Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
சுவாமிமலை முருகன் கோயில்
One of the six sacred sites of Murugan, built on an artificial hill. The 60 steps leading up correspond to the 60 years of the Tamil calendar. The village is famous for its bronze casting.
Swamimalai Temple is dedicated to Murugan, son of Shiva, and is one of the six sacred sites (Arupadai Veedu) of Murugan in Tamil tradition. Legend says Murugan explained the meaning of “Om” to his father Shiva here. The temple stands on an artificial platform, and the 60 steps to the top are each named after one of the years in the Tamil calendar. Swamimalai village is also the centre of the Chola tradition of lost-wax bronze casting. Many workshops line the streets, where visitors can watch the casting process and buy bronze statues. It is about 8 km from Kumbakonam and can be combined with a trip to Darasuram.
Opening hours
05:30–12:00, 16:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
- Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
- Mahamaham Tank
- Sarangapani Temple
- Oppiliappan Temple
- Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
- Aiyarappar Temple, Thiruvaiyaru
- Thanjavur Maratha Palace