Swami Malai Temple

The Swamimalai temple itself follows the traditional Dravidian architecture of Tamil Nadu. However, the legends behind the temple play a role in its architecture as well. Since Murugan was the teacher of his father in this legend, he is held superior because guru's place is always above in Hindu mythology. That is why the sanctum of Murugan here is perched at the peak of a sixty feet high hilltop. To climb up to the sanctum, devotees have to transcend sixty steps, each one named after one of the sixty Tamil years in one cycle.

The temple has three Praharams or Prahars, which is unique to this temple. The first of these three precincts is located at the very base of the hill. Pertaining to the legend, this is where the shrine of Sundareshwara, the Shiva lingam, and his consort Meenakshi or Shakti is present. Surrounding their shrines, there are more deities who are worshipped like Dakshinamoorthy, Chandikeshwara and Durga. The second Prahara is up along the hill, where the marriage hall and the temple chariot is housed. The third and the last level is the shrine with the sanctum sanctorum of Swaminatha Swami. He is represented by a granite idol image, standing 6 feet tall with golden armours, golden crowns and a diamond lance.

The temple has altogether three Gopurams or gateway towers. However, only the Raja Gopuram before the first Praharam has a tower of five storeys and colourful stucco figures. The other two are much plainer in comparison. Between the first precinct and the second, there is a small area with beautiful statues that depicts the legend associated with the temple.

The Swami Malai temple celebrates many festivals, most of which are related to Murugan or Lord Shiva. Monthly Kirutikai festival takes place in the month of Aadi, and marks the victory of good over evil when Murugan defeated and slew the demon Surapadma. The Thaipusam festival is common in all the Murugan temples. It is a ceremonial sacrifice called Kavadi Attam for Murugan to implore help from him. The Pankuni Uttiram festival in March is the celebration of the marriages between Shiva and Parvati, Murugan and Deivanai and Kothai and Rangamannar. It is a celebration of holy unions.

Navaratri is a mandatory festival that is celebrated across all temples of south India, and this temple is no exception. Other than these, the Visakam festival on Vaikasi Pournima is also celebrated largely. Thiru Karthikai in November worships the six celestial stars which bore the six babies which were joined to form Karthikeya, thus celebrating the sacred birth of the Lord Murugan. Skanda Shashti, marking the annihilation of demon Tarka in the hands of Murugan is also celebrated in October every year.

The nearest long-distance bus stand to the temple is Kumbakanam Bus Stand around 8 kilometres away, which is a very popular one. You can get public transport for Kumbakanam from other parts of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur itself is quite a busy town. So reaching the temple will not be a problem, either by bus or by a cab or car.