While the main deity of Lord Murugan is ancient, the temple's profound spiritual reputation comes from its deep association with the Siddha tradition. It was the chosen abode of Pambatti Siddhar, one of the 18 great Siddhars of Tamil antiquity, who used the rare herbs of this hill to create mystical medicines and attain enlightenment.

The Siddhar Cave and Healing Springs

The temple complex is built in traditional Dravidian architecture, beautifully cascading down the slopes of the hill. A highly unique architectural and spiritual feature is the Pambatti Siddhar Cave located slightly down the hill from the main sanctum. Legend states there is a secret, naturally formed underground rock tunnel connecting this cave directly to Lord Murugan's sanctum, through which the Siddhar travels invisibly to worship the Lord every day. The temple also features the 'Marutha Theertham', a sacred water spring bubbling from the rocks.

According to the sthala purana, a weary king wandering in the forest rested under a Marudha tree and prayed to Lord Murugan for water. Miraculously, a sweet water spring erupted from the roots of the tree. Furthermore, it is here that Lord Murugan appeared before Pambatti Siddhar (a mystic who originally caught and charmed snakes for a living) to bless him, transforming the snake-charmer into an enlightened, immortal sage.

Worship here is deeply tied to physical and mental healing. The air on the Maruthamalai hill is thoroughly infused with the natural essence of Ayurvedic roots and herbs from the surrounding Western Ghats. Devotees firmly believe that simply breathing the breeze on this hill and drinking the Marutha Theertham (holy water) cures chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, and prolonged illnesses.The folklore of the snake is everywhere on this mountain. Because Pambatti Siddhar was originally a snake charmer, locals and priests believe he still roams the dense forests of the hill in the form of a giant, majestic King Cobra. It is a deeply held local belief that if a devotee spots a snake peacefully crossing the steps or the forest path at Maruthamalai, they are not in danger, but have actually just received the ultimate, direct darshan and blessing of the immortal Siddhar himself.

Thai Poosam (January/February) is celebrated with staggering grandeur, with lakhs of devotees carrying milk pots (Paal Kudam) and walking miles to reach the hill. Panguni Uthiram and Kanda Shasti are also peak festival seasons, transforming the quiet hill into a sea of chanting devotees.