Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Marudhamalai Murugan temple, is a prominent 12th-century hill temple located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it was built by Tamil kings during the Sangam period, as mentioned in ancient Tamil literature, Purananuru. The temple is renowned as the Seventh House of Lord Murugan. Perched on a hill that forms part of the Western Ghats, it is situated around 12 kilometers from Coimbatore’s city center and celebrates major Murugan festivals, including Thai Poosam.
The temple, like most Murugan temples, is set on a hill, specifically a 600-ft granite hill. Devotees hold processions, such as Rath Yatras, where Lord Murugan is taken around in a chariot. The temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu government. Marudhamalai derives its name from the marudha tree (Terminalia arjuna), native to the area, and "malai," meaning hill in Tamil.
Marudhamalai Adivaram refers to the locality at the foot of the Marudhamalai hill and temple. It is part of Coimbatore’s 17th ward. The presiding deity of the temple is known by various names, including Marudhamalai Andavar and Marudachalapathi. Sacred water springs, like Maruda Theertham and Skanda Theertham, are found around the temple and are believed to have medicinal properties, attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual and physical healing.
The southern end of the temple leads to the Pambatti Siddhar cave, accessible via the pragaram staircase. Pambatti Siddhar, one of the 18 Siddhars, is believed to have meditated on this hill. Lord Murugan is said to have appeared to him as a snake and later with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai, blessing him with sacred water from the Marudha Theertham. A tunnel linking the temple’s sanctum to Siddhar’s cave is believed to have been used for worship.