Marudhamalai Murugan Temple

Marudhamalai Murugan Temple is one of the most important temples in Coimbatore and a major pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. Perched on a rocky hill at about 500 feet in the Western Ghats about 15 km west of the city, the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the presiding deity of Tamil culture. The hill is surrounded by dense forest and the climb through the steps offers views over Coimbatore and the plains. The temple is especially crowded on Fridays, Karthigai Deepam, and during the Panguni Uthiram festival. The surrounding hills are believed to have medicinal herbal properties, reflected in the name Marudha, which refers to medicinal trees. The temple is reached by a steep flight of steps or by a winding road.