Palani Temple

Introduction to Palani Temple

Lord Karthikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, has always been highly revered in South India. Also known as Lord Murugan, he is widely worshipped in Southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu. His significance in this region can be evidenced in the numerous Temples and shrines dedicated to him. Many grand festivals are also held in his honour, each celebrated wholeheartedly with great pomp and festivity.

One of the most significant Temples dedicated to Lord Murugan is Palani Temple, located in the small town of Palani in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple or Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple, this ancient Temple is located in the foothills of the Palani hills. This Temple is also only approximately 67 km away from Kodaikanal, one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

Legends of Palani Temple

The significance of Palani Temple lies in the fact that it is one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan. Devotees who visit Palani Temple receive a special prasadam called Panchamirtham, a sweet mixture comprising five natural foods.

There are several legends associated with the origin of the Palani Temple. It is believed that Sage Narada once presented the Fruit of Knowledge to Lord Shiva, who then decided to gift it to his sons, Lord Murugan and Lord Ganesha. However, this fruit could not be shared amongst the two brothers as it was forbidden to cut it into halves. Lord Shiva then decided to hold a race that involved circling the entire world three times. The winner of this race would be awarded the fruit. Both sons accepted the challenge, and Lord Murugan immediately set off on his peacock to circle the world.

However, Lord Ganesha shrewdly went around his parents, Shiva and Parvathi, three times. He then claimed that he had won the competition as he had circumnavigated around his Divine parents, who were equal to the entire world.

Lord Ganesha's actions impressed Lord Shiva, who then awarded him the Fruit of Knowledge. When Lord Murugan returned from his futile quest, he became furious. He left his home in Mount Kailash and went to the Palani hills. He then decided that this would be his new home. This way, Palani hills became one of the abodes of Lord Murugan, and people still worship him here. People also believe that Sage Bogar, one of the eighteen great Siddhars, established Lord Murugan's idol here.

Architecture of Palani Temple

Between the 2nd and 5th centuries, Palani and it’s surrounding areas were believed to be under the control of Chera Dynasty’s King Perumal. Legend has it that he once had a dream where Lord Murugan asked him to reconstruct the Temple. After he woke up, the King searched for the idol of the Lord. After finding it, he reconstructed the temple on Sivagiri Hill, the highest of the two hills in Palani, and restored it to its former glory.

The architecture of this Temple strongly reflects the architectural style of the Cheras and the Pandyas. Here, the specialty of the idol is that it is made of nine poisonous herbs that are used in such a unique proportion that they become an eternally powerful medication. This idol represents Lord Murugan holding his staff, dressed in the simple garb of an ascetic who has renounced the world and all its pleasures. This idol has been placed on a stone pedestal. There are numerous inscriptions written in old Tamil script on the sanctum’s walls. There is a golden Gopuram on top of the sanctum bearing several sculptures of Lord Murugan and other deities.

Lord Ganesha sits in a shrine at the entrance of the Temple, and devotees offer their prayers to him before seeing Lord Murugan. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Devotees visiting Palani Temple will need to climb the hill or, alternatively, use the winch to reach the Temple.

Festivals of Palani Temple

The most important festival in Palani Temple is Thai Poosam, where people reach the top of the hill on foot. Other popular festivals in Palani Temple are Panguni Uttiram, Chitra Pournami, Agni Nakshatram, Vaikaasi Visakam, and Aani Annabhishekam. In addition to some festivals in the month of Aadi, Kanda Sashti, Tirukkarthigai, and Markazhi pooja are also very popular festivals.

This place is famous for bringing Kavadis. Many devotees every Year carry Kavadis to this Temple on foot. Here, people also opt for shaving the head, which is considered to be a Divine ritual.

Benefits of Worshipping in Palani Temple

It is believed that Palani Murugan bestows boons on his worshippers. There may be a significant reduction in the impact of Navagraha Doshas. Lord Murugan renounced all his worldly connections here at palani and went into mediation. Hence, this is the place to go to gain knowledge and wisdom.