Palani Murugan Temple
Palani Arulmigu Sri Dhandyuthapani Temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan. Murugan Temple is located in Palani village of Dindigul at a distance of 100 km from Palani Hills, located to the northwest of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
Temple Palani Dandayudhapaniswami (Murugan Temple) is situated on a hilltop, and travellers have to climb more than 600 stairs to reach here, or they can reach here by rope car. The elevation of the hills gives a spectacular view of the entire city, which no traveller would want to leave. The temple is believed to have been built by Cheraman Perumal of the Chera dynasty. The temples were renovated and expanded between the 8th and 13th centuries by the Pandyas and the Cholas. He got Gopuram and Mandapam built in temples during his reign according to his architectural style. Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple is one of the few temples in India where Lord Murugan is worshipped as Kumaran.
The Palani temple is also considered synonymous with Panchamitra, which is a mixture composed of five components.
Murugan Temple
According to Hindu legends, once Nadar Muni went to Mount Kailash to offer the fruit of knowledge to Lord Shiva.
He decided to give that fruit to that son of Lord Shiva, who would return as soon as possible after a round of the whole world. Accepting this challenge, Karthikeya started circling the world with his vehicle, Peacock.
Whereas Ganesha speculated that there is no other world than his parents, and that is why he revolved around his parents and won the fruit of knowledge by winning the challenge.
All this knowledgeable Karthikeya had become very angry and realized that he needed to mature from his childhood, and hence he was determined to live alone in Palani.
History Of Palani Murugan Temple
The statue of Lord Murugan in Palani was built by Bogar Muni and is also one of the 18 greatest Siddhas of ancient Tamil culture. In the southwest corridor of the temple, we also get to see the idol of the main deity.
The temple connects to a cave in the middle of the hill through an underground tunnel, where Bhogar Muni used to meditate.
After being worshipped for centuries, the deity was neglected, and forests completely surrounded the temple. Between the fourth and fifth century, the place was under the control of King Perumal of the Chera kingdom. Then one night, the king wandered away from his hunting party, and as a result, he had to take refuge at the bottom of the hill.
Subrahmanyam Swamy is believed to have come in his dream that night, and he also ordered the king to rebuild the statue. On getting the order, the king started looking for the idol, and after searching, he rebuilt the temple and got the temple worshipped again.
Murugan Temple Festivals
Apart from daily activities, the special days of Lord Subrahmanyam are also celebrated with great pomp and show. Nearly thousands of devotees from South India visit this temple every year to see the deity.
The main Utsavos celebrated at the Palani Murugan temple include Thai-Pusam, Pankuni-Uththiram, Vaikashi-Visakham and Sura-Sanharam. Among these, Thai-Pusam is the most important festival of the temple, and this festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (15 January – 15 February).
Pilgrims here take strict vows of restraint and see the main deity. Also, many pilgrims bring garbage wood (kavadi) on their shoulders. Kavadi is brought to the memory of Asura Hidimba.
Some pilgrims bring the holy water known as Tirtha-Kavadi, which they use to anoint the Lord. Traditionally, the people of Karaikudi bring with them the diamond-studded spear of the God of Karaikudi temple.
Palani Temple Timings
The temple remains open from 6 am to 8 pm, while on festive days, the temple opens at 4.30 am. Six pujas are performed daily in the temple.
which is like this –
Villa Puja – 6.30 am
Siru Kaal Puja – 8 AM
Kala Santhi – 9 am
Uttikkala Puja – 12 noon
Raja Alankaram – 5.30 pm
Iraqkala Puja – 8 PM
Palani Temple Contact Number
(+91) (4545) 241417
Question/Answer
What is special in the Palani temple?
Palani Dandayudhapaniswami Temple (Murugan Temple) is situated on a hilltop, and travellers have to climb more than 600 stairs to reach here, or they can reach here by rope car. The elevation of the hills gives a spectacular view of the entire city, which no traveller would want to leave.
How Do I Book Darshan Tickets For Palani Temple?
Travellers can book tickets only through the official website of IRCTC (https://www.irctc.co.in/) or the IRCTC mobile app. Ticket booking counters at railway stations will remain closed. Passengers will also not be able to avail the facility of Tatkal or Premium Tatkal in ticket booking.
