Composing…
/Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
State Temple
Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
स्वामीनाथ स्वामी मंदिर, स्वामीमलई
Location
Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu
Darshan
–
Deity
🪔Lord Murugan (Swaminatha Swamy)
Entry
Free entry
Swamimalai is the fourth among the Arupadai Veedu. The temple unique in that Murugan is enshrined as the Guru (teacher) and his father, Lord Shiva, as the disciple (Sishya). Here, Murugan is called Swaminathan (the teacher of the Lord).
Mythology
Brahma, the creator, disrespected Murugan. When Murugan questioned Brahma on the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (Om), Brahma could not explain it. Murugan imprisoned him and took over creation. Lord Shiva asked Murugan to release Brahma and to teach Shiva the meaning of 'Om'. Murugan expounded the meaning to Shiva who listened with folded hands like a disciple. Thus the place was named Swamimalai (the hill of the Lord).