The Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, which is also known as Maruthamalai, stands on a granite hill in the Western Ghats. A 12th-century wonder that is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Tamil God of War, this temple is also a sanctuary of peace, of nature and history. Situated near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, the temple is looked at as the unofficial “Seventh Abode” of Lord Murugan.

If in 2026 you are going on a pilgrimage or for a short visit, we have put together this guide, which covers it all, from the most up-to-date information on train times and ticket costs to the history that made this site what it is today.

Maruthamalai Temple Timings (2026)

The temple runs to a tight schedule, which includes daily rituals, and also accommodates the large number of devotees who visit. In 2026, we see the same schedule, which is in keeping with traditional practices.

General Opening Hours:

• Morning: From 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
• Evening: From 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Break Time: Between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, the sanctum is closed for cleaning and repair.

Daily Pooja Schedule:

• Viswaroopa Darshan: From 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM.
• Kalasandhi Pooja: From 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM.
• Uchikalam (Noon) Pooja: From 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Sayaratchai Pooja: 16:30 17:00.
• Ardha Jama (Night) Pooja: 7:30 PM – 8 PM.

Note: On special festival days like Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram, the temple may open its gates early and close late to manage the crowd.

Ticket Prices and Entry Fees

While all devotees are admitted free of cost, what we have are charged for special queues, transport, and rituals.

• General Darshan: Free of charge.
• Special Darshan Ticket: Rs. 50 per head (Reduces wait).
• Special Entrance Ticket: Rs.10.
• Temple Bus Fare: Rs.10 per head (One way from foothills to top).
• Two-Wheeler Parking/Toll: Approx. ₹10 ₹20.
• Abhishekam Charges: Prices differ by ritual type (eg, Milk Abhishekam goes for as little as ₹25, which is a full sponsorship of a full puja that may go up to ₹1,500).

Location and How to Reach

Address: Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple in Maruthamalai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046.

Climbing 700+ steps for a spiritual journey or taking the motorable road.

• By Air: The nearest airport is that of Coimbatore International (approx. 22 km away). We also have a taxi service, which you may hire directly to the temple.
• By Train: The Coimbatore Junction Railway Station is at a distance of 15 km. From there, you may take a city bus or an auto rickshaw.
• By Bus: Coimbatore is well-connected by bus. From the Gandhipuram and Railway Station, city buses (for instance, Route No. 70) run to the Maruthamalai foothills.
• Temple Shuttle: At the foot of the hills (Adivaram), the temple authority (Devasthanam) runs mini buses which take the devotees up the steep hill road.

Historical Significance and Highlights

The term “Maruthamalai” is from the Marudham (Terminalia arjuna) tree, which we see in great numbers on the hill. The temple is a very old site which has many a legend to tell, the greatest of which is that of Pambatti Siddhar, one of the 18 great Tamil Siddhars. It is said he meditated in a cave here and used to worship Lord Murugan in the form of a snake. That cave is still there and is a major attraction for visitors.

The mountain is also home to many medicinal herbs. We are told that the air and water up there have curative powers, which in turn leave you physically recharged and spiritually lifted.

Best Time to Visit

While the temple is open all year round, it is best to visit between November and February, which is the winter season, and has pleasant weather. Also, if you are to see the temple at its best, do so during main festivals like Thaipusam (January/February) or Skanda Sashti (October/November), which will also mean you have to deal with large crowds.

Visiting Maruthamalai is a pilgrimage that also presents to you the Western Ghats’ beauty. Whether you go to get blessed or just to see the Dravidian architecture and the vast views of Coimbatore, what you take away from it is sure to be a great memory.