Swamimalai Murugan Temple, located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is 4th of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. This temple is spiritually significant as it is the place where Lord Murugan is said to have taught the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (Om) to his father, Lord Shiva — symbolizing that wisdom transcends even age and divinity. The temple is built atop a small artificial hill with 60 steps, each representing the Hindu year cycle. It is especially vibrant during Skanda Sashti and Thai Poosam.