Palani

Being one of the padi veedu for Lord Muruga, Palani is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus. Puranas have a story that Lord Muruga disappointed for Gnanapazham came here to stay alone. Lord Shiva & Goddess Uma Devi convinced him by saying that he itself is the fruit of knowledge (Gnanapazham) and called him as Pazham Nee. Thus the town got its name “Pazhani”. Palani has also a legend associated with Sage Agasthiyar and his disciple Idumban from which Kavadi worship begins.

The temple of Pazhaniandavar is situated in the Palani Hills at the height of about 1400 feet from the sea level. From the temple prakaram one can see the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the rivers flowing around Palani, the greenfields and even the Kurinchiandavar temple in Kodaikanal hills on a clear day.

The temple is opened for 16 hrs a day and can be reached through steps (about 650) or through winches. The vimanam of this temple is a gold-plated one. The Navaranga mandapam supported by 12 pillars is beautiful. On the way from the foot of the Palani Hills to the temple above, there are shrines for Meeenakshi Sundareswarar, Padivinayakar, Murugan with Idumban under the Kura tree.

The deity here is Lord Muruga in the name “Dandayuthapani” with a baton in his hand. The icon here symbolizes the truth “Give Up everything to reach God”. The idol here is made up of a fusion of nine minerals known as Navabhashanam by the sidda “Bhogar”. Since the lord here is Abhisheka Priyar so many abhishekams are performed to the deity daily and on special occasions. The materials used for abhishekam acquire medicinal properties and is believed to cure some diseases. Leucoderma and asthma are cured by the use of abhishekam water.

Devotees offer kavadi to the lord in this temple. Panguniuttiram, Thai Pucam, Kanda Shasti, Vaikasi Vishakam and Tirukkarttikai are the festivals celebrated here which attracts devotees from many places. Pazhani is famous for its Panchamirtham and Vibhuthi. The Rakkala Santhanam(Sandal paste applied on the idol of Lord Muruga over night) is considered sacred and it has significant medicinal qualities.

Lord Muruga’s Golden kavasam, Golden Chariot and the Golden Peacock show extreme beauty. The procession of Lord Muruga in the golden chariot “Thanga Ratham” on Thai Pucam is worth to be seen.

On the foot of the Pazhani hills is the Kuzhanthai Velayuthaswamy temple and the spot is known as Thiru Avinangudi. As the name specifies, Lord Muruga here appears as a child in his peacock vehicle. There is a shrine for Arunagirinadhar in this temple and there is a tank which is considered sacred. One can witness amla tree(Nelli) and nagalinga tree here.

Besides this temple is the famous Saravana Poigai theertham which draws a massive crowd. Dipping in this theetham is considered sacred and everyone who visit this spot atleast sprinkle its waters over their head before entering the temple. Facilities are arranged by the temple Devasthanam separately for men and women.

Situated at the centre of the town this temple is at a distance of 2 kms from Palani malai adivaram. This temple is also known Town Temple and the Deity here is Periya Nayaki Amman. Here the shrine for Lord Muruga is in between the shrines of Periya Nayaki Amman in south and Kailasanathar in north. This seating arrangement of the three gods is known by the name Somaskandar.

The temple is known for its magnificient sculptures. There are sanctums for Muthukumaraswamy, Subramanyar and Natarajar. In the Muthukumaraswamy shirne, there are deities with wonderful artwork kept in the iron railings.