About the Place

Maruthamalai Temple, located about 12 km from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, perched atop a hillock approximately 500 feet high on the Western Ghats. The temple’s name is derived from the Marutha trees that populate the surrounding forest. In addition to the spiritual significance, the hills are known for their medicinal herbs. One of the legends associated with the temple is that of a thirsty Sanyasi who prayed to Lord Muruga for water. In response, Lord Muruga made water spring from the roots of a Marutha tree, hence earning the title “Lord of Marutha.”

Summarized table for all the important points related to Maruthamalai Temple:

Category	Details
About	Maruthamalai Temple is located on a hill, 12 km from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Muruga. The temple is surrounded by Marutha trees and herbal plants.
Location	Maruthamalai, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India
Altitude	500 feet on the Western Ghats
Best Time to Visit	December to March
Climate/Weather	Moderate climate year-round. Summer (March-May) temperatures range from 21°C to 39°C. Winters (Dec-Feb) are mild with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C.
History	The temple is linked to ancient legends of Lord Muruga and has origins that trace back to the 12th century AD, with a long history in the region.
Interesting Places to Visit	1. Thanthonri Vinayagar 2. Idumba Shrine 3. Pambatti Siddhar Cave 4. Arjuna’s Penance Mandapam 5. V.O.C. Park & Zoo 6. Perur Temple 7. Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
How to Reach	Nearest Railway Station: Coimbatore Junction Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport (12 km) Road Transport: Buses and taxis from Coimbatore are available
Facilities	Entry fee for cars is Rs.10.
Nearby Places to Visit	1. Perur Temple 2. V.O.C. Park & Zoo 3. Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary 4. Rock Fort Temple 5. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple
Accommodation	Siruvani Hotel, Venkadesh Bakery & Hotel
Local Authentic Food	Idli, Dosa, Pongal, Kuzhi Paniyaram, Sambar Rice, Puliyodarai
Best Places for Food	Annapoorna Gowrishankar, Sree Annapoorna, Shree Anandas, Murugan Idli Shop
Nearby Petrol Pumps	Indian Oil Petrol Pump, N Andar Street Petrol Pump, Coimbatore
Emergency Contacts	Police Station: Kalpakkam Township, Tamil Nadu. Hospital: Vallalar Hospital, KG Hospital, Ganga Hospital, Aravind Eye Hospital

Location and Climate

Location: Maruthamalai, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Climate: Coimbatore enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, though summers can get quite warm with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 39°C. Winters are milder, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C, making it an ideal time for visits.

History

The name “Marudhachalapathy” comes from the words “Marudha,” referring to the trees in the area, and “Chalapathy,” meaning Lord. The temple’s origins can be traced back to antiquity, with references in ancient texts like the Perur Puranam. It is believed that the temple dates back to the 12th century and is closely associated with Lord Muruga’s victory over the demon Surapadma. The surrounding region of Kongu Nadu also has a rich cultural history.

What to See at Maruthamalai Temple

• Maruthamalai Temple (Main Shrine):
  • Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the temple is the focal point of the entire hill. The main deity is worshipped as the Lord of the Marutha trees, and the temple is known for its serene atmosphere. The intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance make it a must-see for devotees and tourists alike.

• Thanthonri Vinayagar:
  • As you ascend the hill, the deity Ganesha greets visitors at the foothills. Known as the “spontaneously formed” deity, this Vinayagar (Ganesha) is considered very powerful and is worshipped before starting the climb.

• Shrine of Idumba:
  • Situated halfway up the hill, this shrine is dedicated to Idumba, a mythological figure associated with Lord Muruga. Devotees can see the image of Idumba carrying a Kaavadi (a symbol of devotion), and couples seeking blessings for children often offer toy cradles here.

• Pambatti Siddhar Cave:
  • Located on the eastern slopes of the hill, this cave was the meditation spot of Pambatti Siddhar, a renowned sage. The cave is a sacred site, and inside, visitors can see a natural formation resembling a snake on the rock. It’s a peaceful place for reflection and prayer.

• Marudha Thirtam and Pambatti Sunai:
  • These two springs are known for their medicinal properties. The waters of Marudha Thirtam are believed to have healing effects, and a dip here is considered auspicious. Pambatti Sunai, another spring, also holds spiritual significance.

How to Reach

• Nearest Railway Station: Coimbatore Junction or Coimbatore North Railway Station
• Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport, 12 km from the temple
• Road Transport: Frequent buses from Coimbatore make it easy to reach the temple. For visitors driving, there is an entry fee of Rs. 10 for cars to ascend the hill.

Nearby Places to Visit

V.O.C. Park and Zoo:

• Located in Coimbatore, this amusement park is a family-friendly destination featuring a mini zoo, an aquarium, and a toy train. It is named after the freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram and is perfect for children and adults alike. It’s about 15 km from Maruthamalai.

Perur Pateeswarar Temple:

• About 10 km from Maruthamalai, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by the Cholas. Known for its beautiful architecture and intricate sculptures, it is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the region.

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary):

• Located around 90 km from Maruthamalai, this sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Spread over the Western Ghats, it houses elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species. It’s also a great spot for nature lovers who enjoy trekking and exploring natural landscapes.

Dhyanalinga Temple:

• Situated approximately 30 km from Maruthamalai, the Dhyanalinga Temple is a meditation center located at the Isha Yoga Center. It’s an architectural marvel, offering a peaceful environment for meditation and spiritual retreat.

Kovai Kutralam Waterfalls:

• About 35 km from Maruthamalai, these scenic waterfalls are located within a dense forest area, providing a serene atmosphere for a day trip. It’s ideal for those looking for a refreshing experience close to nature.

Facilities at Maruthamalai Temple

The temple provides free meals (Annadhanam) to devotees during specific hours of the day.

Parking Facilities:

The temple provides ample parking space for cars, bikes, and other vehicles at the foothills. There is a nominal fee for parking.

Free Bus Service:

A free bus service is available that transports visitors from the foothills to the top of the hill where the temple is located. It’s a convenient option for those who prefer not to walk.

Resting Areas:

Along the pathway leading to the temple, there are resting benches and shaded areas where devotees can take a break during their ascent.

Drinking Water:

There are clean and free drinking water facilities available for visitors.

Toilet Facilities:

Public toilets are available for the convenience of devotees near the entrance and parking area.

Shops and Stalls:

There are small stalls near the temple selling items like flowers, coconuts, and other pooja materials for devotees to offer during their visit.

Dining Facility (Annadhanam):

The temple provides free meals (Annadhanam) to devotees during specific hours of the day.

Accommodation Near Maruthamalai Temple

• Siruvani Hotel:
  • Location: P N Pudur, Maruthamalai Main Road, Coimbatore
  • Facilities: Offers basic accommodation with clean rooms, 24-hour room service, and a restaurant serving local and South Indian dishes.
  • Distance from Temple: 5 km

• Hotel Venkadesh Bakery & Hotel:
  • Location: Vadavalli Kovai, Maruthamalai Road, Coimbatore
  • Facilities: Budget-friendly option with simple rooms and a bakery offering fresh snacks and meals.
  • Distance from Temple: 6 km

• Gokulam Park Hotel:
  • Location: Gokulam Park, Coimbatore
  • Facilities: Offers modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, and 24-hour front desk service.
  • Distance from Temple: 12 km

• The Residency Towers:
  • Location: Avinashi Road, Coimbatore
  • Facilities: A 4-star luxury hotel offering spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and a spa.
  • Distance from Temple: 16 km

• Hotel Heritage Inn:
  • Location: Coimbatore Main Road
  • Facilities: Provides comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to the temple and city attractions.
  • Distance from Temple: 15 km

Local Authentic Foods to Try

• Idli and Vada:
  • About: A classic South Indian breakfast dish, idli is a soft steamed rice cake, often paired with crispy vada (a savory donut made from lentil batter). Both are typically served with coconut chutney and sambar.
  • Where to Have: Available in small eateries near the temple and throughout Coimbatore. Popular breakfast joints nearby offer freshly made idlis and vadas.

• Dosa:
  • About: Dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. It’s served with coconut chutney, sambar, and sometimes spicy chutney powder.
  • Types: Masala dosa (stuffed with spiced potato filling), plain dosa, ghee dosa.
  • Where to Have: Small local restaurants near the temple serve a variety of dosas. Some popular places in Coimbatore city are Annapoorna Gowrishankar and Sree Annapoorna.

• Pongal:
  • About: A savory dish made from rice and moong dal, tempered with black pepper, cumin, curry leaves, and ghee. It’s often enjoyed as breakfast or lunch.
  • Where to Have: Available at temple eateries and restaurants nearby. Pongal is a popular morning meal at small tea shops and tiffin centers.

• Kuzhi Paniyaram:
  • About: Kuzhi Paniyaram is a bite-sized snack made from dosa or idli batter, cooked in special molds. It can be either savory or sweet, with the savory version often spiced with onions, green chilies, and curry leaves.
  • Where to Have: This snack is usually available at traditional eateries and roadside stalls near the temple area.

• Sambar Rice (Sadam):
  • About: Sambar rice, a flavorful one-pot meal made with rice, lentils, and vegetables, is a staple in Tamil Nadu. It is served with appalam (papadam) or curd.
  • Where to Have: You can enjoy sambar rice at small lunch stalls around the temple or at South Indian restaurants in Coimbatore.

• Puliyodarai (Tamarind Rice):
  • About: A tangy and spicy rice dish made with tamarind pulp, ground spices, and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. Puliyodarai is a popular temple prasad (offering) as well.
  • Where to Have: This dish can be found in temple eateries or small food outlets nearby.

• Appam with Coconut Milk:
  • About: Appam is a soft pancake with a spongy center made from fermented rice batter. It is often served with sweet coconut milk or vegetable stew.
  • Where to Have: Popular in nearby towns and Coimbatore city. Certain restaurants serve appam as a special breakfast or dinner dish.

Places to Enjoy Local Food Near Maruthamalai

• Annapoorna Gowrishankar:
  • Location: R.S. Puram, Coimbatore (about 12 km from the temple)
  • Known For: Traditional South Indian vegetarian meals, dosas, idlis, and Pongal.
• Sree Annapoorna:
  • Location: Near Coimbatore city center
  • Known For: Famous for their South Indian tiffin and meals. They serve a variety of dosas, idlis, vadas, and more.
• Shree Anandas:
  • Location: Maruthamalai Road, Coimbatore
  • Known For: A budget-friendly option to taste delicious South Indian vegetarian food. Specializes in dosas, vadas, and rice dishes.
• Murugan Idli Shop:
  • Location: Coimbatore city
  • Known For: Specializes in idlis served with an array of chutneys and podis (spice powders).
• Local Street Vendors and Tea Shops:
  • Location: Near the temple foothills and parking area
  • Known For: Offering quick and affordable local snacks like vadas, idlis, and tea, making them ideal for a light meal after visiting the temple.

Important Contacts

• Police Station: Kalpakkam Township Police Station – 044 27481143
• Hospitals: Vallalar Hospital (0422 2450693), KG Hospital (0422 2212121), Ganga Hospital (0422 2485000)

Final Thoughts

The Maruthamalai Temple is not just a religious destination but also a place to enjoy nature and tranquility. The beautiful surrounding landscape, coupled with the spiritual experience of visiting a significant Murugan temple, makes it a must-visit spot in Tamil Nadu. Whether you’re drawn by the legends, the natural beauty, or the peaceful atmosphere, Maruthamalai offers an enriching experience.

Image Gallery of Maruthamalai Temple

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