Swamimalai Temple

This Lord Murugan is known for his special adornments. During the Vibhuti Abhishekam, he appears as a wise sage, bestowing blessings. When the Sandhana Abhishekam is performed, he manifests as Balasubramanian, with a solemn demeanor. If you observe the sanctum sanctorum closely, you'll see the deity Swaminatha Swami standing on the pedestal as Sivalinga Avudaiyar, with Swaminatha Murthy blessing from above.

Brahma, who was puzzled in his duty, met Lord Murugan. At that moment, Murugan asked him, Do you know the meaning of the 'Om' mantra that you recite while performing your duties? Since Brahma couldn't answer this question, Murugan grew four more heads on him. Then, bowing down with their foreheads touching the ground, they imprisoned Brahma. Afterwards, Murugan himself undertook the task of Brahma's duty. Remembering Brahma's imprisonment, Tirumal appealed to Lord Shiva to release him from the captivity. Shiva also wants Murugan to release Brahma. But Murugan tells Shiva that there is no mantra given by Brahma to release him. So, Murugan himself released Brahma from his captivity. Delighted by this act, Lord Shiva embraced Murugan and put the 'Om' mantra into his ear, instructing him to reveal it only when asked. This event took place at the Swamimalai hill, which is now called Thalatham Thiruthalam, as narrated in its history.