Madappur Muthukumaraswami Temple, Coimbatore

Address

Sri Muthukumaraswami Temple,

Madappur, Coimbatore – 641664.

Phone: +91 95240 74447

Moolavar

Muthukumaraswami

Introduction

Mathappur Muthukumara Swamy Temple is an ancient hill temple located at Mathappur, near Palladam. This temple is over 500 years old and houses the sanctum of Lord Muthukumara Swamy. Other deities such as Mahimaliswarar, Maragathambikai, and Bala Ganapathi are also worshipped here.

Puranic Significance

The Madappur Lord Muthukumaraswami Hill Temple stands out for its unique sanctity and architectural beauty, housing not only Lord Muruga but also shrines for Lord Shiva and Mother Ambika. Located on NH67 between Palladam and Kangeyam, the temple reflects classical Tamil Nadu temple architecture.

According to the Sthala Purana, this is the sacred place where Lord Shiva and Mother Ambika called out to Lord Muruga after he left due to the mango fruit dispute. From Palani, Muruga responded. As the Son (Kumaraswami) appeared before the Mother (Maadha) at this location, the place came to be known as Madhapur, later evolving to Madappur.

The temple’s history also includes an episode from the time of Tippu Sultan. While traveling from Palakkad to Mysore, his men mysteriously vanished near the temple. Standing on the Swayambu Muruga, Tippu lost his eyesight due to his disrespect. Realizing his mistake, he repented, and Lord Muruga restored his vision. In gratitude, Tippu Sultan is believed to have built the temple, including shrines for Lord Muruga’s divine parents.

Beliefs

Devotees at this temple observe Sashti fasting as a form of prayer to seek blessings for marriage, children, and relief from life’s challenges. They wholeheartedly surrender to Mother Ambika, believing that true devotion requires no elaborate rituals for a peaceful and happy life.

Special Features

On the southern side of the Madappur temple lies a sweet perennial spring, believed to have been created either by Mother Ambika for Lord Muruga or by Muruga Himself for His Mother. This sacred spring flows gently through the rocks and adds to the spiritual ambiance of the temple.

Nearby are the shrines of Lord Madhimaleeswarar and Mother Maragambikai. The next shrine features Lord Muruga as Muthukumaraswami, standing majestically with His staff. His divine charm evokes the devotional hymns of Saint Arunagirinathar.

Devotees climb 40 steps to reach the temple, beginning at the shrine of Lord Padha Vinayaka. A Deepasthamba (Light Post) stands outside the temple, following the Kongu region tradition. It is especially significant during the Karthikai festival, when the Maha Deepam is ceremoniously lit.

Festivals

The temple celebrates two major festivals: the one-day Thaipoosam Festival in January–February and the three-day Panguni Uthiram in March–April. Additionally, on Full Moon (Poornima) days, special pujas begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by a circumambulation of the hill, with participation from men, women, and children in a devotional procession.