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 contendors for the spot, including Kunrakudy, Sikkal and Vayalur.
 

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History 

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

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Mythology

it that Pambatti Siddhar, was originally a snake charmer and was initiated into the world of philosophy by a Siddhar by name Sattai munivar. Pambatti Siddhar is said to have performed several miracles, and written extensively on herbal medicine. His songs are addressed to snakes.

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The Temple Architecture

This small temple is built on the Marudamalai hill at a height of 600 feet. The Dhandayutapani form of Murugan is enshrined in the sanctum and worshipped. Also on the hill are the cave and spring associated with Pambatti Siddhar.

This temple is over 800 years old, as it has been referred to in inscriptions in the Tirumuruganpoondy temple near Avinashi. Tirumuruganpoondy is a Tevara Paadal Petra Stalam and is at least 1200 years old.

Marudamalai is also referred to in the stalapuranam of the Perur temple near Coimbatore. Marudamalai is considered to be one of the 5 hills associated with Perur as mentioned in its stalapuranam. Another of these hills is Velliyangiri, about 40 km west of Coimbatore, in the western ghats. Velliangiri is considered to be a sacred hill, and pilgrims trek to the top of the hill from Maha Shivaratri to the Agninakshatram period in May. The other hills associated with Perur are Neeli malai or Uma Devi malai, Ayyaasaami malai or Bhrama malai and Perumaal mudi or Vishnu malai.
 

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 Festival

Six worship services are offered each day here. The annual festivals are celebrated during Thaipoosam and Panguni Uttiram. Many devotees circumambulate the hill during these occasions. Mondays, in the month of Karthigai are considered sacred here.
 

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