https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Dhandayuthapani_Swamy_TempleDhandayuthapani Swamy Temple - Revision history2026-07-31T17:50:23ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Dhandayuthapani_Swamy_Temple&diff=496626&oldid=prevQWLDesiree at 20:27, 3 May 20262026-05-03T20:27:22Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Murugan Temple in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, India}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}<br />
{{Infobox Hindu temple<br />
| name = Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple<br />
| image = Palanihills.JPG<br />
| alt = <br />
| image_upright = 1.25<br />
| caption = Dhandayathapani Swamy Temple atop the [[Palani Hills]]<br />
| map_type = India Tamil Nadu<br />
| map_type_alt = <br />
| map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu, India<br />
| coordinates = {{coord|10.438805|77.520261|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}<br />
| country = India<br />
| state = [[Tamil Nadu]]<br />
| district = [[Dindigul]]<br />
| location = [[Palani]]<br />
| elevation_m = <br />
| deity = [[Murugan]]<br />
| festivals = {{Unbulleted list<br />
|[[Panguni Uthiram]]<br />
|[[Surasamharam]]<br />
|[[Thaipusam]]<br />
|[[Vaisakhi|Vaikasi Visakam]]<br />
}}<br />
| architecture = [[Tamil architecture]]<br />
| temple_quantity = <br />
| monument_quantity = <br />
| inscriptions = <br />
| year_completed = <br />
| creator = [[Bogar]] <br />
| website = {{URL|1=https://palanimurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Murugan]] situated atop a hillock amidst the [[Palani Hills]] in [[Palani]], [[Dindigul district]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is one of the [[Six Abodes of Murugan]]. The temple is managed by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].<br />
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It is mentioned as ''Thiruaavinankudi'' in the [[Sangam literature]] ''[[Tirumurukāṟṟuppaṭai]]''. As per [[Hindu mythology]], the hillock was carried by [[Idumban]] from [[Kailasha]] on the orders of sage [[Agastya]] and was made to place it at the current location at Palani by Murugan. Later when sage [[Narada]] visited [[Shiva]] at Kailasha and presented him with ''[[Jnana Palam|gnana-palam]]'' (fruit of knowledge), Shiva decided to award it to whichever of his two sons finishes encircling the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Murugan started his journey around the globe on his peacock [[vahana|mount]] but his brother [[Ganesha]] surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and [[Shakti]] combined, circumambulated them and won the fruit. Knowing this, Murugan was furious as he felt cheated and chose to live a life as a hermit in Palani hills.<br />
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The idol of Murugan in the [[garbagriha]] is believed to have been consecrated by sage [[Bogar]], one of the [[Siddhar]]s, out of an amalgam of nine herbs known as ''Navapashanam''. The temple was built between 2nd and 5th century CE by the [[Cheras]] and was expanded multiple times over the years by various kingdoms.<br />
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The temple complex atop the hillock can be accessed by foot by climbing the stairs or walking along a sliding way. Pilgrims can also reach the top via a [[winch]] operated railway or a [[gondola lift|rope car]]. [[Tonsuring]] is one of major traditions of the temple. All Murugan festivals are celebrated in the temple with special [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]s and rituals. Pilgrims may carry a [[kavadi]], a physical burden, as a form of [[debt bondage]]. The temple is synonymous with ''[[Panchamrita]]m'', a sweet mixture made of five ingredients, offered as a [[prasadam]], which is a listed [[List of geographical indications in India|Geographical Indication]].<br />
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== Mythology ==<br />
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Once all sages and gods assembled in [[Kailasha]], the abode of [[Shiva]], which resulted in the tilting of [[earth]] due to an increase in weight on one [[Hemispheres of Earth|hemisphere]]. Shiva asked sage [[Agasthya]] to move towards the south to restore the balance. Agastya employed a [[asura]] named [[Idumban]] to carry two hills named as ''Sivagiri'' and ''Sakthigiri'' (Mountains of Shiva and [[Shakti]]) on his shoulders to be placed in the South, to balance the weight. Idumban carried the hills down south and en-route he placed them down for a while, when he rested. When he tried to lift them back, he was unable to move one of the hills. He found a youth standing atop of the hill and fought with him, only to be defeated. Agasthya identified the youth as [[Murugan]] and on reasoning out, the hill was let to remain at the location, which later became [[Palani]]. The mythology behind Idumban carrying the hills on the shoulder might have led to the practice of [[Kavadi]].<ref name="Bhoot"/><br />
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Sage [[Narada]] once visited Shiva at Kailasha and presented him with a ''[[Jnana Palam|gnana-palam]]'' (fruit of knowledge). Shiva expressed his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, [[Ganesha]] and Murugan, but Narada counseled that the fruit cannot be divided. So, it was decided to award the fruit to whomsoever first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Murugan started his journey around the globe on atop his peacock [[vahana|mount]]. However, Ganesha surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them and won the fruit. When Murugan returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts had been in vain and felt cheated. He left Kailasha to took up abode in the [[Palani Hills]] as a hermit. It is believed that Murugan felt the need to get matured from boyhood, hence discarded all his material belongings and went to Palani.<ref name="Bhoot">{{cite book|title=Temples of India Myths and Legends|publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India|location=New Delhi|editor1-last=S.|editor1-first= Manjula|last=Bhoothalingam|first=Mathuram|year=2016|pages=48–52|isbn=978-8-123-01661-0}}</ref><br />
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== History ==<br />
{{quote box<br />
|align=right<br />
|author=[[Tirumurukāṟṟuppaṭai]]<br />
|source=<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kaumaram.com/tmpadai/tmpadai03u.html|title=Tirumurukāṟṟuppaṭai|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Kaumaram|archive-date=1 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001122224/https://kaumaram.com/tmpadai/tmpadai03u.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
|quote=Tī'eḻuntaṉṉa tiṟaliṉar tīppaṭa<br/><br />
urumiṭit taṉṉa kuraliṉar viḻumiya<br/><br />
uṟukuṟai maruṅkil tampeṟu muṟaikoṇmār<br/><br />
antarak koṭpiṉar vantu uṭaṉkāṇa<br/><br />
tā'il koḷkai maṭantaiyoṭu cilnāl<br/><br />
'''āviṉaṉkuṭi''' acaitalum uriyaṉ, atāṉṟu<br />
}}<br />
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The location is mentioned as ''Thiruaavinankudi'' in the [[Sangam literature]] ''[[Tirumurukāṟṟuppaṭai]]''. As per ''[[Purananuru]]'', the region was known as Vaikavurnadu and was part of [[Kongu Nadu|Vaiyapuri Nadu]], ruled by king [[Vaiyāvik Kōpperum Pēkan|Kōpperum Pēkan]]. The place is mentioned by poets such as [[Kabilar]], [[:ta:வன்பரணர்|Vanparanar]], Aricilkiḻār, and Perunkunrurkiḻār. Sangam literature ''[[Akananuru]]'' mentions the name of the place as ''Pothini'', ruled by [[Velir]] chieftain Vel chieftain Neduvel Avi. The name Pothini was derived from [[Tamil language]] phrase "Pon-udai-nedu-nagar" meaning the big town with [[gold]], which later became Palani.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilvu.org/slet/ln00101/ln00101pag.jsp?bookid=296&pno=264|title=Kings of Sangam period|publisher=[[Tamil Virtual University]]|access-date=1 June 2024|language=ta}}</ref> As per ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]'', chieftain Velavikkopaduman had matrimonial relations with the [[Chera dynasty|Cheras]], who ruled the region from the late first century CE. Poet [[:ta:இளங்கீரனார்|Ilangiranar]] mentions the Chera king [[Yanaikatchai Mantaran Cheral Irumporai|Mantaram Cheral Irumporai]], who ruled the region during the period.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilsurangam.in/literatures/ettuthogai/purananooru/purananooru_229.html|title=Purananauru 229|publisher=Tamil Surangam|access-date=1 June 2024|language=ta}}</ref><br />
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[[File:Palani temple (1).jpg|thumb|left|Main temple complex]]<br />
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The main idol of Murugan in the [[garbagriha]] is believed to have been created and consecrated by sage [[Bogar]], one of the [[Siddhar]]s. The statue is believed to have been made of an [[Amalgam (chemistry)|amalgam]] of nine rocks or herbs known as ''navapashanam''. According to temple legend, the sculptor had to work rapidly to complete its features. A shrine to Bhogar exists in the southwestern corridor of the temple, which, by temple legend, is said to be connected by a tunnel to a cave in the heart of the hill, where Bhogar continues to meditate and maintain his vigil.<ref name="Meena">{{cite book|title=Temples in South India|last=V.|first=Meena|year=1976|publisher=Harikumar Arts|location=Kanniyakumari|pages=19–20}}</ref><br />
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The idol fell into neglect and the area was engulfed by the forest. One night, a king of the [[Chera Dynasty]], who controlled the region between the second and fifth centuries CE, took refuge at the foot of the hills. As per temple legend, Murugan appeared in his dream, and ordered him to find and restore the idol to its former state. The king commenced a search for the idol, and finding it, constructed a temple on the hillock and re-instituted its worship. There are figures of a king, believed to be the Chera king, on the southern walls of the temple and a small [[stela]] at the foot of the staircase that winds up the hill, describing the events.<ref name="Padma">{{cite book|title=Temples of South India|author=S. Padmanabhan|year=1977|publisher=Kumaran Pathippagam|page=33}}</ref><br />
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[[File:Tamil Inscriptions Pazhani.jpg|thumb|Tamil Inscriptions at the temple]]<br />
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In the [[middle age]], the area came under the control of [[Cholas]] in the 10th century CE. The Cholas expanded the temple and inscriptions mention various grants made by the Chola kings. Later, the region was ruled over by the [[Pandyas]], who further expanded the temple complex.<ref>{{cite book|title=Palani:The Hill Temple of Muruga|author=Cōmale|year=1975|page=19|publisher=[[University of California]]}}</ref> Inscriptions found on the temple walls mention grants by Pandya kings such as [[Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I]] and [[Jatavarman Vira Pandyan II]] during the 13th century CE.<ref>{{cite book|title=Ethnographic Notes in Southern India, Part 2|author=Edgar Thurston|publisher=Cosmo Publications|year=1975|page=36}}</ref> In the year 1300 CE, [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I]] is documented to have gifted a village as a grant to the temple. The [[Vijayanagar Empire]] patronized the temple and the region between the 14th and 16th centuries. After the collapse of Vijayanagara, the [[Madurai Nayaks]] ruled the region.<ref>{{cite book|author=T.V.Mahalingam|title=Economic Life under Vijayanagar|year=1951|page=147|publisher=[[University of Madras]]}}</ref> [[Arunagirinathar]] was a 15th-century Tamil poet born in [[Tiruvannamalai]], who later became a devotee of Murugan and visited Palani. He composed various Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan at the temple, the most notable being part of ''[[Thiruppugazh|Thirupugazh]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=V.K.|first=Subramanian |title= 101 Mystics of India |year=2007 |publisher=Abhinav Publications|location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-7017-471-4|page=109}}</ref> He became a staunch devotee and composed .<ref>{{cite book|last=Aiyar|first=P.V.Jagadisa |title=South Indian Shrines: Illustrated|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&q=tiruvannamalai&pg=PA190 |year=1982 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-206-0151-3|pages=191–203}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Kamil |last=Zvelebil |title=Tamil literature, Volume 2, Part 1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OQ33i496MsIC&q=tiruvempavai&pg=PA105 |year=1975 |publisher=E.J. Brill, Leiden |location=Netherlands |isbn=90-04-04190-7| page= 217}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Tamil traditions on Subramanya – Murugan|last=Zvelebil|edition=1st|first=Kamil V.|year=1991|publisher=Institute of Asian Studies|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Palani temple is one of the [[Six Abodes of Murugan]] and considered one of the most prominent abodes of Muruga.<ref>{{cite book|title=Economic Reforms and Small Scale Industries|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SIHLq5XvZMEC&q=palani+murugan+temple&pg=PA35|page=25|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|year=2009|isbn=9788180694493|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522141036/https://books.google.com/books?id=SIHLq5XvZMEC&q=palani+murugan+temple&pg=PA35#v=snippet&q=palani%20murugan%20temple&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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Under the Nayaks, [[Polygar|Palayakkarar]] system was formulated with the temple being administered by the Palayakkarars of [[Balasamudram]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Dindigul District Gazetteer|year=2005|page=324|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> The region and the temple was under the influence of [[Mysore kingdom]] in the 18th century before being part of the [[Madras Presidency]] of [[British Raj]] towards the end of the century. After [[Indian Independence Act 1947|Indian Independence]] in 1947, the temple became part of [[Madras State]] which later became [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaTamilNadu.htm|title=Madras Renamed Tamil Nadu|work=Hubert Herald|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911082149/http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaTamilNadu.htm|archive-date=11 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/datagov/TDVD_Files/DCHB_Town_Amenities-TAMIL_NADU-DINDIGUL-612.csv|title=Census report, Dindigul district, 1951-2011|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><br />
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== Layout and architecture ==<br />
{{multiple image<br />
| image1 = Pazhani Pillar1.jpg<br />
| image2 = Pazhani Pillar2.jpg<br />
| align = right<br />
| footer = Sculptures inside the temple<br />
| total_width = 200<br />
}}<br />
The temple is situated upon the higher of the two hills of Palani, known as the Sivagiri. The sanctum of the temple is of early [[Dravidian architecture]] while the covered ambulatory that runs around it bears traces of Pandyan influence. The walls of the temple bear extensive inscriptions in old [[Tamil script]]. Surmounting the sanctum, is a ''[[Vimanam (tower)|vimanam]]'' plated with [[gold]], with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses carved on it. In the first inner prahāram or ambulatory around the heart of the temple, are two minor shrines, one each, to Shiva and Parvati. There is a shrine dedicated to sage Bhogar, who is by credited with the creation and consecration of the chief idol. In the second precinct, is a shrine dedicated to [[Ganapati]], besides the carriage-houses for the [[ratha|chariot]]s.<ref name="Meena" /><br />
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== Deity ==<br />
[[File:Gopuramgold.JPG|thumb|Golden [[Vimanam (tower)|vimanam]]]]<br />
The idol of the deity is said to be made of an amalgam of nine poisonous substances which forms an eternal medicine when mixed in a certain ratio. The idol represents the god Murugan as ''Dhandapani'', a form he assumed while at Palani, being that of a young recluse, shorn of his hair, dressed in a loincloth and armed only with a staff (''dhandam'') as a monk.<ref name="Meena" /> It is placed upon a pedestal of stone, with an archway framing it in the garbhagriha or the [[sanctum sanctorum]] of the temple. The deity is approached only by the temple's priests, members of the [[Vadama|Brahmin]] community, who hold hereditary rights of sacerdotal worship at the temple. Devotees are permitted to come up to the entrance of the sanctum, while the priests' assistants (Pandārams) are allowed up to the ante-chamber of the sanctum sanctorum.<ref name="Meena" /><br />
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The original idol was believed to have been wearing away or dissolving, by virtue of its repeated anointment and ritual bathing but priests of the temple maintain that they perceive no visible change. As [[Hinduism]] forbids the worship of an imperfect idol, suggestions have been made, at various points of time, to replace it, cover it, or stop some of the rituals, which could have resulted in its erosion. Attempts were made to replace the idol in 1984 and later in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ageing Palani deity in midst of controversy|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/20tn.htm|work=Rediff.com|access-date=3 December 2016|date=20 November 2002|last=N.|first=Sathiya Moorthy|location=Chennai|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220034154/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/20tn.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003, the temple officials decided to make a replacement idol weighing {{cvt|200|kg}} made up of an [[alloy]] of five metals including {{cvt|10|kg}} of gold. The idol which was consecrated in January 2004, was quickly removed, following opposition from various quarters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/archives/tn-chief-sculptor-arrested-palani-1927371|title=TN chief sculptor arrested in Palani Murugan idol case|work=[[Deccan Herald]]|date=26 March 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522140909/https://www.deccanherald.com/archives/tn-chief-sculptor-arrested-palani-1927371|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, based on an investigation, [[Tamil Nadu Police]] announced that the new idol was made with a ploy of smuggling the old idol. Based on research from [[IIT Madras]], it was found that the replacement idol actually weighed {{cvt|221|kg}} and did not contain the required amounts of the metals specified, particularly gold.<ref>{{cite news|title=New idol made in Palani temple with ploy to smuggle out presiding deity|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/new-idol-made-in-palani-temple-with-ploy-to-smuggle-out-presiding-deity/articleshow/70120087.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714082300/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/new-idol-made-in-palani-temple-with-ploy-to-smuggle-out-presiding-deity/articleshow/70120087.cms|url-status=live|archive-date=14 July 2019|publisher=TOI|access-date=7 July 2019|date=9 July 2019|location=Palani}}</ref><br />
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== Practices and rituals ==<br />
The most common form of ritual at the temple is the ''[[abhisheka]]m''—anointment of the idol with oils, [[sandalwood]] paste, [[milk]], unguents and the like and then bathing it with water in an act of ritual purification. Four prominent abhishekams and pujas are conducted at specific times of the day and include the ''Vizha Pujai'' in the early morning after opening the temple, ''Ucchikāla Pujai'' in the afternoon, ''Sāyarakshai Pujai'' in the evening and ''Rakkāla Pujai'' at night prior to the closure of the temple.<ref>{{cite news|title=Palani temple introduces online facility|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Palani-temple-introduces-online-facility/article13982156.ece|date=5 January 2016|access-date=4 December 2016|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220230234/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Palani-temple-introduces-online-facility/article13982156.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://palani.org/facilities.htm|title=Palani Devasthanam facilities|work=Palani.in|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205224124/https://palani.org/facilities.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tamilnadutemples.co.in/article/id/510/temple/58/puja-schedule-in-palani-temple|title=Puja schedule at Palani|work=Tamilnadu temples|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=10 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610222156/https://tamilnadutemples.co.in/article/id/510/temple/58/puja-schedule-in-palani-temple|url-status=live}}</ref> The pujas are accompanies by traditional musical instruments and tolling of the heavy bell on the hill, to rouse the attention of devotees. The idol is decorated with an attire of a king in the evenings, known as ''Raja alankaram''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dheivegam.com/palani-aandi-kola-palangal/|title=Palani: virtues of darshan|work=Dheivegam|date=4 February 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023|language=ta|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522140914/https://dheivegam.com/palani-aandi-kola-palangal/|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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Traditionally, the temple was supposed to be closed in the afternoon to permit the deity, who is a child, to have adequate sleep. Every night at the ''Paḷḷi-Arai'' or bedroom, the lord is informed of the status of the temple's accounts for the day, by the custodians of the temple, and then put to sleep by singing of an ''ōdhuvār'' ([[lullaby]]). An idol of the lord, called the ''Uthsavamoorthy'', is carried in state around the temple, in a [[golden chariot]], drawn by devotees, most evenings in a year.{{cn|date=May 2026}} This chariot is made using {{cvt|63|kg}} of silver and plated with {{cvt|4.73|kg}} of gold and other precious stones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://palani.in/palani-murugan-temples/palani-murugan-golden-chariot%3famp|title=Palani golden chariot|work=Palani.in|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=4 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004114915/https://www.palani.in/palani-murugan-temples/palani-murugan-golden-chariot?amp|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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''[[Palani Panchamirtham|Panchamrita]]m'' (mixture of five) is a divine mix made of [[Virupakshi Hill Banana|banana]], [[honey]], [[ghee]], [[jaggery]] and [[cardamom]] along with [[date fruit]]s and [[sugar candy|Sugar candies]]. It is believed to have been prepared by Ganesha to soothe Muruga, after their battle for the fruit. The practice is followed in modern times where the devotees are provided the mixture as a prasad.<ref name="Bhoot" /><ref>{{cite book|title=The Lord of Vengadam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rntPBAAAQBAJ&q=palani+murugan+temple&pg=PA185|page=185|first=Ramanujam|last=S.R.|publisher=Partridge India|year=2014|isbn=978-1-482-83462-8|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522141010/https://books.google.ge/books?id=rntPBAAAQBAJ&q=palani+murugan+temple&pg=PA185&redir_esc=y#v=snippet&q=palani%20murugan%20temple&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> It is recognized as a [[List of geographical indications in India|Geographical Indication]] in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/palani-panchamirtham-the-first-temple-prasadam-to-bag-the-gi-tag/article66839174.ece|title=Palani panchamirtham, the first temple prasadam to bag the GI tag|date=11 May 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603085822/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/palani-panchamirtham-the-first-temple-prasadam-to-bag-the-gi-tag/article66839174.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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== Worship ==<br />
[[File:Thiru Avinan Kudi Kulandhai Velappar Temple.jpg|thumb|Kulandai Velayudhaswami Temple in the foothills]]<br />
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The temple at the foothills known as ''Thiruavinankudi Kulandhai Velappar Temple'' is considered as one of the [[Six Abodes of Murugan]]. It is located next to ''Sarvana Poigai'', a sacred [[pushkarni|tank]], which is believed to have been the birthplace of Murugan.<ref name="God">{{cite book|title=God and Science|first=Sridharan|last=T.K.R|isbn=979-8-8870-4354-8|publisher=Notion Press|year=2022}}</ref><ref name="Kanda">{{cite book|title=Sri Kandha Puranam|first=Akilā|last=Civarāman̲|isbn=978-8-1795-0397-3|page=55|publisher=Giri Trading|year=2006}}</ref> Devotees usually visit the temple before going atop the hill.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://palani.org/avinankudi.htm|title=Avinankudi|work=Palani.org|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205223359/https://palani.org/avinankudi.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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[[tonsure|Tonsuring]] is one of the major traditions of the temple, with devotees performing the ritual to fulfill a vow to discard their hair in imitation of the form that Murugan assumed here.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.robputseys.be/portfolio/tonsure-ritual-in-hinduism/|title=Tonsure ritual in Hinduism|work=Rob Putsey|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930140457/https://www.robputseys.be/portfolio/tonsure-ritual-in-hinduism/|url-status=live}}</ref> After tonsuring, sandalwood paste is applied to imitate the ritual of anointing of the head of the presiding deity's idol with sandalwood paste, at night, prior to the temple being closed for the day. The paste, upon being allowed to stay overnight, is said to acquire special properties, and is distributed to devotees, as [[prasadam]] (''rakkāla chandaṇam'').<ref name="JSTOR">{{cite journal|title=Pilgrimage Centers in the Tamil Cultus of Murukan|jstor=1461919|last=Clothey|first=Fred W.|year=1972|page=82|publisher=Oxford University Press|journal=Journal of the American Academy of Religion|volume=40|issue=1}}</ref> New borns may undergo a ritual of tonsuring and [[ear piercing]] at the temple.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/traditions/tonsuring-and-ear-piercing.php|title=Tonsuring and ear piercing|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726213408/https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/traditions/tonsuring-and-ear-piercing.php|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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Festivals dedicated to Murugan are celebrated with pomp. These include [[Thaipusam]], [[Panguni Uthiram]], [[Vaikaasi|Vaikhashi Vishakham]] and [[Sura Samhaaram]]. Thaipusam is the most important festival at Palani, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month of ''[[Thai month|Thai]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nakkheeran.in/24-by-7-news/thamizhagam/thaipoosam-festival-palani-started-flagging|title=Thaipusam festivities start in Palani|language=ta|work=Nakheeran|date=2 February 2020|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905001255/https://www.nakkheeran.in/24-by-7-news/thamizhagam/thaipoosam-festival-palani-started-flagging|url-status=live}}</ref> Devotees carry a ''[[kavadi]]'', a burden or mount as a form of [[debt bondage]]. In the simplest form, it consists of two semicircular pieces of wood or steel which are bent and attached to a cross structure, that is balanced on the shoulders of the devotee.<ref name="Hume">{{cite book|title=Portals: Opening Doorways to Other Realities Through the Senses|first=Lynne|last=Hume|year=2020|isbn=978-1-0001-8987-2| publisher=Taylor & Francis}}</ref> It may be decorated with flowers, glazed paper and tinsel work.<ref>{{cite journal|title=N.P. Mohamed in Conversation with A.J. Thomas|jstor=23341738|last1=Mohamed |first1=N.P.|first2=Thomas|last2=A.J.|year=2003|page=147|publisher=Sahitya Akademi|journal=Indian Literature|volume=47|issue=1}}</ref> It is often carried in commemoration of the act of Idumban who brought the hillock from Kailasha. Others bring pots of sanctified water, known as ''theertha kavadi'' or [[cow milk]] known as ''paal kavadi'' to conduct abhishekam. Pilgrims often take a strict vow of abstinence for 48 days, come barefoot, by walk, from distant places, bathe in the temple tank and go atop the hill.<ref>{{cite news|title=The special charm of Palani|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/01/21/stories/2005012100400600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709005937/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/01/21/stories/2005012100400600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2008|date=21 January 2005|access-date=4 December 2016|last=K.S.|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|first=Krishnan}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils|author=Vijaya Ramaswamy|year=2017|isbn=978-1-538-10686-0|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|page=192}}</ref><br />
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== Access ==<br />
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The temple is situated in the town of Palani, which is accessible by road and rail. It is connected to [[Coimbatore]] via [[NH 83|National Highway 83]]. [[Palani railway station]] falls on the [[Dindigul]]-[[Pollachi]] railway line.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/palani-plni/4807|title=Palani railway station|work=Indiarailinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316093228/https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/palani-plni/4807|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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Traditionally, the temple was accessed by climbing the hillock on foot. Later, staircases were cut into the hill-side for the usage of pilgrims and a gently sloping pathway was added for usage by temple [[elephants]]. Additional stairways were added later, which are used by priests to access the temple. In the late 20th century, three [[funicular railway]] tracks were laid up the hill to ferry the pilgrims.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tourism Palani|url=http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/tourism/tourism_palani_winch.html|publisher=Dindigul district administration|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220062627/http://www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/tourism/tourism_palani_winch.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2003, a [[Gondola lift|rope way]] was added with a capacity to handle 250 people per hour. The rope way was upgraded in 2018, to increase the hourly capacity to 1500.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/palani-temple-to-get-rs-73cr-worth-rope-car-facility-in-18-mths/articleshow/64455966.cms|title=Palani temple to get Rs 73 crore worth rope car facility|date=5 June 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925211756/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/palani-temple-to-get-rs-73cr-worth-rope-car-facility-in-18-mths/articleshow/64455966.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The temple is one of the most visited in the state.<ref>{{cite news|title=Palani temple annual hundi collection touches Rs 33cr|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Palani-temple-annual-hundi-collection-touches-Rs-33cr/articleshow/53407866.cms|access-date=3 December 2016|date=27 July 2016|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=1 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901050946/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Palani-temple-annual-hundi-collection-touches-Rs-33cr/articleshow/53407866.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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==External links==<br />
*[http://www.palanimurugantemple.org/ Official website of Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam, Palani]<br />
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080205135606/http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/10/stories/2006031016140100.htm Temple legend]<br />
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{{Murugan temples}}<br />
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[[Category:Hindu temples in Dindigul district]]<br />
[[Category:Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu]]</div>QWLDesiree