Swamimalai Temple is a highly revered shrine situated at
Swamimalai, about 8 km north of
Kumbakonam, in
Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth among the six padai veedu (sacred shrines) dedicated to
Lord Muruga. The presiding deity is depicted here as expounding the meaning of
Pranava mantra ‘Aum’ to his father
Lord Shiva.
The temple boasts three gopuram with three prakarams. The 'gopuram' on the south side of the temple is garnished with beautifully carved statues and is five storied.
There is a separate shrine dedicated to Goddess Shakti.
Major festivals celebrated here include Temple Car Festival (in April), Visakam festival (in May), Navaratri (in May), Painguni Utram (in March) and Thaipusam.
Swamimalai Temple can be reached by bus from Kumbakonam.
