Swaminatha Swamy Temple: Difference between revisions

Swaminatha Swamy Temple
Swaminatha Swamy Temple
	View of the entrance
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Thanjavur
Deity	Swaminatha(Kartikeya)
Location
Location	Swamimalai
State	Tamil Nadu
Country	India
	Location in Tamil Nadu, India
Geographic coordinates	10°57′25″N 79°19′33″E / 10.956844°N 79.325776°E
Architecture
Type	Tamil
Creator	Parantaka Chola I
Website
	hrce.tn.gov.in

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The Swaminatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Murugan. It is located in Swamimalai, 5 km from Kumbakonam, on the banks of a tributary of river Kaveri in Thanjavur District, 290 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is fourth abode of Murugan among six (Arupadaiveedugal). The shrine of the presiding deity, Swaminathaswamy is located atop a 60 ft (18 m) hillock and the shrine of his mother Meenakshi (Parvati) and father Shiva (Sundareswarar) is located downhill. The temple has three gopuram (gateway towers), three precincts and sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Vaikasi Visagam festival is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.

As per Hindu legend, Murugan, the son of Shiva, extolled the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (AUM) to his father at this place and hence attained the name Swaminathaswamy. The temple is believed to be in existence from the Sangam period from 2nd century BC and was believed to have been modified and rebuilt by Parantaka Chola I. The temple was greatly damaged during the Anglo-French war between Hyder Ali and British in 1740. The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.The Kandhanathaswamy thirukovil in eraharam is connected to the history of this temple

Nearby Eraharam Murugan temple

In the village of Eraharam there is a murugan temple known as Kandhanathaswamy thirukovil. This temple is considered to be the adhi temple of Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy temple. This Kandhanathaswamy temple can be reached from kumbakonam and from thirupurambiyam.

Legend

According to regional Hindu legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, disrespected Murugan at the time of visiting Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. The child Murugan got angry with Brahma and asked him how he created living beings. Brahma said that he did so with the help of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures). On hearing the reply, Murugan asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text, beginning with the holy syllable called the Pranava Mantra (Om). When Murugan asked Brahma to explain the meaning of the mantra, Brahma, who did not expect such a question from the child, could not reply.^[1] Murugan knocked Brahma on his forehead with his clenched fists and punished him with imprisonment. Murugan took up the role of the creator. The devas (celestial deities) were surprised by the absence of Brahma and they requested Vishnu to negotiate with Murugan to release Brahma. Vishnu could not help, and as the last resort, Shiva went to the rescue of Brahma.^[2]

Shiva came to Murugan and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Murugan refused to release him stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the mantra Om. Shiva asked Murugan to explain the meaning and the latter did so. Shiva behaved like a student to a teacher, listening with rapt attention from his son, giving Murugan the name "Swaminatha Swami".^[3] The meaning of this name is "The Teacher of Shiva".^[4] Following the legend, the shrine of the son Murugan is atop the hillock, while the father Shiva's shrine is located at the basement.^[5]

As per the Kanda Puranam, once all sages and gods assembled in Kailash to witness the wedding of Shiva with Parvati. It resulted in the tilting of earth towards one direction. Shiva asked the sage Agastya to move towards South to balance the tilt.^[6] Agastya employed a demon by name Ettumba to carry two hills in his shoulders to be placed in the South. The demon carried the hills down south and rested in a place. When he tried to lift one of the hills, it didn't budge and he found a young man standing at the top of the hill not allowing it to be moved. The demon tried to attack the young man, but was smitten. Agastya identified the young man as Kartikeya and asked him to pardon the demon. Kartikeya readily did so and let the hill remain there at Pazhani. It is a practice followed in the modern times where people carry milk in both their shoulders as a devotion to please Kartikeya. The demon carried the other hill to Swamimalai.^[7]

Architecture

The temple is located in Swamimalai, a panchayat town located 5 km (3.1 mi) away from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Tiruvayyaru highway.^[8] In Swamimalai, Murugan is known as "Balamurugan" and "Swaminatha Swami". The temple is built on an artificial hill. In Tamil language, such an artificial hill is called "Kattu Malai".Earlier it was called as "Thiruveragam". The temple has three gopuram (gateway towers) and three precincts. Out of the three precincts, one is located in the basement, the second at midway to the top of the hillock and the third on the hillock, around the sanctum of the Swaminathaswamy shrine. There are sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The first thirty steps lead to the second precinct of the temple. The image of Swaminathaswamy is 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. There are golden armours, golden crowns and a diamond lance for Swaminathaswamy. There is a shrine of Vinayaka (Ganesha) outside the first precinct. The central shrine houses the granite image of Swaminathaswamy. The first precinct has the images of Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswarar and the festival image of Swaminathaswamy. The images of Sundaresawar as lingam (Shiva) and Meenakshi (Parvati) are located down hill and the first precinct around their shrines have the images of Dakshinamurti, Durga, Chandeshvara Nayanar, and the Navagrahas. The second precinct and the largest one of the temple houses a marriage hall and the chariot of the temple.^[9] The temple is one of the most visited temples in the district.^[10]^[11] The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and Tiruttani Murugan Temple.^[12] Unlike other Murugan temples, where peacock is sported axial to the image of the presiding deity, an elephant is seen in front of Murugan in the temple.^[13] The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.^[14]

Religious importance

Om symbol Sapthavigraha Moorthis Om symbol
Saptha Vigraha moorthis are the seven prime consorts in all Shiva temples located at seven cardinal points around the temple
Deity	Temple	Location
Shiva	Mahalingaswamy temple	Tiruvidaimarudur
Vinayaka	Vellai Vinayagar Temple	Thiruvalanchuzhi
Murugan	Swamimalai Murugan temple	Swamimalai
Nataraja	Natarajar temple	Chidambaram
Durga	Thenupuriswarar Temple	Patteswaram
Dakshinamurti	Apatsahayesvarar Temple	Alangudi
Navagraha	Suryanar Kovil	Suryanar Kovil

Swamimalai is one of the Arupadaiveedu, believed to be the six main abodes of Murugan, that mark the different phases of his life.^[15]^[16] According to Hindu belief, Swamimalai is where Murugan preached what as called as "Pranava mantra" to his own father, Shiva, at a young age, after arresting Brahma for not answering his question about Pranava Mantram. The teaching capabilities of Murugan is found as one of his identifying features. The cult of Murugan is of pride to the Tamil people who identify six with Murugan connating six directions and six chakras in human anatomy.^[17]

According to Hindu legend, Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimarudur is the centre of all Shiva temples in the region and the Saptavigraha murtis (seven prime consorts in all Shiva temples) are located at seven cardinal points around the temple, located in various parts of the state.^[18]^[19] The seven deities are Nataraja in Chidambaram Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, Chandikeswarar temple at Tirucheingalur, Vinayaka in Vellai Vinayagar Temple at Thiruvalanchuzhi, Murugan in Swamimalai Murugan Temple at Swamimalai, Bhairava in Sattainathar Temple at Sirkali, Navagraha in Sooriyanar Temple at Suryanar Kovil and Dakshinamoorthy in Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi at Alangudi, Papanasam taluk.^[19]

Arunagirinathar was a 15th-century Tamil poet born in Tiruvannamalai. He spent his early years as a rioter and seducer of women. After ruining his health, he tried to commit suicide by throwing himself from the northern tower of Annamalaiyar Temple, but was saved by the grace of Murugan.^[20] He became a staunch devotee and composed Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan, the most notable being Tiruppukal.^[21]^[22] Arunagirinathar visited various Murugan temples and on his way back to Tiruvannamalai, visited Swamimalai and sung praises about Swaminathaswamy.^[23]

Worship and religious practises

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaiva community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Swaminathaswamy. The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred texts) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are monthly rituals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi. The major festival of the temple, Vaikasi Visagam, is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May -June). As per Hindu legend, the celestial deity Indra worshipped Subramanyaswamy on the day of visagam star and gained strength to defeat the demon Arikesa.^[3] Like other Murugan temples, the worship practises include tonsuring in the temple, ablution of the deity with sandal, panchamirtham (a mixture of five ingredients) and milk are performed by devotees. Carrying milk pots (called palkudam) and Kavadi are other common forms of worship.^[9]^[24] A few years ago, a popular event called Subramanya Sahasranama, meaning doing archana with 1008 forms of Murugan was celebrated every month. Like in Palani Murugan temple, Vibhuti Abhishekam, the ablution of the central deity with ash is performed. The central deity with adorned with diamond Vel every Thursday.^[24] The kumbabhisekam of the temple was performed on 9 September 2015.^[25]

Kumbakonam Sapta Sthaana Temple

This is one of the Saptha Sthaana Temples of Kumbakonam. During the Mahahaman of 2016 the palanquin festival was held on 7 February 2016.^[26] Following the tirttavari held at Mahamaham tank on 21 April 2016, the palanquin festival of the Sapta Sthaana Temples were held on 23 April 2016.^[27] The festival which started from Kumbesvara Temple at the 7.30 p.m. of 23 April 2016 completed on the morning of 25 April 2016 after going to the following temples.

Notes

^ Bhoothalingam, Mathuram (2016). S., Manjula (ed.). Temples of India Myths and Legends. New Delhi: Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. pp. 48–52. ISBN 978-81-230-1661-0.
^ R.K., Murthi. Tales of Lord Kartikeya. Pitambar Publishing. ISBN 9788120907690.
^ ^a ^b Clothey 1978, pp. 127–128
^ Clothey 1978, p. 108
^ "Legend Connected with The Temple". Swaminathaswamy Temple administration. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
^ dr.akila sivaraman (2006). sri kandha puranam (english). GIRI Trading Agency Private, 2006. p. 49. ISBN 9788179503973.
^ Bhoothalingam 2011, pp. 48–52
^ Karkar, S.C. (2009). The Top Ten Temple Towns of India. Kolkota: Mark Age Publication. p. 81. ISBN 978-81-87952-12-1.
^ ^a ^b "Sri Swaminathaswami temple". Dinamalar. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
^ "What to see – Thanjavur district attractions". Thanjavur District Administration. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
^ "About the Temple". Swaminathaswamy Temple administration. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
^ Zvelebil 1991, p. 36
^ Meena, V. (1974). Temples in South India (1st ed.). Kanniyakumari: Harikumar Arts. p. 27.
^ "Thirukoil - Temple list of Tamil Nadu" (PDF). Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. p. 244. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
^ Cush, Denise; Robinson, Catherine; York, Michael (2008). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Psychology Press. p. 839. ISBN 9780700712670.
^ Clothey 1978, p. 83
^ Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: Volume Two. The Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 643–. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4.
^ Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu (2007). Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu. Chennai: T. Krishna Press. p. 53. ISBN 978-81-7478-177-2.
^ ^a ^b Narayanaswami (April 1987). "Jyothirmaya Mahalingam". Om Sakthi (in Tamil). Coimbatore: Om Sakthi Publications: 34–5.
^ Subramanian, V.K. (2007). 101 Mystics of India. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. p. 109. ISBN 978-81-7017-471-4.
^ Aiyar, P.V.Jagadisa (1982), South Indian Shrines: Illustrated, New Delhi: Asian Educational Services, pp. 191–203, ISBN 81-206-0151-3
^ Zvelebil, Kamil (1975), Tamil literature, Volume 2, Part 1, Netherlands: E.J. Brill, Leiden, p. 217, ISBN 90-04-04190-7
^ Zvelebil 1991, p. 53
^ ^a ^b "Festivals of the Temple". Swaminathaswamy Temple administration. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
^ "Kumbabishekam performed, The Hindu". 10 September 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
^ கும்பகோணம் ஆதிகும்பேஸ்வரசுவாமி கோயிலில் சப்தஸ்தான பல்லக்கு வெள்ளோட்டம், தினமணி, 8 பிப்ரவரி 2016
^ ஆதி கும்பேஸ்வரர் கோயிலில் ஏழூர் பல்லக்கு பெருவிழா, மகாமகக்குளத்தில் தீர்த்தவாரி, தினமணி, 22 ஏப்ரல் 2016

References

Clothey, Fred; Ramanujan, A.K. (1978). The many faces of Murukan: the history and meaning of a South Indian god. Mouton de Gruyter. ISBN 0-415-34438-7.
Bhoothalingam, Mathuram (2011). S. Manjula (ed.). Temples of India – Myths and legends. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. ISBN 978-81-230-1661-0.
Zvelebil, Kamil V. (1991). Tamil traditions on Subramanya – Murugan (1st ed.). Chennai, India: Institute of Asian Studies.

External links

[leg-1] Bhoothalingam, Mathuram (2016). S., Manjula (ed.). Temples of India Myths and Legends. New Delhi: Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. pp. 48–52. ISBN 978-81-230-1661-0.

[2] R.K., Murthi. Tales of Lord Kartikeya. Pitambar Publishing. ISBN 9788120907690.

[Clothey128-3] Clothey 1978, pp. 127–128

[4] Clothey 1978, p. 108

[legend-5] "Legend Connected with The Temple". Swaminathaswamy Temple administration. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.

[6] r.akila sivaraman (2006). sri kandha puranam (english). GIRI Trading Agency Private, 2006. p. 49. ISBN 9788179503973.

[Bhoot-7] Bhoothalingam 2011, pp. 48–52

[8] Karkar, S.C. (2009). The Top Ten Temple Towns of India. Kolkota: Mark Age Publication. p. 81. ISBN 978-81-87952-12-1.

[dinamalar-9] "Sri Swaminathaswami temple". Dinamalar. Retrieved 21 March 2013.

[TN-10] "What to see – Thanjavur district attractions". Thanjavur District Administration. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.

[about-11] "About the Temple". Swaminathaswamy Temple administration. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.

[12] Zvelebil 1991, p. 36

[Meena-13] Meena, V. (1974). Temples in South India (1st ed.). Kanniyakumari: Harikumar Arts. p. 27.

[HRCE-14] "Thirukoil - Temple list of Tamil Nadu" (PDF). Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. p. 244. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.

[15] Cush, Denise; Robinson, Catherine; York, Michael (2008). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Psychology Press. p. 839. ISBN 9780700712670.

[16] Clothey 1978, p. 83

[17] Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: Volume Two. The Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 643–. ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4.

[tourist-18] Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu (2007). Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu. Chennai: T. Krishna Press. p. 53. ISBN 978-81-7478-177-2.

[Om34-19] Narayanaswami (April 1987). "Jyothirmaya Mahalingam". Om Sakthi (in Tamil). Coimbatore: Om Sakthi Publications: 34–5.

[20] Subramanian, V.K. (2007). 101 Mystics of India. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. p. 109. ISBN 978-81-7017-471-4.

[21] Aiyar, P.V.Jagadisa (1982), South Indian Shrines: Illustrated, New Delhi: Asian Educational Services, pp. 191–203, ISBN 81-206-0151-3

[22] Zvelebil, Kamil (1975), Tamil literature, Volume 2, Part 1, Netherlands: E.J. Brill, Leiden, p. 217, ISBN 90-04-04190-7

[23] Zvelebil 1991, p. 53

[festival-24] "Festivals of the Temple". Swaminathaswamy Temple administration. Retrieved 30 November 2013.

[25] "Kumbabishekam performed, The Hindu". 10 September 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2016.

[26] கும்பகோணம் ஆதிகும்பேஸ்வரசுவாமி கோயிலில் சப்தஸ்தான பல்லக்கு வெள்ளோட்டம், தினமணி, 8 பிப்ரவரி 2016

[27] ஆதி கும்பேஸ்வரர் கோயிலில் ஏழூர் பல்லக்கு பெருவிழா, மகாமகக்குளத்தில் தீர்த்தவாரி, தினமணி, 22 ஏப்ரல் 2016

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@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 | year_completed         =
 | creator            = [[Parantaka Chola I]]
-| website            =
+| website            ={{URL | 1=https://hrce.tn.gov.in/hrcehome/index_temple.php?tid=18002 | 2=hrce.tn.gov.in }}
 }}
-'''Swaminatha Swamy Temple''' is a [[Hindu]] temple dedicated to god [[Murugan]]. It is located in [[Swamimalai]], 5&nbsp;km from [[Kumbakonam]], on the banks of a tributary of river [[Kaveri]] in [[Thanjavur District]], 250&nbsp;km from [[Chennai]], the capital of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. The temple is fourth abode of Murugan among six (Arupadaiveedugal). The shrine of the presiding deity, Swaminathaswamy is located atop a {{convert|60|ft|m|abbr=on}} hillock and the shrine of his mother [[Meenakshi]] (Parvathi) and father [[Shiva]] (Sundareswarar) is located downhill. The temple has three ''[[gopuram]]'' (gateway towers), three precincts and sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30&nbsp;a.m. to 9 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Vaikasi Visagam festival is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.
+The '''Swaminatha Swamy Temple''' is a [[Hindu]] temple dedicated to god [[Murugan]]. It is located in [[Swamimalai]], 5&nbsp;km from [[Kumbakonam]], on the banks of a tributary of river [[Kaveri]] in [[Thanjavur District]], 290&nbsp;km from [[Chennai]], the capital of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. The temple is fourth abode of Murugan among six (Arupadaiveedugal). The shrine of the presiding deity, Swaminathaswamy is located atop a {{convert|60|ft|m|abbr=on}} hillock and the shrine of his mother [[Meenakshi]] (Parvati) and father [[Shiva]] (Sundareswarar) is located downhill. The temple has three ''[[gopuram]]'' (gateway towers), three precincts and sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30&nbsp;a.m. to 9 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Vaikasi Visagam festival is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.
-As per Hindu legend, Muruga, the son of Shiva, extolled the meaning of the Pranava Mantra ([[Om|AUM]]) to his father at this place and hence attained the name Swaminathaswamy. The temple is believed to be in existence from the [[Sangam period]] from 2nd century BC and was believed to have been modified and rebuilt by [[Parantaka Chola I]]. The temple was greatly damaged during the Anglo-French war between [[Hyder Ali]] and [[British Raj|British]] in 1740. The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].
+As per Hindu legend, Murugan, the son of Shiva, extolled the meaning of the Pranava Mantra ([[Om|AUM]]) to his father at this place and hence attained the name Swaminathaswamy. The temple is believed to be in existence from the [[Sangam period]] from 2nd century BC and was believed to have been modified and rebuilt by [[Parantaka Chola I]]. The temple was greatly damaged during the Anglo-French war between [[Hyder Ali]] and [[British Raj|British]] in 1740. The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].The
+[[Kandhanathaswamy thirukovil]] in [[eraharam]] is connected to the history of this temple
 == Nearby Eraharam Murugan temple ==
-In the village of [[ Eraharam ]] there is a murugan temple known as [[ Kandhanathaswamy thirukovil ]]. This temple is considered to be the adhi temple of Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy temple. This Kandhanathaswamy temple can be reacher from kumbakonam and from thirupurambiyam.
+In the village of [[Eraharam]] there is a murugan temple known as [[Kandhanathaswamy thirukovil]]. This temple is considered to be the adhi temple of Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy temple. This Kandhanathaswamy temple can be reached from kumbakonam and from thirupurambiyam.
 == Legend ==
 [[File:Swamimalai Murugan Temple.jpg|left|250px|thumb|A view of the temple from the basement|alt=A view of the temple from the basement]]
-As per Hindu legend, [[Brahma]], the Hindu god of creation, disrespected Muruga (the son of Shiva) at the time of visiting Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. The child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him how he was creating living beings. Brahma said that he was creating living beings with the help of the [[Veda]]s (Hindu scriptures). On hearing the reply, Muruga asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text with the holy word called Pranav Mantra, "[[Om]]". At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Brahma did not expect such a question from the child and could not reply.<ref name=leg>{{cite book|title=Temples of India Myths and Legends|publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India|location=New Delhi|editor1-last=S.|editor1-first=Manjula|last=Bhoothalingam|first=Mathuram|year=2016|pages=48–52|isbn=978-81-230-1661-0}}</ref> Muruga knocked Brahma on his forehead with his clenched fists and punished him with imprisonment. Muruga took up the role of the creator. The Devas (celestial deities) were surprised by the absence of Brahma and they requested [[Vishnu]] to negotiate with Muruga to release Brahma. Vishnu could not help and as the last resort, Shiva went to the rescue of Brahma.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tales of Lord Kartikeya|last=R.K.|first=Murthi|isbn=9788120907690|publisher=Pitambar Publishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PGcTGFdEwl0C&q=swamimalai&pg=PA28}}</ref>
+According to regional Hindu legend, [[Brahma]], the Hindu god of creation, disrespected Murugan at the time of visiting Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. The child Murugan got angry with Brahma and asked him how he created living beings. Brahma said that he did so with the help of the [[Veda]]s (Hindu scriptures). On hearing the reply, Murugan asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text, beginning with the holy syllable called  the Pranava Mantra ([[Om]]). When Murugan asked Brahma to explain the meaning of the mantra, Brahma, who did not expect such a question from the child, could not reply.<ref name=leg>{{cite book|title=Temples of India Myths and Legends|publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India|location=New Delhi|editor1-last=S.|editor1-first=Manjula|last=Bhoothalingam|first=Mathuram|year=2016|pages=48–52|isbn=978-81-230-1661-0}}</ref> Murugan knocked Brahma on his forehead with his clenched fists and punished him with imprisonment. Murugan took up the role of the creator. The [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] (celestial deities) were surprised by the absence of Brahma and they requested [[Vishnu]] to negotiate with Murugan to release Brahma. Vishnu could not help, and as the last resort, Shiva went to the rescue of Brahma.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tales of Lord Kartikeya|last=R.K.|first=Murthi|isbn=9788120907690|publisher=Pitambar Publishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PGcTGFdEwl0C&q=swamimalai&pg=PA28}}</ref>
-Shiva came to Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Muruga refused to release him stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the Om - (Pranav Mantra-Tamil: '''ௐ ''' [[Om|AUM]]). Shiva asked Muruga to explain the meaning and Muruga extolled to Shiva the meaning of Om. Shiva behaved like a student to a teacher,  listening with rapt attention from his son, giving Muruga the name "Swaminatha Swami".<ref name="Clothey128">[[#Clothey|Clothey 1978]], pp. 127–128</ref> The meaning of this name is "The Teacher of Shiva".<ref>[[#Clothey|Clothey 1978]], p. 108</ref> Following the legend, the shrine of the son Muruga is atop the hillock, while the father Shiva's shrine is located at the basement.<ref name="legend">{{cite web|title=Legend Connected with The Temple|url=http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/legend.htm|publisher=Swaminathaswamy Temple administration|accessdate=2013-11-30}}</ref>
+Shiva came to Murugan and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Murugan refused to release him stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the mantra Om. Shiva asked Murugan to explain the meaning and the latter did so. Shiva behaved like a student to a teacher, listening with rapt attention from his son, giving Murugan the name "Swaminatha Swami".<ref name="Clothey128">[[#Clothey|Clothey 1978]], pp. 127–128</ref> The meaning of this name is "The Teacher of Shiva".<ref>[[#Clothey|Clothey 1978]], p. 108</ref> Following the legend, the shrine of the son Murugan is atop the hillock, while the father Shiva's shrine is located at the basement.<ref name="legend">{{cite web|title=Legend Connected with The Temple|url=http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/legend.htm|publisher=Swaminathaswamy Temple administration|accessdate=2013-11-30|archive-date=11 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211134400/http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/legend.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
-As per the [[Kanda Puranam]], once all sages and gods assembled in [[Kailash]] to witness the wedding of Shiva with Parvathi. It resulted in the tilting of earth towards one direction. Shiva asked sage [[Agasthya]] to move towards South to balance the tilt.<ref>{{cite book|title=sri kandha puranam (english)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SXwDdBdMJPwC&q=kanda+puranam+agastya+south&pg=PA49|author=dr.akila sivaraman|year = 2006|publisher=GIRI Trading Agency Private, 2006|page=49|isbn = 9788179503973}}</ref> Agastya employed a demon by name Ettumba to carry two hills in his shoulders to be placed in the South. The demon carried the hills down south and rested in a place. When he tried to lift one of the hills, it didn't budge and he found a young man standing at the top of the hill not allowing it to be moved. The demon tried to attack the young man, but was smitten. Sage Agastya identified the young man as Karthikeya and asked him to pardon the demon. Karthikeya readily did so and let the hill remain there at [[Palani Murugan temple|Pazhani]]. It is a practice followed in the modern times where people carry milk in both their shoulders as a devotion to please Karthikeya. The demon carried the other hill to Swamimalai.<ref name="Bhoot">[[#Bhoothalingam|Bhoothalingam 2011, pp. 48–52]]</ref>
+As per the [[Kanda Puranam]], once all sages and gods assembled in [[Kailash]] to witness the wedding of Shiva with Parvati. It resulted in the tilting of earth towards one direction. Shiva asked the sage [[Agasthya|Agastya]] to move towards South to balance the tilt.<ref>{{cite book|title=sri kandha puranam (english)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SXwDdBdMJPwC&q=kanda+puranam+agastya+south&pg=PA49|author=dr.akila sivaraman|year = 2006|publisher=GIRI Trading Agency Private, 2006|page=49|isbn = 9788179503973}}</ref> Agastya employed a demon by name Ettumba to carry two hills in his shoulders to be placed in the South. The demon carried the hills down south and rested in a place. When he tried to lift one of the hills, it didn't budge and he found a young man standing at the top of the hill not allowing it to be moved. The demon tried to attack the young man, but was smitten. Agastya identified the young man as Kartikeya and asked him to pardon the demon. Kartikeya readily did so and let the hill remain there at [[Palani Murugan temple|Pazhani]]. It is a practice followed in the modern times where people carry milk in both their shoulders as a devotion to please Kartikeya. The demon carried the other hill to Swamimalai.<ref name="Bhoot">[[#Bhoothalingam|Bhoothalingam 2011, pp. 48–52]]</ref>
 ==Architecture==
 [[File:Swamymalai tirukovil.jpg|250px|right|thumb|The [[Vimana (architectural feature)|vimanam]] of the shrine from the first precinct|alt=image of the shrine from the first precinct]]
-The temple is located in [[Swamimalai]], a panchayat town located {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from [[Kumbakonam]] on the Kumbakonam - Tiruvayyaru highway.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Top Ten Temple Towns of India|publisher=Mark Age Publication|first=S.C.|last=Karkar|location=Kolkota|isbn=978-81-87952-12-1|year=2009|page=81}}</ref> In Swamimalai, Muruga is known as "Balamurugan" and "Swaminatha Swami". The temple is built on an artificial hill. In Tamil language, such an artificial hill is called "Kattu Malai".Earlier it was called as "Thiruveragam". The temple has three ''[[gopuram]]'' (gateway towers) and three precincts. Out of the three precincts, one is located in the basement, the second at midway to the top of the hillock and the third on the hillock, around the sanctum of the Swaminathaswamy shrine. There are sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The first thirty steps lead to the second precinct of the temple.  The image of Swaminathaswamy is {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall. There are golden armours, golden crowns and a diamond lance for Swaminathaswamy. There is a shrine of Vinayagar outside the first precinct. The central shrine houses the granite image of Swaminathaswamy. The first precinct has the images of Dakshinamurthy, [[Durga]], Chandikeswarar and the festival image of Swaminathaswamy. The images of Sundaresawar as ''[[lingam]]'' (Shiva) and Meenakshi (Parvathi) are located down hill and the first precinct around their shrines have the images of [[Dakshinamurthy]], [[Durga]], [[Chandeshvara Nayanar|Chandikeswarar]] and [[Navagraha]]s. The second precinct and the largest one of the temple houses a marriage hall and the chariot of the temple.<ref name="dinamalar"/> The temple is one of the most visited temples in the district.<ref name="TN">{{cite web|title=What to see – Thanjavur district attractions|url=http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/whattoseetou.html|publisher=Thanjavur District Administration|access-date=2013-07-07|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518021412/http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/whattoseetou.html|archive-date=2013-05-18}}</ref><ref name="about">{{cite web|title=About the Temple|url=http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/aboutus.htm|publisher=Swaminathaswamy Temple administration|accessdate=2013-11-30}}</ref> The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and [[Tiruttani Murugan Temple]].<ref>[[#kamil|Zvelebil 1991]], p. 36</ref> Unlike other Murugan temples, where peacock is sported axial to the image of the presiding deity, an elephant is seen in front of Murugan in the temple.<ref name=Meena>{{cite book|title=Temples in South India|last=Meena|first=V.|publisher=Harikumar Arts|location=Kanniyakumari|year=1974|edition=1st|page=27}}</ref> The temple is maintained and administered by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=HRCE>{{cite web|title=Thirukoil - Temple list of Tamil Nadu|url=https://tnhrce.gov.in/resources/docs/temple_list.pdf|publisher=Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu|format=PDF|pages=244}}</ref>
+The temple is located in [[Swamimalai]], a panchayat town located {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from [[Kumbakonam]] on the Kumbakonam - Tiruvayyaru highway.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Top Ten Temple Towns of India|publisher=Mark Age Publication|first=S.C.|last=Karkar|location=Kolkota|isbn=978-81-87952-12-1|year=2009|page=81}}</ref> In Swamimalai, Murugan is known as "Balamurugan" and "Swaminatha Swami". The temple is built on an artificial hill. In [[Tamil language]], such an artificial hill is called "Kattu Malai".Earlier it was called as "Thiruveragam". The temple has three ''[[gopuram]]'' (gateway towers) and three precincts. Out of the three precincts, one is located in the basement, the second at midway to the top of the hillock and the third on the hillock, around the sanctum of the Swaminathaswamy shrine. There are sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The first thirty steps lead to the second precinct of the temple.  The image of Swaminathaswamy is {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall. There are golden armours, golden crowns and a diamond lance for Swaminathaswamy. There is a shrine of Vinayaka (Ganesha) outside the first precinct. The central shrine houses the granite image of Swaminathaswamy. The first precinct has the images of Dakshinamurthy, [[Durga]], Chandikeswarar and the festival image of Swaminathaswamy. The images of Sundaresawar as ''[[lingam]]'' (Shiva) and Meenakshi (Parvati) are located down hill and the first precinct around their shrines have the images of [[Dakshinamurthy|Dakshinamurti]], [[Durga]], [[Chandeshvara Nayanar]], and the [[Navagraha]]s. The second precinct and the largest one of the temple houses a marriage hall and the chariot of the temple.<ref name="dinamalar"/> The temple is one of the most visited temples in the district.<ref name="TN">{{cite web|title=What to see – Thanjavur district attractions|url=http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/whattoseetou.html|publisher=Thanjavur District Administration|access-date=2013-07-07|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518021412/http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/whattoseetou.html|archive-date=2013-05-18}}</ref><ref name="about">{{cite web|title=About the Temple|url=http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/aboutus.htm|publisher=Swaminathaswamy Temple administration|accessdate=2013-11-30|archive-date=11 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211134623/http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/aboutus.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and [[Tiruttani Murugan Temple]].<ref>[[#Kamil|Zvelebil 1991]], p. 36</ref> Unlike other Murugan temples, where peacock is sported axial to the image of the presiding deity, an elephant is seen in front of Murugan in the temple.<ref name=Meena>{{cite book|title=Temples in South India|last=Meena|first=V.|publisher=Harikumar Arts|location=Kanniyakumari|year=1974|edition=1st|page=27}}</ref> The temple is maintained and administered by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=HRCE>{{cite web|title=Thirukoil - Temple list of Tamil Nadu|url=https://tnhrce.gov.in/resources/docs/temple_list.pdf|publisher=Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu|format=PDF|pages=244|access-date=13 November 2021|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009010850/https://tnhrce.gov.in/resources/docs/temple_list.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 ==Religious importance==
-{| style="clear:right; float:right; background:#ffffff; margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em;" class="toccolours" width="220" font-size : "90%"
+{|  class="toccolours" style="clear:right; float:right; background:#ffffff; margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em; width:220"
 |-
-!style="background:#A8BDEC;text-align:center;" colspan="3"|[[File:Hinduism symbol.png|25px|Om symbol|left]]  '''Sapthavigraha Moorthis'''  [[File:Hinduism symbol.png|25px|Om symbol|right]]
+!style="background:#A8BDEC;text-align:center;" colspan="3"|[[File:Hinduism symbol.png|25px|Om symbol|left]]  '''Sapthavigraha Moorthis''' [[File:Hinduism symbol.png|25px|Om symbol|right]]
 |-
 | style="text-align:center;" colspan="3" | ''Saptha Vigraha moorthis'' are the seven prime consorts in all [[Shiva]] temples located at seven cardinal points around the temple
@@ Line 60: / Line 61: @@
 | style="text-align:center;" |Shiva || [[Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur|Mahalingaswamy temple]] || [[Tiruvidaimarudur]]
 |-
-| style="text-align:center;" |[[Vinayaga]] || [[Thiruvalanjuli Kabardeeshwarar Temple (Vellai Vinayagar Temple)|Vellai Vinayagar Temple]] || [[Thiruvalanchuzhi]]
+| style="text-align:center;" |[[Vinayaga|Vinayaka]] || [[Thiruvalanjuli Kabardeeshwarar Temple (Vellai Vinayagar Temple)|Vellai Vinayagar Temple]] || [[Thiruvalanchuzhi]]
 |-
 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Murugan]] || [[Swamimalai Murugan temple]] || [[Swamimalai]]
@@ Line 68: / Line 69: @@
 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Durga]]|| [[Thenupuriswarar Temple]] || [[Patteswaram]]
 |-
-| style="text-align:center;" | [[Dakshinamurthy|Dakshinamoorthy]]|| [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi|Apatsahayesvarar Temple]] || Alangudi
+| style="text-align:center;" | [[Dakshinamurti]]|| [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi|Apatsahayesvarar Temple]] || Alangudi
 |-
 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Navagraha]]|| [[Suryanar Kovil]] || [[Suryanar Kovil]]
@@ Line 74: / Line 75: @@
 |}
-Swamimalai is one of the ''[[Arupadaiveedu]]'', believed to be the six main abodes of [[Muruga]], that mark the different phases of his life.<ref>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i_T0HeWE-EAC&q=swamimalai&pg=PA839|last1=Cush|first1=Denise |last2=Robinson|first2=Catherine |last3=York|first3=Michael |publisher=Psychology Press|page=839|year=2008|isbn=9780700712670}}</ref><ref>[[#Clothey|Clothey 1978]], p. 83</ref>  According to Hindu belief, Swamimalai is where Muruga preached what as called as "Pranava mantra" to his own father, [[Shiva]], at a young age, after arresting Brahma for not answering his question about Pranava Mantram. The teaching capabilities of Murugan is found as one of his identifying features. The cult of Murugan is of pride to the Tamil people who identify six with Murugan connating six directions and six chakras in human anatomy.<ref>{{cite book|first=James G.|last= Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: Volume Two|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g6FsB3psOTIC&q=swamimalai&pg=PA680|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4|pages=643–}}</ref>
+Swamimalai is one of the ''[[Arupadaiveedu]]'', believed to be the six main abodes of [[Muruga|Murugan]], that mark the different phases of his life.<ref>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i_T0HeWE-EAC&q=swamimalai&pg=PA839|last1=Cush|first1=Denise |last2=Robinson|first2=Catherine |last3=York|first3=Michael |publisher=Psychology Press|page=839|year=2008|isbn=9780700712670}}</ref><ref>[[#Clothey|Clothey 1978]], p. 83</ref>  According to Hindu belief, Swamimalai is where Murugan preached what as called as "Pranava mantra" to his own father, [[Shiva]], at a young age, after arresting Brahma for not answering his question about Pranava Mantram. The teaching capabilities of Murugan is found as one of his identifying features. The cult of Murugan is of pride to the Tamil people who identify six with Murugan connating six directions and six chakras in human anatomy.<ref>{{cite book|first=James G.|last= Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: Volume Two|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g6FsB3psOTIC&q=swamimalai&pg=PA680|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4|pages=643–}}</ref>
-According to Hindu legend, [[Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur|Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimarudur]] is the centre of all Shiva temples in the region and the ''Saptha Vigraha moorthis'' (seven prime consorts in all [[Shiva]] temples) are located at seven cardinal points around the temple, located in various parts of the state.<ref name="tourist">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nGxbJqdEQrwC&q=thiruvidaimarudur&pg=PA71|last=Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu |title=Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu|year=2007|publisher=T. Krishna Press |location=Chennai |isbn=978-81-7478-177-2|ref=tourist|page=53}}</ref><ref name=Om34>{{cite journal|title=Jyothirmaya Mahalingam|last=Narayanaswami|journal=Om Sakthi|language=ta|publisher=Om Sakthi Publications|date=April 1987|location=Coimbatore|ref=Om|pages=34–5}}</ref> The seven deities are [[Nataraja]] in [[Chidambaram Nataraja Temple]] at [[Chidambaram]], [[Satyagireeswarar Temple, Senganur|Chandikeswarar temple at Tirucheingalur]], [[Vinayagar]] in [[Thiruvalanjuli Kabardeeshwarar Temple (Vellai Vinayagar Temple)|Vellai Vinayagar Temple]] at [[Thiruvalanchuzhi]], [[Muruga]] in [[Swamimalai Murugan Temple]] at [[Swamimalai]], [[Bhairava]] in [[Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi|Sattainathar Temple]] at [[Sirkali]], [[Navagraha]] in [[Suryanar Kovil|Sooriyanar Temple]] at [[Suryanar Kovil]] and [[Dakshinamoorthy]] in [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi]] at [[Alangudi, Papanasam taluk]].<ref name=Om34/>
+According to Hindu legend, [[Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur|Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimarudur]] is the centre of all Shiva temples in the region and the ''Saptavigraha murtis'' (seven prime consorts in all [[Shiva]] temples) are located at seven cardinal points around the temple, located in various parts of the state.<ref name="tourist">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nGxbJqdEQrwC&q=thiruvidaimarudur&pg=PA71|last=Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu |title=Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu|year=2007|publisher=T. Krishna Press |location=Chennai |isbn=978-81-7478-177-2|ref=tourist|page=53}}</ref><ref name=Om34>{{cite journal|title=Jyothirmaya Mahalingam|last=Narayanaswami|journal=Om Sakthi|language=ta|publisher=Om Sakthi Publications|date=April 1987|location=Coimbatore|ref=Om|pages=34–5}}</ref> The seven deities are [[Nataraja]] in [[Chidambaram Nataraja Temple]] at [[Chidambaram]], [[Satyagireeswarar Temple, Senganur|Chandikeswarar temple at Tirucheingalur]], [[Vinayagar|Vinayaka]] in [[Thiruvalanjuli Kabardeeshwarar Temple (Vellai Vinayagar Temple)|Vellai Vinayagar Temple]] at [[Thiruvalanchuzhi]], [[Muruga|Murugan]] in [[Swamimalai Murugan Temple]] at [[Swamimalai]], [[Bhairava]] in [[Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi|Sattainathar Temple]] at [[Sirkali]], [[Navagraha]] in [[Suryanar Kovil|Sooriyanar Temple]] at [[Suryanar Kovil]] and [[Dakshinamoorthy]] in [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi]] at [[Alangudi, Papanasam taluk]].<ref name=Om34/>
-[[Arunagirinathar]] was a 15th-century Tamil poet born in [[Tiruvannamalai]]. He spent his early years as a rioter and seducer of women. After ruining his health, he tried to commit suicide by throwing himself from the northern tower of [[Annamalaiyar Temple]], but was saved by the grace of [[Murugan]].<ref>{{Cite book |first=V.K. |last=Subramanian |title= 101 Mystics of India |year=2007 |publisher=Abhinav Publications|location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-7017-471-4|page=109}}</ref> He became a staunch devotee and composed Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan, the most notable being ''[[Thiruppugazh|Thirupugazh]]''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Aiyar|first=P.V.Jagadisa |title=South Indian Shrines: Illustrated|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&pg=PA190|year=1982 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-206-0151-3|pages=191–203}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |first=Kamil |last=Zvelebil |title=Tamil literature, Volume 2, Part 1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OQ33i496MsIC&q=tiruvempavai&pg=PA105 |year=1975 |publisher=E.J. Brill, Leiden |location=Netherlands |isbn=90-04-04190-7| page= 217}}</ref> Arunagirinathar visited various Murugan temples and on his way back to Tiruvannamalai, visited Swamimalai and sung praises about Swaminathaswamy.<ref>[[#kamil|Zvelebil 1991]], p. 53</ref>
+[[Arunagirinathar]] was a 15th-century Tamil poet born in [[Tiruvannamalai]]. He spent his early years as a rioter and seducer of women. After ruining his health, he tried to commit suicide by throwing himself from the northern tower of [[Annamalaiyar Temple]], but was saved by the grace of [[Murugan]].<ref>{{Cite book |first=V.K. |last=Subramanian |title= 101 Mystics of India |year=2007 |publisher=Abhinav Publications|location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-7017-471-4|page=109}}</ref> He became a staunch devotee and composed Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan, the most notable being ''[[Tiruppukal]]''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Aiyar|first=P.V.Jagadisa |title=South Indian Shrines: Illustrated|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&pg=PA190|year=1982 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-206-0151-3|pages=191–203}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |first=Kamil |last=Zvelebil |title=Tamil literature, Volume 2, Part 1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OQ33i496MsIC&q=tiruvempavai&pg=PA105 |year=1975 |publisher=E.J. Brill, Leiden |location=Netherlands |isbn=90-04-04190-7| page= 217}}</ref> Arunagirinathar visited various Murugan temples and on his way back to Tiruvannamalai, visited Swamimalai and sung praises about Swaminathaswamy.<ref>[[#Kamil|Zvelebil 1991]], p. 53</ref>
 ==Worship and religious practises==
 [[File:Swamimalaimuruga2.jpg|250px|The second level in the temple|thumb|left]]
-The temple priests perform the ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the [[Shaiva]] community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30&nbsp;a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00&nbsp;a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00&nbsp;a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00&nbsp;p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00&nbsp;p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00&nbsp;p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: ''[[abhisheka]]'' (sacred bath), ''alangaram'' (decoration), ''[[Naivedhya|naivethanam]]'' (food offering) and ''deepa aradanai'' (waving of lamps) for Swaminathaswamy. The worship is held amidst music with ''[[nagaswaram]]'' (pipe instrument) and ''[[tavil]]'' (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the [[Vedas]] (sacred texts) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are monthly rituals like ''[[amavasya|amavasai]]'' (new moon day), ''kiruthigai'', ''[[pournami (festival)|pournami]]'' (full moon day) and ''sathurthi''. The major festival of the temple, ''Vaikasi Visagam'', is celebrated during the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of Vaikasi (May -June). As per Hindu legend, the celestial deity [[Indra]] worshipped Subramanyaswamy on the day of ''visagam'' star and gained strength to defeat the demon Arikesa.<ref name="Clothey128"/> Like other Murugan temples, the worship practises include tonsuring in the temple, ablution of the deity with sandal, [[Panchamrita|panchamirtham]] (a mixture of five ingredients) and milk are performed by devotees. Carrying milk pots (called ''palkudam'') and [[Kavadi]] are other common forms of worship.<ref name="dinamalar">{{cite web|url=http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=720|title=Sri Swaminathaswami temple|publisher=Dinamalar|accessdate=2013-03-21}}</ref><ref name="festival"/> A few years ago, a popular event called Subramanya Sahasranama, meaning doing [[Archana (Hinduism)|archana]] with 1008 forms of Muruga was celebrated every month. Like in [[Palani Murugan temple]], ''Vibhuti Abhishekam'', the ablution of the central deity with ash is performed. The central deity with adorned with diamond [[Vel]] every Thursday.<ref name="festival">{{cite web|title=Festivals of the Temple|url=http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/festivals.htm|publisher=Swaminathaswamy Temple administration|accessdate=2013-11-30}}</ref> The ''kumbabhisekam'' of the temple was performed on 9 September 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kumbabishekam-performed/article7635135.ece |title=Kumbabishekam performed, The Hindu|date= 10 September 2015|accessdate=3 December 2016}}</ref>
+The temple priests perform the ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the [[Shaiva]] community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30&nbsp;a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00&nbsp;a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00&nbsp;a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00&nbsp;p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00&nbsp;p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00&nbsp;p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: ''[[abhisheka]]'' (sacred bath), ''alangaram'' (decoration), ''[[Naivedhya|naivethanam]]'' (food offering) and ''deepa aradanai'' (waving of lamps) for Swaminathaswamy. The worship is held amidst music with ''[[nagaswaram]]'' (pipe instrument) and ''[[tavil]]'' (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the [[Vedas]] (sacred texts) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are monthly rituals like ''[[amavasya|amavasai]]'' (new moon day), ''kiruthigai'', ''[[pournami (festival)|pournami]]'' (full moon day) and ''sathurthi''. The major festival of the temple, ''Vaikasi Visagam'', is celebrated during the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of Vaikasi (May -June). As per Hindu legend, the celestial deity [[Indra]] worshipped Subramanyaswamy on the day of ''visagam'' star and gained strength to defeat the demon Arikesa.<ref name="Clothey128"/> Like other Murugan temples, the worship practises include tonsuring in the temple, ablution of the deity with sandal, [[Panchamrita|panchamirtham]] (a mixture of five ingredients) and milk are performed by devotees. Carrying milk pots (called ''palkudam'') and [[Kavadi]] are other common forms of worship.<ref name="dinamalar">{{cite web|url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=720|title=Sri Swaminathaswami temple|publisher=Dinamalar|access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref><ref name="festival"/> A few years ago, a popular event called Subramanya Sahasranama, meaning doing [[Archana (Hinduism)|archana]] with 1008 forms of Murugan was celebrated every month. Like in [[Palani Murugan temple]], ''Vibhuti Abhishekam'', the ablution of the central deity with ash is performed. The central deity with adorned with diamond [[Vel]] every Thursday.<ref name="festival">{{cite web|title=Festivals of the Temple|url=http://swaminathaswamytemple.org/festivals.htm|publisher=Swaminathaswamy Temple administration|accessdate=2013-11-30}}</ref> The ''kumbabhisekam'' of the temple was performed on 9 September 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kumbabishekam-performed/article7635135.ece |title=Kumbabishekam performed, The Hindu|date= 10 September 2015|accessdate=3 December 2016}}</ref>
+==Kumbakonam Sapta Sthaana Temple==
+This is one of the [[Saptha Sthaana Temples]] of Kumbakonam. During the [[2016 Mahamaham|Mahahaman of 2016]] the palanquin festival was held on 7 February 2016.<ref>கும்பகோணம் ஆதிகும்பேஸ்வரசுவாமி கோயிலில் சப்தஸ்தான பல்லக்கு வெள்ளோட்டம், தினமணி, 8 பிப்ரவரி 2016</ref> Following the tirttavari held at Mahamaham tank on 21 April 2016, the palanquin festival of the Sapta Sthaana Temples were held on 23 April 2016.<ref>[http://www.dinamani.com/edition_trichy/tanjore/2016/04/22/%E0%AE%8F%E0%AE%B4%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%BE-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE/article3393484.ece ஆதி கும்பேஸ்வரர் கோயிலில் ஏழூர் பல்லக்கு பெருவிழா, மகாமகக்குளத்தில் தீர்த்தவாரி, தினமணி, 22 ஏப்ரல் 2016]</ref> The festival which started from [[Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam|Kumbesvara Temple]] at the 7.30 p.m. of 23 April 2016 completed on the morning of 25 April 2016 after going to the following temples.
+* [[Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam]]
+* [[Amirthakadeswarar Temple, Sakkottai]]
+* [[Avudainathar Temple, Darasuram]]
+* [[Kabartheeswarar Temple]]
+* [[Kottaiyur Kodeeswarar Temple]]
+* [[Kailasanathar Temple, Melakaveri]]
+* Swaminatha Swamy Temple
 ==Notes==
@@ Line 100: / Line 112: @@
 {{Thanjavur district}}
 {{Authority control}}
+{{Saptha Stana Temples}}
 [[Category:Hindu temples in Thanjavur district]]
 [[Category:Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu]]
-[[Category:Kaumaram]]

v t e Hindu temples in Thanjavur district
Kumbakonam block	Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Nageswaraswamy Temple Someswarar Temple Gauthameswarar Temple Sarangapani Temple Ramaswamy Temple Chakrapani Temple Kasi Viswanathar Temple
Thiruppanandal block	Kola Valvill Ramar Temple, Tiruvelliyangudi
Thiruvaiyaru block	Swaminatha Swamy Temple Tirupurambiyam Vilwaneswarar Temple Thiru Aadanoor Temple Thirupullabhoothangudi Temple Kabisthalam Thirukoodalur
Thiruvidaimarudur block	Rahu Stalam Oppiliappan Temple Amirthakadeswarar Temple Thiruvisanallur Sivayoginathar Temple Azhagaputhur Thiruvidaimarudur Thirubuvanam Tirukodikkaval Kurangatrudurai Thirumangalakkudi Sivapuram Nachiyar Koil Tirucherai
Papanasam block	Darasuram Airavateswarar Temple Thiruvalanchuzhi Palaivananathar Temple Pasupathi Kovil
Orathanadu block	Pazhayarai Vadathali Patteeswaram Thirusakthimutram Aavoor Pasupatheeswaram Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur Thirunandipura Vinnagaram Garbharakshambigai Temple
Divya Desams Paadal Petra Sthalam

v t e Thanjavur district
District headquarters	Thanjavur
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
Region	Chola Nadu
Divisions	Kumbakonam Pattukkottai Thanjavur
Taluks	Kumbakonam Orathanadu Papanasam Pattukkottai Peravurani Thanjavur Thiruvaiyaru Budalur Thiruvidaimarudur
Revenue blocks	Ammapettai Budalur Kumbakonam Madukkur Orathanadu Papanasam Pattukkottai Peravurani Sethubhavachatram Thanjavur Thiruppanandal Thiruvaiyaru Thiruvidaimarudur Thiruvonam
Municipal corporations	Thanjavur Kumbakonam
Municipalities	Pattukkottai Adirampattinam
Rivers	Arasalar Kaveri Kollidam
History	Early Cholas Kalabhra dynasty Pallava dynasty Medieval Cholas Later Cholas Later Pandyas Delhi Sultanate Madurai Sultanate Vijayanagara Empire Thanjavur Nayaks Thanjavur Marathas Company Raj British Raj
Places of interest	Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Airavatesvara Temple Aiyarappar temple Brihadeeswarar Temple Kalyanasundaresar Temple Kampaheswarar Temple Kanjanur Mahalingeswarar Temple Manora Fort Melattur Nachiyar Koil Nagore Dargah Poondi Madha Basilica Punnainallur Mariamman Samadhi of Bodhendra Saraswathi Sarangapani Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Sivaganga Park Suryanar Kovil Swamimalai Murugan Temple Swetha Vinayagar Temple Thanjavur Maratha Palace Thingalur Uppiliappan Temple Vasishteswarar Temple Veetrirundha Perumal Temple
Religious and monastic institutions	Trichy-Tanjore Diocese of the Church of South India Roman Catholic Diocese of Kumbakonam Roman Catholic Diocese of Tanjore Sri Sankara Mutt Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Mutt Sri Vijayendra Mutt Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan Thiruppanandal Adheenam
Universities	Periyar Maniammai University SASTRA University PRIST University National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Tamil University
Cities and towns People Villages

Authority control databases
International	VIAF
National	United States

v t e Saptha Stana Temples
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Thanjavur district, Nagapattinam district, Tiruvarur district, Mayiladuthurai district (Chola Nadu)
Thiruvaiyaru Sapthas Stana Temples	Thiruvaiyaru Thirupazhanam Tiruchotruturai Thiruvedhikudi Kandiyur Tiruppoonturutti Tillaistanam
Kumbakonam Sapthas Stana Temples	Kumbakonam Tirukkalayanallur Darasuram Tiruvalanchuli Swamimalai Kottaiyur Melakaveri
Chakkarapalli Sapthas Stana Temples (Saptha Mangai Temples)	Chakkarapalli Ariyamangai Soolamangai Nandhimangai Pasumangai Thazhamangai Pullamangai
Mayiladuthurai Sapthas Stana Temples	Mayiladuthurai Kurainadu Siddharkadu Moovalur Chozhampettai Thulakkattam Mayiladuthurai
Karanthattankudi Sapthas Stana Temples	Karanthattankudi Vennattrankarai Thittai Kudalur, Thanjavur Kadakadappai Punnainallur Poomalai
Nagapattinam Sapthas Stana Temples	Poikainallur Pappakovil Sikkal Palur Vadakudi Thetthi Nagore
Tirunallur Sapthas Stana Temples	Tirunallur Govindakkudi Avur (Kumbakonam) Malikaitthidal Mattiyanthidal Papanasam Thiruppalaitthurai