Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple is located on Thamtakodi Thirumalai, a hilltop known as Vinayagapuram, near Kattukanallur and Madura Reddipalayam villages. It comes under Arani Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District, close to Kannamangalam. The temple is situated on a scenic hill, offering a peaceful and divine atmosphere.
Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Thamtakodi is regarded as an ancient Murugan hill shrine. Though there are no available stone inscriptions to determine the exact period of origin, the temple has been worshipped continuously for several generations. The age-old traditions, strong local faith, and uninterrupted worship clearly indicate its antiquity, while the present structure reflects later renovations and careful maintenance.
The presiding deity is Lord Murugan worshipped as Sri Subramaniya Swamy, standing alone in the Moolasthanam and facing East, blessing devotees with courage, wisdom, clarity, and fulfilment of prayers. Separate sub-shrines for Goddess Valli and Goddess Devasena are located on either side of the sanctum. Other deities worshipped in the temple include Kanni Moola Ganapathy, Vinayagar, Ammai Appar, Sri Mahalakshmi, Dakshinamoorthy, Durgai, and Sri Sumeethreshwarar. An idol of Arunagirinathar, the great Murugan devotee and saint poet, is also present, facing south.
The temple is uniquely designed in the shape of a star, a rare feature among Murugan temples, believed to symbolise Murugan’s cosmic energy. The sanctum and mandapams are well planned and beautifully decorated with multi-coloured paintings on the walls and roof, while the entire flooring is laid with black granite. In front of the sanctum are the Vel, Bali Peedam, and Dwajasthambam, all facing the Moolasthanam. Near the Dwajasthambam stands the Mayil Vaahanam, and Murugan with His consorts is embossed at the base of the flagstaff. A large tin-roofed hall is available for weddings and religious functions. A notable feature is the Navagraha shrine, uniquely designed like a lily stem emerging from a tortoise shell, with each planetary deity installed using its specific Raasi stone colour.
The history of Thamtakodi Murugan Temple is preserved mainly through oral tradition and continuous worship. For decades, villagers and devotees from nearby regions have maintained the temple with devotion. In recent years, the temple has been systematically developed under the Sri Subramaniya Swamy Charitable Trust, which has introduced facilities such as an annadhanam hall, temple kitchen, office, goshala, peacock enclosure, head-tonsuring area, and organised ritual spaces, while preserving the temple’s spiritual character.
According to strong local belief, Lord Murugan chose Thamtakodi Thirumalai as his divine abode to protect the surrounding villages and bless devotees who worship him with faith. The hill is believed to be spiritually charged, and devotees often experience deep peace and clarity during prayer.
A unique spiritual aspect of this temple is the presence of the six Karthigai Pengal, celestial maidens associated with Murugan’s divine origin. These six deities — Abarakethi, Varthayethi, Megenthi, Amba, Thula, and Nidharthani — are placed in the outer prakaram in such a way that they always face the Moolavar, symbolising eternal devotion, vigilance, and divine service.
The star-shaped structure of the temple is believed to represent Murugan’s cosmic form radiating grace in all directions, while the uniquely designed Navagraha shrine signifies harmony between planetary forces and divine will. Devotees firmly believe that sincere prayers offered here help overcome obstacles, reduce planetary afflictions, and bring success in education, career, marriage, and family life.
The temple celebrates important Murugan festivals with devotion and traditional observance. Thai Poosam is the main annual festival. Other festivals include Vaikasi Visakam, Ippasi Brahmothsavam, Chitra Pournami, Skanda Shasti, and Krithigai days, with special importance given to Tuesdays. During festivals, special poojas, abhishekams, and temple chariot processions are conducted, drawing devotees from nearby areas.
