Marudamalai

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Marudamalai Murugan Temple
Name:	Marudamalai Murugan Temple
Date built:	unknown
Primary deity:	Murugan
Architecture:	South Indian, Kovil
Location:	Coimbatore

Marudamalai is one of the most popular abodes of Lord Muruga and in importance it is next only to the Arupadaiveedu ("The six Fort-Houses of Muruga"), for Muruga devotees. Some people consider Marudhamalai to be the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with a few other contenders for the spot, including Kunrakudy, Sikkal and Vayalur.

Like most Murugan temples, Maruthamalai Murugan temple is situated upon a scenic hill that is a part of the beautiful lush green Western Ghats and is about 15 km from the vibrant city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

This is an ancient temple. References to this temple are found in inscriptions in the Thirumuruganpoondi temple. ThirumuruganPoondi temple is a "Tevarapaadalpetrastalam" and is at least 1200 years old. So we can surmise that the Marudhamalai temple is older than 1200 years.

There is a shrine called the "Paambaatti Shithar Kugai" (Paambaatti Shithar cave) that is in proximity to the Murugan temple. Legend has it that a Sitthar referred to as the Paambaatti Sitthar lived here in Marudhamalai. Paambaatti Sitthar is one of the most notable 18 Sitthars. Pambaatti Sitthar as his name indicates that he was associated with snake charming. As is the custom of the Sitthars of Tamil Nadu, he too, in the interest of mankind, has written extensively on the medicinal values and applications of plants.

Near the foothills, there is a temple for Lord Pillayar who is known as the "Thaanthondri Vinaayakar" (which means that the Pillayar idol appeared on its own without human intervention.)

This temple is under the control of Religious endowments department of Government of Tamil Nadu

This temple is located on a hilltop called Marutha Maillai (roughly translating to "hill of vegetation"), true to its name, the legend has it that this hill has many herbs of medicinal value. The hill is also home to a particular sect of tribal tamil people. The temple in recent years has been renovated and the local business community is supporting this activity. The temple also plans to have a rope car operate from the foothills. In recent years number of Nature cure clinics have come up nearby this hillside.

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