Swamimalai Tourism: Hotels, Reviews, Packages, Photos, Maps, Experience, Itinerary

8 km west of Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu is the sylvan village of Swamimalai. Tiruverakam, popularly known as "Swamimalai", lies on the northern banks of the river Cauvery and is one of the six famous abodes dedicated to Lord Murugan. Like the rest of this part of the Thanjavur district, it is mainly an agricultural town, producing rice and sugar cane.

Swamimalai literally means 'God's mountain'. It is said that once, as a result of a curse laid on him by Bhrigumuni, Lord Shiva forgot the "Pranava Mantra". Lord Muruga is said to have preached the Pranava mantra "OM" to Shiva, who stood before his young Guru (Subrahmanya) with great veneration and learnt the Mantra. As this incident took place in this sacred place, it came to be known as "Swamimalai" and the deity as Swaminatha, indicating that the son was superior to his Father.