Introduction

If you ever happen to be in the Dindigul district in Tamilnadu. Never forget to visit the Palani Murugan temple . Which is just about 60 kilometers from Dindigul. The common name of the temple is spelled ‘Palani Temple’ or ”Pazhani Temple’.

The official name, as appears on the boards in the temple precincts, however, is not the same. If you wonder what that name is ‘Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani’ is the name you have to look for.

This is almost every citizen’s story as far as Tamilnadu’s population is concerned. And a story of how this Palani temple came to exist. In the state of Tamilnadu, right from an early childhood stage, people have this very famous story either presented by their parents or teachers to them.

If you are new, let’s begin with that famous story….

History (Story) of Palani Murugan Temple

• Shiva and Parvathi are the divine couple. They have two sons, namely Lord Muruga and Lord Ganesha. Obviously, all of them are Gods sitting on the celestial mountain of Kailasha watching the earth rotate.

• Both these toddlers are talented in their own ways. Lord Ganesha has a face resembling an Elephant. Whereas, Lord Muruga has a peacock which he uses as a vehicle. He uses it to roam around.

• One day, the sage Narada visited the celestial court of Mount Kailash and presented the Lord shiva a fruit named ‘Gyana Pazham'(Fruit of Wisdom).

• When Lord Shiva intended to divide the fruit between his two sons, the sage warned him against splitting it. So he had to make the tough decision of choosing one of his sons to give the fruit to.
• Finally, he arrived at a decision of conducting a competition among his sons. According to his decision, the son who circles the earth thrice will receive the Gyana Pazham. Upon hearing this, Lord Muruga, all of a sudden embarked on his journey to circle the earth with the help of his Peacock.

• On the other hand, Lord Ganesha, since he didn’t have a powerful vehicle as that of his brother, decided to use his brain. He told his parents that the earth is not bigger than Siva and Parvathy and it is better to circle them than circling the earth.

• Lord Ganesha circled his parents thrice and received the fruit of wisdom as he was able to convince his parents with his wise words. However, Lord Muruga took several minutes to circle the earth. After returning to his parents, he got disappointed to see Ganesha holding the fruit.

• The angry Muruga got out of his parents and reached the hill in Palani to set an abode. This exact place where Muruga set his abode is now referred to as ‘Palani Murugan Temple’.

When, How, and Who should visit Palani Temple?

Let me give answers to these questions one by one.

• Coming to the ‘When’ part of the question one can visit this temple almost any time during the year. However, there are some occasions that are very special. People come here by walk from hundreds of kilometers far.

• For the second part of the question ‘How’, one can visit this place either by walk or with the help of various public transport options available from different parts of the state. There is also a dress code one has to follow while coming here. Men are advised to come in ‘Veshti and Sattai’ and women wearing Saree.

• For the third section of the question, “Who should visit Palani Temple,” there are some rules and regulations for the visitor. The major rule regarding the religion of the visitor is that only Hindus can seek blessings from the deity in temple premises.

• It might be kind of disappointing to those who have plans to visit this temple. But unfortunately happened to have been born into a different religion.

Specialities of Palani Murugan Temple

1. One of the Arupadai Veedu

• Palani Murugan Temple is one among the six sacred houses (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. Hence it is a very sacred pilgrimage to the devotees.

2. Historical and Religious Significance

• The temple said to have been constructed by Chera Kings and in Tamil heritage and spirituality, roots are deep.

3. Divine Idol Made of Navapashanam

• The Lord Murugan idol at Palani is special, carved from a mixture of nine medicinal herbs (Navapashanam) by the Tamil Siddhar, Bhogar. Thus, the deity is spiritually and medically significant.

4. Unique Place:

• The temple site is on a hill named Palani Malai. It is an ideal environment both for relaxation and spiritual fulfilment. The devotees are either facilitated to climb up the hill through steps, ropeway, or winch system.

5. Panchamritham Prasadam

• The temple prasadam is Panchamritham, a blend of bananas, honey, jaggery, ghee, and cardamom. No one would describe the taste for it is said to be so divine.

6.Meaning of Kavadi

• People undertake “Kavadi” with the motive to fulfill their promises. It has a strong bonding with Lord Murugan and the temple of Palani.

7. Thaipusam Festival

• It is the main festival at this temple where the devotees coming in lakhs to pay homage and get blessing.

8. Religious Belief

• It is considered that Lord Murugan lives here as a “Kuzhanthai Velappar” (youthful deity) after forsaking his divine jewels and wealth, in the simplest and humblest form.

9. Architectural Excellence

• The temple depicts the architectural style of Dravidians in multihued sculptures and bright murals that depict the Tamil heritage and skill.

10. Healing Power

• It is believed to have healing powers. Devotees believe that making prayers here cure their ailments and bring mental peace.

How to reach here?

Palani Murugan temple is less than 60 kilometers from Dindigul. You can find more information on how to reach this place and other famous places in Dindigul.

Conclusion

The Palani Murugan Temple is, therefore not merely a holy location but rather one of richness through history, culture, and spirit. Sited on the soothing Palani Malai hills, it becomes an abode, which not only transcends its boundaries to devotees from anywhere in the globe but also as a tourism hub. Whether it is the deity lore of Lord Muruga, the architectural excellence of the temple, the healing touch of the Navapashanam idol, or the cultural vibrancy of festivals such as Thaipusam, there is something profound about Palani that will appeal to everyone.

It’s for those in quest of spiritual enrichment, cultural exploration, or perhaps a retreat in peace, but the Palani Murugan Temple is one which stands for faith and tranquility. The ancient traditions and cultural heritage keep alive the fire of devotion and amazement. It has thus become a ‘must visit’ destination on Tamil Nadu’s spiritual map. Plan your visit to this holy shrine of divinity and serenity.