Marudhamalai Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the beautiful Marudhamalai Temple was built 1200 years ago. The temple is set on a hilltop and offers some great views of the adjoining lush landscape. The hilltop is rich in different medicinal herbs. During the rainy season, many medicinal herbs grow here, which are used in the preparation of medicines in Ayurveda. It is easy to reach the temple as it is located at a distance of 12 km from the Coimbatore railway station.
Marudhamalai Temple is one of the most renowned attractions of Coimbatore. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this beautiful temple is all around surrounded by numerous trees, plants, and herbs. The hills set at the backdrop add to the beauty of the temple. Festivals like Thai Poosam and Tirukarthigai are celebrated in the temple on a large scale. During this time, devotees throng to the shrine in large numbers.
History of Marudhamalai Temple
According to Puranas, a Siddha overcome by tiredness, take shelter under the shade of a Marudha tree and pray to God to help him to quench his thirst. Suddenly water sprinted out from the roots of the tree and leaped in joy, the saint worshipped Muruga and this place is called Marudhamalai. It is one of the important Coimbatore places to visit.
Architecture of Marudhamalai Temple
Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, welcomes you at all the temples in Tamil Nadu, and this one is no exception. At the foothills of Maruthamalai, Thanthonri Vinayagar means a self-consecrated deity. In the Perur Puranam, the deity is praised in the Marudhamalai Thanthonri Pathigam.
The next flight of ascending is the Pathinettam Padi (eighteen steps). Devotees of Ayyappa who cannot undertake the arduous trip to Sabarimala can offer their prayers here.
The flight of steps to the hilltop can be easily climbed by enjoying the vegetation and the cool breeze bringing the goodness of the herbs.
Mid-way, you can find the Shrine of Idumba. The image of the deity carrying a Kavadi is carved on the rock. As you alight the step, you can find Kudirai Kulambu or the horse hoof marks. These are the hoof of the horse the Lord used during the war against Surapadma.
The original deity was Lord Muruga with Valli and Teyvannai; his consorts are now enshrined in the outer Prakara. It is at this very site the Devas met Lord Muruga and prayed to destroy Surapadama. All the deities in this location are self-consecrated.
Though the front mandapam can accommodate a big number of devotees, the sanctum sanctorum is small. On the outer Prakara, Shivalingam and Ambigai are seen.
The main deity is made of granite at the height of 5 feet and facing the east direction. He is seen holding a Dandayudham (rod) in the left hand and a Vel (spear) position across. The deity here is seen in Andi Kolam, devoid of all the ornaments and wearing only a loin cloth.
