| Maruthamalai Temple |
| About: |
| Maruthamalai Temple, situated on a hillock at a height of about 500 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats, about 12 kms from Coimbatore, is an important temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.The temple gets its name from the Marutha trees in the forests on the hill. The hills also have many medicinal herbs in their forests.The story behind the temple is that a thirsty Sanyasi was walking through the forest and took refuge under a Marutha tree. To quench his thirst, he prayed to Lord Muruga, who answered his prayers and water sprang from Marutha trees. Hence Lord Muruga has been hailed the Lord of Marutha. The “Marudha Thirtam” and the”Pambatti Sunai” are springs on the hills with holy waters for ablution and a dip in them cures a number of diseases for they contain Medicinal Properties. |
| Location info: |
| Address:Maruthamalai,Coimbatore district ,Tamil nadu ,India |
| District:coimbatore district |
| Nearest City: coimbatore |
| Best time to visit: December and March |
| Climate/Weather: |
| The climate of Coimbatore city is moderate and pleasant throughout the year. Summers are hot with the maximum temperature reaching 39C and the minimum temperature is 21C. Winters are mild with the maximum temperature hovering around 30C and the minimum temperature of about 15C. A salubrious climate makes the tourists enjoy every moment of their visit to the city. |
| History:The word “Marudhachalapathy” means lord of Hills, abounding in Marudha trees. The name has also a legendary origin. A Siddha, overcome by excessive thirst and tiredness, sought shelter under the shade of a Marudha tree and prayed to the mercy of the Lord Muruga for a shower of water, which sprang at once as though by a miracle from beneath the tree! As water gushed out from the roots of the marudha tree, the Siddha leaped in joy, glorifying Muruga as the Lord of “Marudha” and “Jalam” with the passage of time, “Marudhajalapathi” became “Marudhachalapathy. The history temple can be traced in such ancient works as Sage Kachiappar’s Perur Puranam. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadma, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in Skandapuranam. The inscriptions found in Tiru Muruganatha Swami Temple, Tiru Murugan Poondi places the origin of the temple in the 12 th century A.D. Kongu Nadu was divided into 24 regions in the early days. It is learnt that one such Arai Nadu in the west has its boundary in the Marudhamalai Hills |
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| Interesting places to Visit: |
| Thanthonri Vinayagar:As we approach the foothills, at a little distance from it, the deity Ganesha greet us. Offering our prayers to Sri Vigneshwara, the remover of obstacles, we begin our ascent to the hills. It is significant to note that the deity is not a chiseled one but it is of a spontaneous origin .The Srine of Idumba:The shrine of Idumba is located almost in the middle of the path of steps. The image of the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture of carrying a Kaavadi. Married couples having no issues worship the deity and offer toy cradles with the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the Grace of god.The Depictions Of Arjuna’s Penance: A beautiful mandapam enshrining what is called ‘Kudirai Kulambu’ .It is believed that the horse of Lord Muruga caused the Marks, as He marched against the Demon Surapadma. Or the horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased the robbers referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.Pambatti Siddhar Cave:This is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached by a narrow path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet. Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga and attained salvation here. One can notice a natural image of a snake on the rock. |
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| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Coimbatore Junction and the Coimbatore North Railway Station. |
| Nearest Airport:Coimbatore Airport (12 km) |
| Road Transport:Buses are available from Coimbatore, The entry fee for cars to uphills is Rs.10/-. |
| Nearest Visiting places: |
| V.O.C. Park & Zoo:An amusement park, V.O.C. Park & Zoo are named after the famous freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram. The park is an interesting place to visit in Coimbatore. The main attractions within the park include an aquarium, a mini zoo, and a toy train for joyrides.Perur Temple :7 kms west of Coimbatore, this ancient temple was built by Karikala Chola and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as Mel Chidambaram, the exquisite sculptures in Kanagasabai are the main tourist attraction.Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary: Anamalai wildlife sanctuary is about 90-km from Coimbatore and is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 958 sq. kms. and is an ecological paradise. This sanctuary encompasses a National Park. The sanctuary has been recently renamed as Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary. |
| Nearest Petrol Pump: |
| coimbatore |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:Siruvani Hotel
458, P N Pudur, Maruthamalai Main Road, Coimbatore, Tamil nadu 641041- 0422 24221058Venkadesh Bakery & Hotel
1, Thirumurugan Nagar, Vadavalli Kovai, Maruthamalai Road, Coimbatore, Tamil nadu 641041 |
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| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:Kalpakkam Township, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu- 044 27481143 |
Nearest Hospital:Vallalar Hospital
Maruthamalai Road, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641041- 0422 2450693KG Hospital
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2212121Ganga Hospital
313, Mettupalayam Road, Alagesan Rd No. 2, Saibaba Koil, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 043- 0422 2485000Sheela Hospital
46, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2498381
Aravind Eye Hospital
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 4360400 |
