Located in New Delhi, Sri Uttara Swami Malai Temple, also popularly called Malai Mandir is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Swaminatha who is popularly known as Lord Murugan. The temple is located at the foothill of a small hill. Besides the main temple, the temple also houses temples of Sree Karpaga Vinayakar, Sree Sundareswarar, Devi Meenakshi, The Navagraha Sannidhi, Sree Idumban Sannidhi, Sree Adi Sankara Hall and Silpa Kala Mandapam. The foundation stone of this temple was laid on 8th September 1965 by then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Sri M. Bhakthavatsalam. The Mahakumbhabhishekham ceremony of the main temple, Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple was arranged on 7th June, 1973. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam cermony of Sree Karpaga Vinayakar, Sree Sundareswarar and Devi Meenakshi temples were performed on the 13th June 1990. The Navagraha Sannidhi along with Sree Idumban Sannidhi was consecrated on the 7th July, 1995. Sree Adi Sankara Hall was inaugurated on the 9th of November, 1997.

location New Delhi, New Delhi, New Delhi

Legend

According to the legends, once when Lord Brahma was visiting Mount Kailash, he disrespected Lord Muruga. To teach Lord Brahma alesson, Lord Muruga asked Brahma as to how he create living beings. Brahma replied that he creats the living beings with the help of the Vedas and Muruga asked Brahma to recite the Vedas. When Brahma started to recite the text with the Pranava Mantra -'Om', Muruga asked Brahma to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. However, Brahma did not know the meaning of Pranava Mantra and Muruga imprisoned Brahma. Lord Shiva approached Muruga requesting him to release Brahma. Muruga refused to relaese Brahma saying that the creator of living beings is not aware of the meaning of Pranava Mantra. Lord Shiva asked Muruga to explain the meaning of Pranava Mantra and took on the role of a student by listening and learning from his son. Muruga then explained the meaning of the mantra. Shiva became happy and blessed Muruga with the name Swaminatha Swami which means 'the teacher of Shiva'. Later, Muruga released Brahma. This is the reason why the shrine of Shiva's son Muruga is on top of the hillock, while the father, Shiva's shrine is located at the base.

Architecture

The temple depicts the architecture of Chola Era and is made of granite stone. The architectures of Sri Karpaga Vinayar, Minakshi Devi and father Sri Sundareswar temples resemble the temple architecutre used during Pandya Dynasty.There are many peacocks which are kept as pet within the temple premise. About 75 carvers and sculptures started their work at the work center located at Walajabad to carve and dress the granite stones to be used to build the temple. Their work continued for about four years and then these carved stones were sent to Delhi to assemble the temple. The temple of Swami Malai in New Delhi is not built rather it is an assembled temple. About 900 huge stones are assembled together and they are kept together without using any cement or mortar. The crevices of these stones were filled using the paste of lime, sand, molasses and fruit juice together.

Culture

Delhi has always been a major attraction is terms of fairs and festivals observed in the city. Lohri, Holi and Diwali are the main festivals celebrated in the city. Chhat Puja, Durga Puja, Eid-ul-Fitr are some other festivals of Indian region celebrated with pomp and splendor in Delhi. Besides, Delhi is also influenced by the culture of its bordering states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Not only this, the famous monuments like the Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, etc add to the charm of the capital city.

Darsan Info

Summer timing : 1st March to 30th November

06.30 AM to 12.00 PM and 05.00 PM to 09.00 PM

Winter timing: 1st December to 28th February

07.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear neat and good clothes and avoid shorts for men

Famous Festival

Kali Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, Saraswati Puja, Maha Shivratri

Temple Rituals

Morning pooja and arati starts from 06:30 AM onwards

Additional Info

 

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