Marudhamalai Hills, dedicated to Lord Muruga (Dandayudhapani) is classified under Kunruthoradal, one of the six main abodes of the god. Set against the backdrop of hazy blue hills dotted with shrubs and bushes of varied hues, the sacred shrine verily reflects the picture of Lord Muruga, magnificently mounted on his vehicle peacock, flaunting and swaying its feathers and plume in full bloom.

The Sanskrit word "achalam" denotes mountain. As the mountain here abounded in marudham trees, it came to be known as Marudhachalam. Marudhamalai is also called Marundhumalai, for it is overgrown with shrubs and bushes of medicinal properties. Hence, Marudhamalai is befittingly given the name Marudhamalai (Mountain of Medicines). This is referred to as Marudhamalvarai, Marudhavarai, Marudha Verpu, Marudha Kundru, Marudhavongal, Kamarpirangu, Marudhachalam, Velvarai in Perur Puranam.

Marudhamalai Hills Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple is situated at a height of about 500 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats, fifteen kilometers north west of Coimbatore, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate.

The city of Coimbatore is well linked to the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai by road, rail and air. From Coimbatore bus stand many city buses ply to Marudhamalai. The Devasthanam has provided 3 buses from the foothill to reach the temple on top.