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Introduction
Swamimalai is near Kumbakonam. It is a railway station on the main line from Madras to Tiruchirapalli. There is a famous shrine built on a hillock, dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya locally known as Swami- natha. It is the fourth of the six sacred places (houses) of Lord Subrahmanya, the others being Tiruchendur, Palani, Tiruttani, Tirupparankunram,
Tirukkazhukkunram.
It is said that once, as a result of the curse laid on him by Bhrigumuni, Lord Siva forgot
the Pranava Mantra. He immediately sent for his son Subrahmanya and asked him if he knew
the Mantra. The young Subrahmanya smilingly replied: "Yes, I do "Know. If you
are prepared to learn the Mantra in a proper manner, I shall teach you". Thereupon,
with folded hands and bowed head, Lord Siva 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.
Author : Shri R. K. Das
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