Dandayudhapani Swami:-
Lord Murugan is the deity of the Tamil Land. Palani (Tiru Avinankudi) is the third Padai Veedu. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (navabashana). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.
About Idol:-The idol of the Lord Muruga in Palani, was created and consecrated by the Sage Bhogar, one of Hinduism's eighteen great ascetics (siddhas), out of an amalgam of nine medicinal stones or Navapaashaanam(In Sanskrit,"Nava" means Nine and "Pashanam" means POISON ). NavapAshanam is believed to possess great medicinal qualities.
The legend also holds that, since it was a quick-setting mixture, the sculptor had to work very rapidly to chisel its features, but that he spent so much time in creating the exquisitely beatific face, he did not have time to bestow but a rough grace upon the rest of the body, thus explaining the contrast between the artistic perfection of the face and the slightly less accomplished work upon the body. Panchamrita is anointed to the Deity made of the medicinal Navapashanam daily and is distributed to devotees.
About idol:-
The idol of the Lord Muruga was created by sage Bhogar. The idol is believed to possess great medicinal qualities.
The deity faces west rather than east.
The idol is made of amalgam and nine medicinal stones( Navapaashaanam).
The deity bears excessively large ears. (It says that Lord listens to each of his devotees' prayers).
Lord Murugan is the lord of war and victory yet he is very merciful and kind. This temple is situated on Sivagiri hill, Tamil nadu. It is believed that lord listen to the prayers of all his devotees and fulfils their wish.
The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world.
Lord Muruga's idol is accompanied by the two minor shrines of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Also present here is the shrine of Sage Bhogar and Lord Ganapati.
History of the Temple:-
Legend has it that Idumban, a disciple of Sage Agasthayar, while carrying two hillocks by the name Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on his shoulders as Kavadi, wanted to rest for a while and placed these hillocks on the ground. Lord Muruga, mischievously immobilized these hillocks and Idumban could carry the Kavadi no further.
The sanctum of the Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami temple is of early Cheera architecture while the covered ambulatory that runs around it bears unmistakable traces of Pandya influence, particularly in the form of the two fishes, the Pandyan royal emblem. The wall of the temple sanctum has wide inscriptions in the old Tamil script.
In the first inner walkway of the temple there are two minor Sannidhis, One Sannidhi is for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and other Sannidhi is for Sage Bhogar. In the second outer walkway, is a celebrated shrine to Ganapati, besides the carriage-house of the Lord Golden Chariot.
This temple draws more than 7 million devotees, which is the largest number of devotees who visit this temple in Tamil Nadu.
At the entrance near the Raja Gopuram, you can see two beautiful sculptures. One is a young lady carrying her child in the right hand and holding a flower basket in the left and another sculpture is a beautiful lady, the friend of the first standing in front of her. There are pillars with Yaali in the Paaravel Mandapam. In the Ardha Mandapam there are sculptures of young, good looking damsels. They create a sense of admiration in the minds of the visitors. The Sanctum of Dandayudhapani Swami is full of art-work. The roof of this sanctum has the Kodungai design which speaks the talent of the sculptors. The balcony - like structure on the outer side of this area adds beauty.
In the Navaranga Mandapam, there are two sculptures, one is the divine dance of Lord Siva and opposite to this the other one is dance of Kali after her shedding her ego.
In the Thiruppugazh (Tamil religious songs), he praised Palani as "It is greater than Kasi" and as "Palani Hill that has many miracles".
Some devotees also go round the Palani hill before climbing the hill and in the "Girivalam" (going around the temple or hill) they get to pray at any of the sixty eight Vinayakar temples in the boundary of the Girivalam route. The Tamil months Chitrai and Vaikasi witness the maximum number of devotes performing the Giri Valam.
At Palani temple Pooja s are performed seven times in a day. The first service of the day is the Viswa roopa darisanam. The last pooja includes a procession of the uthsavar in a golden palanquin around the temple and the palli arai sevai.
Following this as a tradition, the Muruga Bakthas carry Kavadis of milk, Sandalwood, Flowers etc.
Scriptures show that Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple sometime in the 7th Century AD. Kings Jadavarman and Krishnadevaraya are known to have generously donated for the temple construction. The Nayakars and Nagarathar community rulers were greatly involved in the construction of certain parts of the temple. The other portions of the temple was constructed in the period of Chera Kings during their rule of South Kongu Nadu. In the scriptures found in the sanctum sanctorium (Garbhagraham) dated 13th century it is known that Pandiyan Kings, Chola Kings also contributed greatly for the festivals of this temple and worshiped Lord Muruga.
The Legendary, Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Hill Temple
Palani Hill Temple Moolavar:-
There is a legend how Lord Murugan came to this sacred spot. Narada Muni, a sage, brought a golden mango to the divine court of Lord Siva when Lord Siva was seated with his consort Parvati and His children Lord Vinayakar and Lord Subrahmanya. Narada gave the fruit to Lord Siva and implored Him to eat since it was a rare, miraculous Jñanapalam, the fruit of wisdom. As a loving husband, Lord Siva gave it to Parvati and requested her to eat. As a loving mother, she wanted to give the fruit to her children. As there was only one fruit and it should not be cut, they announced a contest and said that the winner would be given the fruit. Whoever completes one round of the globe first will be given the fruit.
Lord Subrahmanya mounted His peacock to go around the world. Lord Vinayakar circumambulated around His parents, symbolising the world, and got the fruit. On return, Lord Subrahmanya found that He was cheated. In anger, He renounced His family and came to this spot to settle forever. Lord Siva and Parvati came to pacify Him. They said, "Pazham Nee" ('You are the Fruit'). Hence the name Palani is a popular syncopation of the two words mentioned.
The presiding deity, Lord Dandayudhapani Swami, is the son of Lord Siva and son-in-law of Vishnu. He has other names such as Kulandaivelan, Balasubrahmanyan, Shanmukhan, Devasenapati, Swaminathan, Vallimanalan, Devayanaimanalan, Palaniandavar, Kuriñjiandavar, Arumugan, Jñana Pandita, Saravanan, Sevar Kodiyon, etc. Tamils, Keralites, Bengalis, Sri Lankans, Malaysians, Fijians, Africans, Australians and Americans to name a few come here to worship Lord Muruga. Thus Murugan worship cuts across provincial boundaries and national frontiers.
Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam which is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees.
Murugan Golden Chariot(thanga ratham):-
The idol of Chinnakumarar (Palani Murugan), an elegant form made of bronze, is placed on top of a golden peacock giving out a beautiful stature with its widened feathers. Now this striking combination is kept on top of the Thangaratham or golden Chariot and is taken around the prakaram during Kirthigai days and on specific six festival days. There will not be any such procession of the Gold Chariot on Thaipoosam, PanguniUthiram, ten days during Dasara festival, SooraSamharam and KarthikaiDeepam in PalaniMurugan Temple.
The lighted up golden car is absolutely enchanting. People gather just to witness the golden chariot and get the blessings of lord Murugan. Temple asthananadaswaram, Thiruppugazhbajan group and all other people usually form part of the ceremonious ThangaThervalam.A devotee has to pay charges if he wants to draw the golden chariot around the prakaram.
Navapashanam :-
The icon made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam).
The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navapashanam. Some people say it is a combination of medicinal herbs. It consits of the following items : Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.
The Palani Hill temple has been constructed on the top of a hill. It is said that the temple was built by a Chera King.
Vallisunai:-
In the Hill temple, Valli sunai considered to
be the most ancient and holiest, was not properly cleaned for the part
15 Years. The Sunai was cleaned (for more then 10 days) and transformed
into a cleaned Holy Sunai.
Popularity of Palani:-Nevertheless to say, Palani is very famous for the Murugan temple. To the most of the people, the name Palani itself refers to the Murugan Kovil. People from all over the world fly to this temple to have the darshan of the deity. The devotees bring different types of Kavadis and offerings to the Lord by Padha Yatra (Foot Pilgrimate) mostly during Thai Poosam.
The temple is very popular for the festivals celebrated here. Some of the festivals are Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Chitra Pournami, Agni Nakshatram, Vaikaasi festival, Aani-annabhishekam, Kandhar Shasti (Soora Samharam), Tiru Karthigai and Margazhi pooja. Panchamirtam and Javvadhu Vibhuti (sacred white powder) are the special offerings provided by the temple.
The bronze idol of Lord Chinnakumarar (Child Muruga) sitting on a peacock whose feathers are spread out beautifully is fixed on the golden chariot that will be taken round the Prakaram on top of the hill in a ceremonious procession on Karthigai days (Tamil month days) and during other festivals. This procession will not be conducted on the days of Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthiram, ten days during Dasara festival, Soora Samharam and Deepa Karttikai.
Taking bath in Saravana Poigai is said to be the destroyer of sins. Saravana Poigai is the pool in the Himalayas, from which the Child Muruga is said to have emerged. Hence the name, Saravana Bhava. Saravana Poigai pools in Muruga shrines are the sources of redemption and the accumulated sins are destroyed by taking bath here.
There are also lots of places to see in and around Palani. They are Tiru Avinankudi Temple, Mariamman Kovil, Periyanayaki amman kovil or Aanai Kovil, Kuthiraiyar Dam Falls, Thekkanthottam and Varathamanathi Dam.
Temple Pooja Timings:-
Early Morning 05.50 am Vishvaroopa Dharshnam
1 Vizha Pooja 06:45 a.m. Sadhu, Sanyasi Alangaram
2 Sirukalasandhi Pooja 08:00 am Vedavar Alangaram
3 Kalasandhi Pooja 09:00 am Balasubramaniar Alangaram
4 Uchikkalam Pooja 12:00 Mid-day Vaitheegal Alangaram
5 Sayaraksha Pooja 05:30 pm Raja Alangaram
6 Rakkalam Pooja 08:00 pm Virithan Alangaram
Festivals in Palani:-Besides regular services, days sacred to the god Subrahmanyan are celebrated with pomp and splendour every year, and are attended by throngs of devotees from all over South India. Some of these festivals are the Thai-Poosam, the Pankuni-Uththiram, the Vaikhashi-Vishakham and the Soora-Samharam.
Thai-Poosam, which is considered, by far, the most important festival at Palani, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month of Thai (15 January-15 February). Pilgrims after first having taken a strict vow of abstinence, come barefoot, by walk, from distant towns and villages. Many pilgrims also bring a litter of wood, called a Kāvadi, borne on their shoulders, in commemoration of the act of the demon Hidumba who is credited by legend with bringing the two hills of Palani to their present location, slung upon his shoulders in a similar fashion. Others bring pots of sanctified water, known as theertha-kāvadi, for the priests to conduct the abhishekam on the holy day. Traditionally, the most honoured of the pilgrims, whose arrival is awaited with anticipation by all and sundry, are the people of Karaikudi, who bring with them the diamond-encrusted vél or javelin, of the Lord from His temple at Karaikudi.
Important Festivals at Palani Temple:- Panguniuttiram, Thai Pucam, Kanda Sasthi, Agni Nakshatram are the major festivals. Vaikasi Vishakam, Tirukkarttikai and other festivals are also celebrated.
Scanda Sashti:-
Sashti or sixth day of the full
moon and the sixth day of the new moon are favorite days for Lord
Muruga. Several devotees of Muruga observe partial or full fast on each
Sashti day and throughout the Kanda Sashti period.
The Sashti
falling in on the waxing moon period in the month of Aippasi
(October-November) is the day on which Muruga is believed to have killed
a super-demon called Sura Padman. This is commemorated in the six-day
festival of Kanda Sashti as a symbol of perpetual destruction of evil by
God.
Skanda Sashti, the sixth day in the bright half of the
month of Aippasi, is celebrated in Saivite temples all over Tamilnadu,
and with an extra measure of grandeur in temples dedicated to
Subramanya. Skanda Sashti commemorates the destruction of evil by the
Supreme General Kartikeya, son of Shiva, and is celebrated with the
dramatic enactment of Soora Samhaaram.
Bhogar Samathi:-
The Bhogar Shrine is in the southwestern corridor of the hill temple. Siddhar Bhogar created the icon (the amalgam of nine minerals) and did daily services. He lived long ago, perhaps 3000 BC. A medical prodigy as he was, he could prepare the amalgam on nine medicinal minerals in proper proportion. In this shrine, pujas are offered to Navadurga, Bhuvaneswari and Maragatha Lingam that were worshipped by Bhogar. It is said that there is a subterranean tunnel linking the shrine with the sanctum sanctorum through which Bhogar is said to go to the main idol and perform daily pujas as he is said to be only in nirvikalpa samadhi.
Kavadi & Pada Yatra :-
Devotees from various places bring different types of kavadis and offerings to the Lord by pada yatra or foot pilgrimage, the most popular time being Thai Poosam.
Constituent Temples :-
Tiruvavinankudi, Periyanagaki Amman temple, Shanmuganadhi group of temples, Idumban Hills, Vishnu temple, Pada Vinayagar temple, 108 Vinayagar shrines around the hill temple, the Kuriñjiandawar temple (Kodaikkanal), the Velappar temple aat Poomparai (Kodaikkanal) are the important constituent temples adminstered by Palani Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam.
Giri valam:
Devotees also go round the Palani hill before the ascent and in the “Giri valam”- get to pray at any of the sixty-eight Vinayakar temples abutting the giri valam route. The Tamil months Chitrai and Vaikasi witness the maximum number of devotes performing the Giri Valam.
Tonsure ceremony is a special feature of Palani. Many devotees of all ages perform tonsure ceremony at Palani.
Daily Worship:-
Seven worship services are carried out each day here. The day commences with the Viswaroopa darisanam in the morning. The concluding worhsip service involves a procession of the deity in a golden palanquin in the temple and the palliyarai sevai.
1) Panguni Uttram is celebrated for 10 days as the annual Bhramotsavam. This festival is celebrated only at Tiruvavinankudi in the foothills to Muthukumarar the festival deity here.The Ther Thiruvizha is held on the last day of this festival. Offerings of Kaveri water brought from Kodumudi by thousands of devotees in kaavadis are made to the deity.
2) Agni Nakshathram is celebrated in the month of Chittirai and Vaikaasi.During this time, thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the hill. Vaikaasi Visaakam is celebrated for 10 days.
3) Skanda sashti is celebrated for 7 days. Soorasamharam is enacted on the last day of this festival in which both Chinna Kumarar the festival image of the hill temple and Muthukumaraswami of Thiruvavinankudu participate.
4) Kaartikai Deepam is celebrated for 10 days. In addition Kaartikai asterism in each month is celebrated with a procession of a golden chariot in the hill temple. Thai poosam is also celebrated for 10 days here.
ANDHAR SHASTI (SOORA SAMHARAM):-
This is a very important festival at Palani, during the 6 days in the month of Aippasi (7th Tamil month). This is based on the mythological story of Lord Muruga Killing the demons. On this day only (once in a year) the Lord comes down the Hill, and after vanquishing the demons, ascends the Hill again. This is associated with Kandhar Shasti. The four demons (Gajamugan, Tharagan, Singamugan and Surapadman) are won by the Lord. It is a grand sight to see the dramatic representation of this. On this day devotees observe total fasting as they consider that this will offset all their sins.
THIRUKKARTHIGAI:-
From Thirugnanasambandar’s statement “Ancient Karthigai day”, we known about the age-old practice of this festival. It falls on Karthigai Day in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It is celebrated for 10 days and daily “Chinna Kumarar” goes in processionin the small golden carriage. On Karthigai day, he goes inthe Golden Car. On the 10th day, woman devotees light lamps and worship Murugan. This is done in Thiruvavinankudi, Periyanayagi Amman Temple and the Hill Temple.This is a very important day for devotees. Every month also, an Karthigai day, devotees visit Palani.
MARKAZHI POOJA:-
During the Tamil month of Markazhi (9th month) the Hill Temple opens at 4 A.M, and recital of Thiruvembavai is done. The early morning Pooja is done in all the main Temples in Palani. The recital of Thiruppavai is done at Perumal temple.
Prasadam of Murugan:-
Panchamirtham :-
Panchamirtam is applied to Lord idol as abshishekam and then distributed to devotes.
It is considered divine and holds immense medicinal properties.
Palani Panchamirtham is the oldest form of Jam or Friut mix.
Can be preserved for months without refrigeration.
It is not only Delicious but also nourishing food.
Other Temples:-
Avinankudi Temples:-Of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, Aavinankudi is considered as the third abode. Here Murugan appears in the form of a child. Thiru Murugatruppadai a book which praises Lord Murugan and his six abodes deals about Aavinankudi in a very elaborate manner.This Aavinankudi is considered as the place where from Lord Murugan solved the problems of other Gods. During Sangam period kings of Aavi community ruled Palani and it surrounding area, and hence the name Aavinankudi came into existence. There is also another saying that Boomi Devi(Thiru), Kamadhenu(Aa), Sun(Vi) and Agini(Enan) ( God of Fire ), once came to this palce to worship Lord Murugan and hence the name of Thiru Aavinankudi came into existence.In Aavinankudi temple the stone idols of Boomi Devi, Kamadhenu, Sun and Agini are worshiped. Also in the books Palani Thalapuranam, Palani Thiruvaram, Kandha Sasti Kavasam, and in Kandha puranam the greatness of this holy place is found in many songs. The famous Arunagiri Nathar in his ThiruPuzhal has written 13 songs about Aavinankudi Murugan.
Edumban Temple
Edumban Temple:-
After hearing the news that his student Sura Badhman was killed in the war between Lord Murugan and him, Edumban the Asura Guru (tutor) of Sura Badhman was very much upset. Edumban on getting the advice of Agasthiar, started moving the two holy hills from North direction to get Mukthi (liberation from birth-death cycle). These holy hills are named as Shiva Giri and Sakthi Giri abode of Lord Shiva, Sakthi, Ganesh, and Murugan. Edumban used Bhrama Thandam as the beam to carry the two hills and used Snake as the rope to tie the two hills to the beam. The stone sculpture of Edumban carrying the two hills is found in Aavinankudi Temple at Palani.
Periyanayagi Amman Temple:-
Periya Nayagi Amman temple is one of the important temples in Palani. It is one of the sub temples of Dhandayuthapani Swamy devastanam. During festivals season many people visit the temple.
Kurunji Andavar Temple
Kurunji Andavar Temple:-Temple History The name of this temple is SRI KURINJI EASWARE TEMPLE, Kurinji is the name of a flower which blossomes once in 12 years in the Kodaikonal hills. Taking this flower's name the deity here is called "SRI KURINJI EASWARE", In fact He is Lord Murugan. This temple was built in 1936 by an European Lady, who on coming to India, got faith on Hindu religion and started following it. She changed her name as Leelavathi married Mr. Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple is under the management of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani. Kurinji Flower Kurinji Flower blossoms once in 12 years is a rare tree and is seen on the temple.
Peria Udayar Temple:-
The main shrine dedicated to Sri Brihadeswara or Peria Udayar, represented by a Swayambu Linga, and others to Nataraja and Vishnu and the sanctum for the goddess is significantly absent. Sri Brihannayaki or Perianayaki Amman Temple is a very famous temple of the town.
Aivarmalai:-
Nine miles west of Palani the "Hill of the five", or Iyiramalai or Aivarmalai is associated with mythological legends. The hill is 1402 feet high above the sea level. The local tradition says that at this hill the five Pandava brothers took their rest during the last years of their exile of 13 years. On the north-eastern side, the rock of which it consists over.
Accommodation :-
The Temple Devasthanam has constructed pilgrims’
resthouses, single, double, deluxe and air-conditioned rooms as well as
cottages. Reasonable rates are collected from the devotees for their
stay at Palani.
Nearest Major Town/City:- Dindigul - 57 km from Dindigul to palani
How to Reach:-
By Air:- The nearest airport is Madurai
By Train:- The nearest railway station is the Palani railway station
By Road:- Palani is 56 km far from Dindigul, 120 km from Madurai and 115 km from Coimbatore. Bus facilities are available from all parts of Tamilnadu.
