Marudhamalai

Subramaniyaswami Temple, Marudamalai is a popular 12th century hill temple dedicated to Hindu god Murugan, situated near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. It is considered as the SEventh House of Lord Murugan. Like most Murugan temples, the temple is situated upon a hillock, part of the Western Ghats about 12 km west from the city of Coimbatore. Thai Poosam and other Murugan festivals are celebrated.ArchitectureThe temple is atop a 600ft tall granite hill in Coimbatore. The presiding deity is addressed by multiple names like Marudhamalai Andavar, Marudachalapathi and Dhandayuthanpani. There are various water bodies around the temple, namely Maruda Theertham and Snake charmer's spring, which is believed to possesses medicinal properties.Paambatti SiddharIn Southern end of the temple pragaram staircase to the Pambatti Siddhar cave is located. Pambatti Siddhar was one of the 18 siddhars. He lived during the 12th century. Pambatti Siddhar performed penance in the Marudhamalai hill. Lord Murugan is said to have appeared as a snake to him. Later, Lord Murugan appearing along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai is said to have given Siddhar marudha theertham and blessed him. A connecting tunnel route from Lord Murugan's sanctum sanctorum and Siddhar's cave was formed and Siddhar is believed to have used it to worship the Lord.