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Tamilnadu Subramanyaswamy Temple Kumbakonam
The Subramanya Swamy Temple at Swamimalai near Kumbakonam is widely regarded as one of the holiest Subramanya shrines. Devotees visit Kumbakonam as the temple is located near Kumbakonam, within Tamil Nadu (South India). Swamimalai, also known as Thiruveragam is considered to be amongst some of the holiest and most sacred temples of the deity Lord Muruga.
The temple is located at Swamimalai which is a pastoral village that is situated at a distance of 5 kilometers to the west of Kumbakonam, upon the banks of tributary of the river Cauvery. It is also the fourth temple within Arupadai Veedu, which is a term referring to the six most sacred temples belonging to the Hindu God Lord Karthikeya. Lord Karthikeya is also recognized as Lord Muruga, Guhan, Shanmuga, Subramanya, Kumara and Skanda.
History
The Subramanya Swamy Temple along with the other five temples within the Arupadai Veedu shrines are considered as the battle camps of the deity Lord Muruga (Skanda). Many of the very important events in life of the deity Lord Muruga are deemed to have occurred in the six places where the six sacred temples are located. As per mythology, Swamimalai is the place where Lord Kumara becomes Guru to his father, Lord Shiva. At Swamimalai, the deity explained or taught the meaning of Pranava mantra OM to his father, Lord Shiva. The Subramanya Swamy Temple located at Swamimalai is built or set up upon an artificial hillock. This hillock has a height of approximately 60 feet and the temple has 60 stone steps leading to this great deity. These sixty stones represent sixty years within the Hindu cycle. Hindu legend reflects that Brahma (The prime deity/god of creation in Hindu mythology) disrespected Muruga (Lord Shiva's son) while visiting Mouth Kailash. Muruga became angry and asked Brahma to explain the meaning of Pranav Mantra. When Brahma was not able to reply Muruga punished him by knocking him on the forehead and imprisoning him. The Devas asked Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva to intervene. Lord Shiva asked Muruga to release Lord Brahma and the latter refused stating that Lord Brahma was imprisoned because he did not know the meaning of the Pranav Mantra OM. Shiva asked Muruga to expound the meaning and Muruga agreed. Lord Shiva became a disciple of his son and Muruga explained the meaning of Pranav Mantra OM. Lord Shiva bestowed the title "Swaminathan Swami" on Muruga.
Discovery Of The Temple
The exact date of discovery of the temple is not know. Nakeekar one of the famous Tamil poets wrote praises about Swamimalai in Thirumurugatupadai- which is an ancient and famous Tamil work. Several other ancient saints and poets have sung praises of this great deity. The poems indicate that the temple was present during 1st to 3rd century and so estimates suggest that the origin of the temple can be traced to a period of time well before Christ (BC).
How To Reach
By Air
The airport at Trichy is the nearest to Swamimalai and is located at a distance of 90 kilometers from the latter. Bus facilities or taxi cabs are available from Trichy to Kumbakonam as well as Swamimalai. Trichy is adequately connected to several other domestic airports throughout the country.
By Rail
Kumbakonam is the closest railway station to Swamimalai. It is located at a distance of 6 kilometers from Swamimalai. The station is well connected by trains from Tirupati, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Varanasi, etc.
By Bus
Swamimalai is well connected to many major cities through Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Buses. Buses ply regularly between Swamimalai and Chennai, Chidambaram, Trichy and Kumbakonam.
Important Shrines
The temple has sixty steps leading to the deity and after the first thirty steps visitors reach the second precinct of temple. Devotees can see the Vinayagar shrine outside first precinct. The first precinct includes images of Durga, Dakshinamurthy and Chandikeswarar as well as Swaminathaswamy's festival image. The images Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundaresawar in the form of lingam (Shiva) are present downhill. The second precinct also houses the temple chariot as well as marriage hall. The central shrine has a Swaminathaswamy image in granite. The temple also has golden crowns, golden armors as well as diamond lance for the deity.
Significance Of The Temple
The Subramanya Swami Temple is fourth amongst the six most important or sacred temples belonging to the Arupadai veedu group. Many of Lord Muruga's devotees including saints and poets have sung praises of Lord Muruga within the temple.
Weather And Time To Visit
Devotees can visit the temple between June to September as the peak summer season (March to May) is extremely hot and humid. October to March is the ideal period for visiting the temple.
Accomodation
There are several hotels and resorts in Kumbakonam offering good accommodation facilities to devotees. The temple also has 11 rooms along with two VIP cottages, one donor cottage and four other cottages that are let out for a normal rent between Rs 20 to Rs 100 per day basis.
- The temple also has a dining hall and three marriage halls that are also let out. It is advisable to make an advance booking or registration for good accommodation.
- There are several budget hotels and restaurants in Kumbakonam that serve food.
Tips For Devotees
- Since the temple is located at a height of sixty feet and has sixty steps, it is advisable for elderly people to take their time in climbing the steps.
- The entire temple is steeped in rich heritage and beauty. Spend adequate time in viewing the shrines in detail.
- Observe and enjoy the beautiful sculptures, images and the temple chariot as well as golden crown.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
The pooja and rituals are performed six times within a day. The Usha Kalam along with Kalasandhi and the Uchikala poojas take place before afternoon, which are followed by Sayaratchi, Rendham kalam as well as Arthajama pooja at night.
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