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Swamimalai is a sylvan village, situated about five kilometers west of Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery. It is one of the six famous abodes dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Swamimalai literally means 'God's mountain'. It is said that once, as a result of a curse laid on Lord Shiva by Bhrigumuni, he forgot the "Pranava Mantra". Lord Muruga is said to have preached the Pranava Mantra "OM" to Shiva, who 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.
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