Swami Malai Murugan Temple of History

Murugan devotees have a particular place in their hearts for Swamimalai. It is believed that Parantaka Chola I constructed the temple in the beginning of the second century BC. This fourth Aarupadaiveedu, one of Tamil Nadu’s six most prominent shrines devoted to Murugan, holds significance since it was the site of the revelation of the Pranava Mantra “Aum”‘s secret.

The significance of the Pranava Mantra (Aum), which in Sanskrit means “cosmic sound,” is revealed by the young Murugan. Hindus hold that “Aum” is the source of all creation and that it is the source of everything. The legend of how Lord Murugan told his father, Lord Shiva, the significance of this cosmic sound is intimately associated with Swamimalai.

Murugan was once treated disrespectfully by Brahma, the Creator, while he was at Mount Kailash. Then, the ever-funny Murugan dared to ask Brahma what the Pranava Mantra “AUM” meant. When Brahma could not answer the question, he acknowledged his ignorance. The universe came to a halt when Murugan struck Brahma on the forehead and put him in jail.

The gods beseeched Lord Shiva to grant Brahma’s liberation. Nonetheless, Murugan maintained that Brahma’s ignorance was a legitimate reason for his confinement. Then, Lord Shiva questioned Murugan on his own knowledge of the meaning of Pranava “Aum.”

Declaring that he understood its significance, Murugan declared he would only share his knowledge if Lord Shiva acknowledged him as a teacher and paid him attention as a loyal follower. After Shiva granted the request, the son took on the role of instructor. The father was then given the meaning of the holy Pranava mantra “Aum” by him, and the godly father, pleased to have grasped the importance, paid Murugan reverence for his knowledge.

The primary shrine within the Swamimalai temple complex features a depiction of Murugan as a teacher, with Shiva standing beside him as a pupil. Notably, the son is positioned higher in this temple than the father.

The sixty years of the Hindu calendar are symbolized by the sixty stairs that lead to the temple atop the hill. Every year’s deity is supposed to provide steps of prayer to Murugan.

In Swamimalai, the inner sanctum of the temple has a depiction of Murugan riding an elephant rather than a peacock. The elephant, known as “Airavadham,” was given to humanity as a gift by Indra, the ruler of skies, following Murugan’s defeat of the demon Harikesa.

Velava Vedivelava song lyrics