Swāmināthaswāmy Temple, Swamimalai
Where the son taught the father
⭐ Why it is famous
Murugan explained the meaning of Praṇava to Śiva here; 60 steps lead to the sanctum, one for each year of the Tamil cycle.
📜 Pilgrimage history
A Chola-period shrine, rebuilt after the 18th-century Anglo-French wars; Swamimalai is also India's centre for lost-wax bronze icon casting.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 06:00 – 12:30 and 16:00 – 20:30
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan
- Watch bronze icon workshops in the village
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Swāmināthaswāmy Temple, Swamimalai, Swamimalai, ThanjavurKumbakonam (KMU) — 8 km
- Government: Kumbakonam TNSTC bus stand, 8 km
- Private buses: Private buses to Chennai and Trichy from Kumbakonam
Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) — 90 km
8 km from Kumbakonam.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Kumbakonam hotels
- Heritage resorts in Swamimalai
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,800 | ₹3,500 | ₹9,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Darasuram Airavatesvara temple
- Bronze casting studios