Muthumalai Murugan Temple: 146 Feet Murugan Statue

Muthumalai murugan temple is one of the famous murugan temples (kovil) in Salem district, Tamilnadu.

Are you looking for more information about the Muthumalai Murugan temple in Attur? Then look no further, in this blog we have shared information about the world’s largest Murugan statue with 146 feet, the Muthumalai Murugan temple opening date, timing, etc.,

Muthumalai Murugan Temple Salem
Muthumalai Murugan Temple

Before we discuss about this famous Salem murugan temple, lets discuss someting about why murugan temples are famous in India. India is a country of spirituality and the importance of spiritual tourism can’t be beaten by anything else. People in India love travelling, especially to places connected with Indian culture and spirituality. In India, temples are considered to be the most sacred places, where individuals get to connect with the divine and pray for the blessings of the Gods to keep them and their loved ones safe.

India in itself is a subcontinent which has lots of diversity to offer which is well known as the land of temples and spirituality. Travelling to different temples in India is not just for recreation but owing to deep-rooted self-belief in divinity and spirituality and willingness to connect to our culture.

Why Murugan Temples Are So Famous in India

The Murugan temples in India too, live up to the expectations of the visitors due to aesthetic designs and cultural connection to them. The temples of India present an architectural masterpiece of art and culture, delivering the supremacy of our country.

These Murugan temples are loaded with rich cultural heritage and act as a medium to connect to our past and mesmerising culture. Ancient temples like Hampi, Khajuraho, Konark, etc are not only known as well-known for their supreme design, but also regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site and are landing grounds for many tourists around the world.

Here are some reasons why people in India love travelling to heritage sites and temples:

  • Temples in India provide an opportunity to experience the diversity of the country and know its greatness.
  • It also allows understanding of our religion, customs and traditions.
  • Visiting temples helps in improving self-belief, motivation and tolerance.
  • It gives a chance to witness an extreme level of architectural supremacy creating a sense of pride in the richness of our country.
  • It gives us a chance to recreate ourselves, as people also visit temples for fun.

About Muthumalai Murugan Temple Salem, Attur

There are thousands of temples around India, all having their own interesting stories to share and the Muthumalai Murugan Temple too have its own. Started construction in the year, 2019 in a grand manner at Vazhappadi, which is next to Putra Kaudampalayam in the Salem district which is world famous for its steel industry.

The most special fact about the Muthumalai Murugan Temple is, when it was constructed, soil from famous temples of Tamil Nadu was used, to create a sense of divinity and spirituality among the people who set for their pilgrimage.

The Muthumalai Murugan Temple was constructed by the same person, Thiagarajar Sthapathi, who was the man behind constructing the Murugan temple in Malaysia. The famous businessman, Natarajan Sridhar chairman of the Sri Muthumalai Murugan Trust from Attur, decided to construct this temple on his land, back in 2014 and took him almost two years to start the construction.

Speaking to the media, Sridhar confirmed the fact that he has used soils from different famous temples in Tamil Nadu, while constructing the temple and revealed that they started the construction by performing a special pooja at the Arupada Murugan Temple.

Related to the Kumbabhishekam of the temple, he informed the media, that it was scheduled on 6th April, 2022 at Puthiragaundanpalayam, Ethapur in Salem District. He also informed that abbots from different famous temples of Tamil Nadu will participate in the Kumbabhishekam, after which the devotees were allowed for the darshan of the world’s tallest Muthumalai Murugan Statue, measuring 146 feet.

Before this statue was constructed, the statue of Lord Murugan of Malaysia held the title of the world’s tallest Murugan Statue, which was 142 feet. The four abbots of this famous Malaysian temple, namely Darumapura Adhinam, Perur Adhinam, Rattanagiri Sami and Balakrisami also participated in this auspicious occasion of kumbabhishekam.

During this occasion, more than 5 lakh people gathered on the site, and special arrangements were made to shower flowers on them from the top, with the help of a helicopter.

Muthumalai Murugan Temple 146 Feet Kumbabishekam Live

Salem Murugan Temple 146 Feet Kumbabishekam

To purify and energize the temple’s sanctum sanctorum and the gods within it, kumbabishekam is a Hindu temple consecration ceremony. The word ‘kumbabhishekam’ is derived from the Sanskrit words, which is a combination of two words, ‘Kumbha’ which means ‘pot’ and ‘Abhishekam’ meaning ‘anointing’.

The deities were offered several rituals and offerings during the ceremony and the temple’s main idol and the surrounding areas are poured with the holy water. The ceremony is not conducted for an hour or two, but it goes on for several days, performed by a team of priests who are experts in Vedic scriptures and temple rituals.

It is believed, the ceremony of kumbabhishekam will infuse divine energy into the temple, strengthening the deities, bestowing blessings and fulfilling the wishes of devotees. It is also the common practice, to perform this ceremony every 12 years, which may vary depending on the temple’s customs and traditions.

Dreams come true for – Sridhar

The famous businessman, Sridhar from Attur, who was the main financial force behind the temple’s construction, admitted that it was his father’s dream to construct something like the Murugan in Malaysia, within Salem. As a son he lived on to the expectations of his father, fulfilling not only his dreams but bringing pride to the nation, by constructing the world’s tallest Lord Murugan Temple.

He sprinkled the holy Theertha water on Lord Murugan Statue from the top using a helicopter, and made special arrangements that the water also falls on the devotees.

Muthumalai Murugan Temple is The World Record Now With 146 Feet

In 2014, Sridhar decided to construct the temple, which plan begin in 2015 and the construction started in 2016. To construct the temple soil from the six padai houses of Lord Murugan was brought and the work of sculpting the statue world’s tallest, 146 feet Murugan Statue was started.

The team of Thiruvarur Thyagaraja Sthapathi, who designed the statue of Lord Murugan in Malaysia, was given the responsibility to construct this statue as well. After lots of effort and dedication and an expenditure of more than 3 crore Indian Rupees, the statue was constructed.

The statue is in the standing position, with an enchanting smile, and the abhayahastha mudra in the right hand, bestowing blessings to all the devotees. On the left hand, he is holding the work, dressed in royal attire and ornaments, full of grace and divinity.

salem murugan temple

While constructing the statue, the devotees were taken special care. To cater for their needs, a lift has been set up near the statue, so that the devotees can climb and pour milk on the Vel in Lord Murugan’s hand and complete their ritual of abhisheka.

Before this statue was built, there was a small Murugan Temple on a small hill, which was claimed to be 300 years old and devotees from everywhere used to visit this. The vel of the Lord which is considered his weapon is 80 feet tall, inside which a small panchalogam vel is present.

Right at the abdomen of the statue, there is a meditation centre where the devotees can meditate and find their connection with the Divine Spiritual Power of Lord Murugan.

How to Visit the Muthumalai Murugan Temple From Salem

If you want to visit this place, you must reach Salem first. Salem is a district in Tamil Nadu, which is well known for its steel industries. The temple of Muthumalai Murugan is located 40 km away from the main city of Salem, where you can hire a taxi or cab to reach there.

how to visit muthumalai murugan temple

Be careful, if you are willing to have added adventure, as you have the option to climb on the hillock temple, which is at the back side of the statue, but don’t have any stairs to climb. It’s a good place to devote 2-3 hours of your travelling schedule.

If you travel from Ayothiapattinam to Muthumalai Murugan Temple, you have to travel a distance of 29 km only. Travellers coming from Chennai, need to travel approximately 306 km to reach the destination.

The nearest railway station which you can find, to Muthumalai Murugan Temple is Ettapur Road Railway Station and the nearest railway junction is the Salem Junction.

If you are travelling by bus, the nearest bus stop that is available is the Ettapur bus stop, which is just 2.5 km away from Muthumalai Murugan Temple.

Sri Muthumalai Murugan Kovil Address

Address: Salem, To, Chennai – Theni Hwy, Yethappur, Tamil Nadu 636117

Opening Timings Today

DayOpening Time
Sunday6 AM to 9.30 PM
Monday6 AM to 9.30 PM
Tuesday6 AM to 9.30 PM
Wednesday6 AM to 9.30 PM
Thursday6 AM to 9.30 PM
Friday6 AM to 9.30 PM
Saturday6 AM to 9.30 PM

Who is Lord Murugan

Lord Murugan is one of the most popular Hindu gods and is extremely popular among the people of Tamil Nadu. According to Hindu mythology, he is the son of Lord Siva and Lord Parvati and the brother of Lord Vinayagar popularly known as Ganesha.

In different corners of the country Lord Murugan is worshipped by different names like Subramanyar, Shanmukha, Subramani, Karthikeyan, Skandaam Aarumuga and Kumaraswamy.

According to Tamil mythology, Murugan is the chief God of ancient Tamil and the son of the warrior goddess Korravai. Later he became famous in North India as the God of War, Skanda who loves the spear as his prime weapon.

In the holy book of ‘Tirumurukarruppatai’, a guide to worship the God Murugan, probably written in the 7th century, you will find most of the things related to God Murugan.

About Lord Murugan, Batu Caves, Malaysia

The entire design of the Batu cave is very complex and made up of limestone grottoes in Peninsular Malaysia before the construction of the Muthumalai Murugan Temple, it was the biggest tourist attraction and pilgrimage site for Tamil Hindus settled in the South.

These caves got their name from the Batu River, which flows 13 km away from the caves, to the north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. Until 1878 these caves were not that famous, but the naturalist William Temple Hornaday revealed the legacy of these caves to the whole world.

In 1891, under the guidance of the leader of the Tamil Hindu community, K. Thamboosamy Pillay a temple was built within the caves. In 1892, Thaipusam, a festival devoted to Lord Murugan was celebrated for the first time in these caves and since then it became a big festival, attracting millions of travellers and pilgrims annually.

A colossal gold-painted statue of Lord Murugan is made from strengthened concrete and constructed near the caves which were 140 feet high and near the base a flight of 272 steps were constructed to help the devotees to climb and worship their Lord.

At the top of these steps, you can find the entrance of the largest cave, known as The Cathedral Cave and at the lower level of the steps you can find the dark caves.  You can find the statue of the monkey god, Hanuman at the entrance of the Ramayana Cave. God Hanuman is a Legendary character in the Indian epic, Ramayana and as you enter the caves, you can find depicted scenes connected to the epic on the walls of the cave.

Muthumalai Murugan Temple Nearby Places to Visit

If you are planning to make a trip to Muthumalai Murugan Temple, make sure you have ample time to spend because there are lots of nearby places which are worth visiting.

Salem

Salem is the fifth-largest city in the South-Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is situated on the bank of the river Thirumanimutharu. The city is well-known for its steel and aluminium production, accompanied by the textile industry and mango cultivation to add to its glory.

Salem has a rich history of murugan temples and if you are on pilgrimage, visiting this city can be a delight for you. Below we are listing some famous temples in Salem that you can visit if you are on a trip to Muthumalai Murugan Temple and you have some spare time to spend.

1. Kottai Mariamman Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, this is one of the most famous temples in Salem. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is well-known for the vibrant annual festival here. So, if you get a chance to visit the temple during the festival season, nothing can be better than this.

2. Sugavaneshwarar Temple – It is believed that the temple was built during the Chola dynasty, and it is dedicated to the popular Hindu god, Lord Shiva. The temple has gorgeous architecture and intricate carvings, which is the reason for the temple being famous.

3. Skandhashramam – It’s another temple dedicated to Lord Murugan and is located on a hill. It is very popular among tourists and devotees, because of the pleasant scenery surrounding the hills. 

4. Sithar Koli – Located 15 km from Salem, this temple is dedicated to the nine celestial masters called Navagrahas. This temple is of high importance to those who are seeking astrological solutions.

5. ISKCON Salem – As a branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Because this temple is located on the Salem-Bengaluru highway, it is a point of attraction for many tourists.

Yercaud

Yercaud near Muthumalai Murugan Temple

Located just 62 km from Muthumalai Murugan Temple, the hill station is a haven on earth with scenic beauty beyond explanation. It is located in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats and is a proud acquisition of the Southern state of Tamil Nadu.

The town has pleasant weather, eye-pleasing natural beauty and coffee plantations all across, as it is situated at an altitude of 1515 above sea level. It is also surrounded by thick dense forest, offering a perfect recreational site away from the busy city life.

The town of Yercaud is also known for its Orchidarium, Rose Garden and Shevaroy Temple which is dedicated to the Lord Shevaroyan. In the heart of the city, Yercaud Lake is situated, where the visitors can enjoy boating facilities as well.

Mettur Dam

Mettur Dam Near Muthumalai Murugan Temple

Just 90 km away from Muthumalai Murugan Temple, Mettur Dam is a popular tourist attraction, which is built on the river Kavery and is surrounded by hills and green forests. Constructed in 1934, it is one of the largest dams in India with dimensions of 214 feet in height and 1700 feet in length.

The dam is the main source of water for the people nearby fulfilling their requirement for irrigation and drinking water. The dam is a popular tourist attraction point, as it offers recreational facilities for boating and fishing.

Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls Near Muthumalai Murugan Temple

In the district of Dharmapuri, 163 km away from Salem Muthumalai Murugan Temple, Hogenakkal Falls is a must to visit if you are on a tour of this part of the country. It is a very popular tourist destination which is often referred to as ‘The Niagara Falls of India’.

For visitors, boating facilities are available, which helps them to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings. The water of the falls is also known for its medicinal value possessed in it as people believe that it has healing properties.  

Namakkal

The city is Namakkal is well-known for the Namakkal Fort, which was believed to be built by Nayakas of Madurai in the 16th century. The fort is located at the top of the hill bestowing divine beauty which is eye-pleasing.

The city of Namakkal also has turmeric production and poultry, as it is well known as the ‘Egg City’ of Tamil Nadu. Places like Narasimha Swamy Temple, Anjaneyar Temple, and Namakkal Dhurgam Fort Temples are also available if you visit the city.

Erode

The city of Erode is just 120 km away from Muthumalai Murugan Temple Salem, which is the administrative headquarter for Erode District. Located on the banks of river Kaveri, the city has a rich cultural heritage with several famous temples like Periyar Mariamman Temple and Thindal Murugan Temple.

The city has a well-developed railway network, well connected to all parts of Tamil Nadu, having handloom and textile industries producing high-quality cotton and silk. 

Muthumalai Murugan Temple FAQs

1. What is the distance between Salem to Muthumalai Murugan Temple?

You need to travel a distance of 40km from Salem to reach Mutumalai Murugan Temple. You can hire a taxi or cab to reach there.

2. What are the Muthumalai Murugan temple timings?

Muthumalai Murugan temple opens all days in a week. You can visit the temple between 6 am to 9.30 pm. 

3. What is the Muthumalai Murugan temple contact number?

If you want to contact the administrative team of Muthumalai Murugan Temple, you can call on 07947122885.

4. What is the Muthumalai Murugan temple height?

The exact height of the Murugan Statue is 146 feet and there is a lift available which will help the devotees to climb to the top and complete the ceremony of Abhishekh. 

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