosam and other Murugan festivals are celebrated with a grand gesture here that is witnessed by thousands, even lacs of devotees.
Devotees can also witness the Lord Muruga being taken on a procession sitting in a chariot and circle the temple.
Architecture
The hill that situates the temple is 600 ft tall granite hill in Coimbatore. The presiding deity Muruga is known by different names like MarudhamalaiAndavar, Marudachalapathi, and Dhandayuthanpani. The temple is surrounded by various water bodies, which makes it enchanting for the scenery. There are springs like MarudaTheertham and Snake charmer, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
As per a famous legend that is about Lord Muruga and PambattiSiddhar, who was one of the 18 siddhars, once Muruga appeared to him in the form of a snake, the Lord came in front of him with his beloved consorts and blessed PambattiSiddhar for a pleasant lifetime during the 12th century.
There is a cave that takes to PambattiSiddhar for which devotees can take the staircase located at the Southern end of the temple. This is said that Siddhar used to worship Lord Muruga passing through this cave, and hence the tunnel connects from Murugan’s sanctum sanctorum to Siddhar’s cave.
Other than Lord Muruga, there is another deity, “Idumban,” that draws devotees’ attention. He is situated on a huge circular rock, and it stands out because of the three huge stones that are a different color than the rest. The mandapam of Kudhirai Kulambu is noticeable as well; other things are the PaambaattiSiddhar Cave, UchchiPillaiyar Temple, and PanchaVriksham.
The entire environment is set on the Western Ghats in a lush greenery situation that makes the place even more mesmerizing and worthy of visiting. Marudhamalai, with the lush greenery, is believed to have medicinal herbs in the flora and fauna and pure air to breathe in. There are several mandapams for the devotees to relax while having their way uphill. There are many other significant stops with different shrines where devotees can stop and have Darshan while paving their way ahead.
The convenience
The bus service is the best and cheapest option to take from Coimbatore to the foothills of the temple. The city of Coimbatore is connected to road, rail, and air. One can access the city by buses, rail, or plane as per the budget available. Devotees can find several amenities to stay in and gobble up some food to satiate the hunger.
Other than the prime temple, and religious activities, the society gets served too. The temple’s management is a home for children who are in need as they provide them with clothes, food, and shelter. Right now, there are about 45 children, and the temple takes care of their educational needs too up to high school.
At the bottom of the hill, there is a Siddha hospital that offers treatment to poor and needy people. They distribute medicines as well worth Rs. 30,000 free and every year.
Those who are handicapped get benefitted from the bus service run by the temple’s administration. There are minibusses that take to the temple at a very nominal charge. In the evening, the whole place illuminates, and it feels such a feast to witness the beauty of the hill.
On the hilltop, there is a wedding hall too where people can get married. There are rest houses as well, with several houses and excellent facilities to stay comfortable.
After finishing up the temple’s visit, people can also head to some nearby spots such as Chennimalai, TiruMuruganPoondi, Othimalai, Yercaud, Ooty, and Avinashi.
