Swami Malai Temple – Swamimalai

Moolavar : Swaminathar, Subbiah

Urchavar : –

Amman / Thayar : Valli, Deivanai

Thala Virutcham : Gooseberry

Theertham : Vajra theertham, Kumaradarai, SaravanaTheertham, Nethra Kulam, Brahmma Theertham Agamam / Pooja : –

Old year : 1000-2000 years old

Historical Name : Thiruveragam

City : Swamimalai

District : Thanjavur

State : Tamil Nadu

It is a popular story that Brahamma the Creator bypassed Lord Muruga when both met on an occasion without offering the respect to the Young Lord which He deserved. Muruga intercepted Brahmma and demanded the meaning of the Pranava Mantra Ohm. The Creator could not answer. Muruga pounced on Brahmmas four heads and put him in prison as he was not qualified for the creation job. He began creation Himself. Vishnu appealed to Lord Shiva for the release of Brahmma. Muruga obeyed His father’s order. When Lord Shiva asked the Son to explain the meaning of Ohm, the Young Son explained the meaning in detail, but secretly close to Father’s ears as this is such a holy mantra which the righteous and wise alone should know. The event took place in this sacred soil.

Lord Muruga graces devotees in His best attire. He looks with a ripe, wise and philosophical look during the Vibuthi (sacred ash) abishek, a majestic Balasubramania in Sandal abishek. If one closely observes the sanctum sanctorum, the peeta – stage- on which the Lord stands looks like the Shivlinga Avudayar and the Lord as Shivalinga itself. This represents the philosophy that Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga are but one and not different from each other. In the place of the traditional peacock before the Lord, there is elephant here, which was gifted by Indira after the destruction of demon Harikesa, according to scriptures.