This place is 100 km southeast of Coimbatore and a similar distance northwest of Madurai, near the famous hill station, Kodaikanal. It is an important railway station on the Dindugal-Coimbatore line.
Palani Murugan Temple
This is one of the most famous Murugan temples in India. It is mentioned as the third of the major Arupadaiveedus (Six battle camps) of Lord Muruga. The other Arupadiveedus are at Thiruchendur, Swamimalai, Thiruthani, Pazhamudircholia and Tirupparamkundram. Shivagiri, Pazhanapuri, Bodhini are some other names for the place.
Legend 1 - As per the Hindu mythology, Sage Narada once visited the divine court of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva was with his consort, Goddess Shakti, and their two children, Lord Ganesha and Lord Subhramanya. Sage Narada gave Lord Shiva a fruit and told him that it was a special one, the fruit of wisdom (Jnana-Pazham).
Lord Shiva wanted his children to have the fruit of wisdom. However, when he offered it to them to be shared between the two sons, Sage Narada requested not to cut the fruit in two, lest the power be diminished. As a result, they had to decide to conduct a simple competition to decide who should get the fruit. Shiva and Shakti decided that the son who first circled the Earth would get the fruit. Immediately accepting the challenge, Lord Murugan started his journey around the globe on his divine vehicle, the peacock or mayil.
Lord Ganesha, who believed that his parents were his world, simply circumbulated Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti and claimed the mango fruit. Lord Subrahmanya returned to Mount Kailash, only to find that Lord Ganesha had already won the contest. Lord Murugan felt he had been deceived and decided to leave Mount Kailasam. He first went to Tiruvavinangudi (Now the foothills of Pazhani) with the name 'Kuzandhai Velaayudha Swami'.
Meanwhile, Sage Agasthiya was returning South after a visit to the Kailsh mountains in the Himalayas. Over there he had seen the Shivagiri and Shaktigiri hills and was impressed by them. On the way back he met his disciple Idumbasuran and his wife Idumbi. He asked Idumban to move the two hils Shivagiri and Shaktigiri to near the Podigai hills down south which was his abode.
Accordingly, Idumban went and first prayed to the two mountains representing Shiva and Shakti. Then he chanted the secret mantras taught to him by Sage Agasthiyar. Brahma Dandam (a divine staff) and 8 Nagas (serpants) appeared before him. He uprooted the two hills and formed a Kavadi, a long staff (Brahma dandam) placed across his shoulder with the hills slung, one in the front and the other behind using these in which the serpants were used as ropes to hold the hills. He came down South while carrying the two mountains in his shoulders. When he reached near Avinangudi, the fatigued Idumban placed down the hills on the ground to take rest.When Idumban wanted to resume his journey he was unable to move the Shivagiri hill. On the top of the hill he saw a small boy standing who told him that this was his abode and he should leave the place immediately. A fierce battle ensued between Idumban and the boy Murugan in which Idumban was defeated and killed. Idumbi was in grief on hearing the loss of her husband and prayed Lord Murugan to forgive him. Pleased, the Lord brought Idumban back to life and also told him that both the hills may remain there and also that Idumban may also stay there in a shrine. Idumban requested the Lord that who so ever walked his way to Pazhani bearing a Kavadi, should be delivered from their suffering immediately by His grace. He also requested the Lord to entrust him with the duty of being His sentinel. Lord Muruga was meanwhile pacified by his divine parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They called him Gnana Pazham Nee appa (in Tamil, "you are the fruit - Pazham; of wisdom - Gnana") and said what need of Him for a fruit to gain wisdom? The pacified Lord then withdrew to the Shivagiri Hill that he had withheld from Idumban and settled there as a recluse in seclusion. He came to be worshipped as Lord Dhandaayudhapaani and this place came to be called Pazhani, or Palani.
Lord Shiva wanted his children to have the fruit of wisdom. However, when he offered it to them to be shared between the two sons, Sage Narada requested not to cut the fruit in two, lest the power be diminished. As a result, they had to decide to conduct a simple competition to decide who should get the fruit. Shiva and Shakti decided that the son who first circled the Earth would get the fruit. Immediately accepting the challenge, Lord Murugan started his journey around the globe on his divine vehicle, the peacock or mayil.
Lord Ganesha, who believed that his parents were his world, simply circumbulated Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti and claimed the mango fruit. Lord Subrahmanya returned to Mount Kailash, only to find that Lord Ganesha had already won the contest. Lord Murugan felt he had been deceived and decided to leave Mount Kailasam. He first went to Tiruvavinangudi (Now the foothills of Pazhani) with the name 'Kuzandhai Velaayudha Swami'.
Meanwhile, Sage Agasthiya was returning South after a visit to the Kailsh mountains in the Himalayas. Over there he had seen the Shivagiri and Shaktigiri hills and was impressed by them. On the way back he met his disciple Idumbasuran and his wife Idumbi. He asked Idumban to move the two hils Shivagiri and Shaktigiri to near the Podigai hills down south which was his abode.
Accordingly, Idumban went and first prayed to the two mountains representing Shiva and Shakti. Then he chanted the secret mantras taught to him by Sage Agasthiyar. Brahma Dandam (a divine staff) and 8 Nagas (serpants) appeared before him. He uprooted the two hills and formed a Kavadi, a long staff (Brahma dandam) placed across his shoulder with the hills slung, one in the front and the other behind using these in which the serpants were used as ropes to hold the hills. He came down South while carrying the two mountains in his shoulders. When he reached near Avinangudi, the fatigued Idumban placed down the hills on the ground to take rest.When Idumban wanted to resume his journey he was unable to move the Shivagiri hill. On the top of the hill he saw a small boy standing who told him that this was his abode and he should leave the place immediately. A fierce battle ensued between Idumban and the boy Murugan in which Idumban was defeated and killed. Idumbi was in grief on hearing the loss of her husband and prayed Lord Murugan to forgive him. Pleased, the Lord brought Idumban back to life and also told him that both the hills may remain there and also that Idumban may also stay there in a shrine. Idumban requested the Lord that who so ever walked his way to Pazhani bearing a Kavadi, should be delivered from their suffering immediately by His grace. He also requested the Lord to entrust him with the duty of being His sentinel. Lord Muruga was meanwhile pacified by his divine parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They called him Gnana Pazham Nee appa (in Tamil, "you are the fruit - Pazham; of wisdom - Gnana") and said what need of Him for a fruit to gain wisdom? The pacified Lord then withdrew to the Shivagiri Hill that he had withheld from Idumban and settled there as a recluse in seclusion. He came to be worshipped as Lord Dhandaayudhapaani and this place came to be called Pazhani, or Palani.
Legend 2 - The legend says that the original statue of Lord Muruga in Palani was created by a divisne siddhar Sage Bhogar who was one of the eighteen siddhars (Sage Agasthiar, Sage Thirumular are among others) of Hindu religion. Bhogar was the disciple of Kalangi Nathar . He chose the Pazhani hill for his yogic practices and thus attained Swarupa Samadhi by the grace of Lord Muruga in Pazhani. He lived long ago, perhaps 3000 BC during the beginning of Kali Yuga. The idol was made out of herbs (Tamil: Mulighai) that had medicinal properties. The idol of Lord Muruga was made out of a combination of 9 poisons known as navapashanam, which on getting mixed develops highly curative powers for many ailments of the human body according to Sidhha Medicine practice, and this was installed. Eight ingredients were used to mould the statue and the ninth constituted the catalyst to solidify it. Sage Bhogar established the deity in the temple by performing poojas for a long period. Siddhar Bhogar, a medical prodigy as he was, he could prepare the amalgam on nine medicinal minerals in proper proportion. In recent times the scientists who attempted to determine the composition of a small sample of the material of the idol, were startled to find that it immediately sublimated when heated. Thus its composition remains a mystery to date. It is also believed that Bhogar was the spiritual master of Babaji who advocated the Kriya Yoga.
History - Cheraman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees.
History - Cheraman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees.
Temple - The Pazhani hill is 450 feet high with 690 stone steps and is situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. An electric winch serves the purpose of carrying the devotees up the hill. The temple can also be reached by walking up the 'Elephant path' or 'Yaanai Padhai'. It is a charming campus from where one can take a look at the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the Western Ghats, the greenery of the paddy fields, rivers, tanks, Palani town and the colleges. On a lovely, clear and mist-free day, the Kurinci Andavar Temple is visible from here against the bright sun. In daytime, Palani is Hill Beautiful; at night, it is Hill Resplendent.
The temple atop the hill is fashioned on the ancient South Indian architecture.
The presiding deity of the temple of Pazhani is Lord Muruga acclaimed as Lord Dhandaayudhapaani ( the lord with a staff in his hand ). The Lord sits facing west. Clad in a loin cloth in a standing position and with a staff in his hand, he represents his reclusive nature here. He appears as a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The Raja Alankaaram ( Decorating the idol like a king ) represents the fact that the same Lord who is a recluse is also the King of the universe. The idol of Lord Murugan due to its medicinal properties is considered very valuable.
On entering the shrine complex, first comes the Mayil (Peacock) Mandapam, then the Manikkatti Mandapam, then the Rajagopuram entrance and then the Parvel Mandapam. The pillars in the Parvel Mandapam have well carved sculptures. After this comes the Navranga Mandapam from where we can get the darshan of the Lord. Navaranga Mandapam is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays.
The Bhogar Shrine is in the southwestern corridor of the hill temple. Bhogar's body rests here. The image of Nava Dûrgâ or Bhûvanesvari and the Maragadha (emerald) Siva Lingam worshipped by him are found here. 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. The adjoining walls depicts the history of the creation and other facts related to the temple.
Shrines of Malaikkanni, Shivaloka Nathar, Ambigai and Chandikeswarar are also seen inside the temple complex. The figure of King Cheraman Perumal on horseback is inscribed in stone near the Vairava sub-shrine in the exterior of the northern wall of the sanctum sanctorum.
The temple of Idumban is found half way up the hill, where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance before going to the temple of Dandâyudhapani. The shrine of Velavar lies next to Idumban.
The temple atop the hill is fashioned on the ancient South Indian architecture.
The presiding deity of the temple of Pazhani is Lord Muruga acclaimed as Lord Dhandaayudhapaani ( the lord with a staff in his hand ). The Lord sits facing west. Clad in a loin cloth in a standing position and with a staff in his hand, he represents his reclusive nature here. He appears as a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The Raja Alankaaram ( Decorating the idol like a king ) represents the fact that the same Lord who is a recluse is also the King of the universe. The idol of Lord Murugan due to its medicinal properties is considered very valuable.
On entering the shrine complex, first comes the Mayil (Peacock) Mandapam, then the Manikkatti Mandapam, then the Rajagopuram entrance and then the Parvel Mandapam. The pillars in the Parvel Mandapam have well carved sculptures. After this comes the Navranga Mandapam from where we can get the darshan of the Lord. Navaranga Mandapam is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays.
The Bhogar Shrine is in the southwestern corridor of the hill temple. Bhogar's body rests here. The image of Nava Dûrgâ or Bhûvanesvari and the Maragadha (emerald) Siva Lingam worshipped by him are found here. 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. The adjoining walls depicts the history of the creation and other facts related to the temple.
Shrines of Malaikkanni, Shivaloka Nathar, Ambigai and Chandikeswarar are also seen inside the temple complex. The figure of King Cheraman Perumal on horseback is inscribed in stone near the Vairava sub-shrine in the exterior of the northern wall of the sanctum sanctorum.
The temple of Idumban is found half way up the hill, where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance before going to the temple of Dandâyudhapani. The shrine of Velavar lies next to Idumban.
Tiru Avinankudi: Kulandai Vêlâyudhaswâmi Temple - The Thiru Aaavinankudi temple at the foot of Pazhani is an integral part of Pazhani temple atop the hill. A dip in the 'Saravana Poigai theertham' or tank and the 'Shanmugha Nadhi' attached to the temple, which lies 3 Kms way from Pazhani is said to absolve the sins of the devotees. This temple had humble beginnings under the shade of the nelli tree (amla). It is said that God Muruga holds at Tiru Avinankudi a Royal Court of all gods with saints emancipated and clad in saffron-dyed clothes and deer skin. The presiding deity is Muruga as a child sitting on a peacock. A convenient and full view can be taken by the worshippers since the sanctum is on an elevation. The festival deity, nelli and nagalinga flora and the shrine of Arunagirinâthar are added attractions.
Prayers and Festivals - Bhogar formulated the Abishekam for the statue with Panchamirtham spread over the idol as a part of the worship. The Panchamirtam poured over the idol withdrew the properties of the statue is believed to cure illness as well bestow spiritual advancement. This is the order in which various materials are used to anoint Lord Dandāyudhapani: Gingili oil, Water from Varattar river, Diravyap podi (a compound of rice-flour, turmeric powder and soapnut powder), Panchamirtam, Milk, Curd (yogurt), Tender coconut, Rose water, Sugarcane juice, Fruit juice, Holy Ash, Sandal paste.
The Raakaala Sandhanam or the sandalwood paste smeared on the idol also serves the same purpose. Rākkālam or the last puja for the day commences at 8 p.m. with abhishekam. The deity is dressed in large quantities of sandal paste which remain overnight. Early morning they are removed; medicinal value accrues to the paste throughout the night and it is utilised to maximum advantage by the devotees. The menu for the last puja is called Tinai, a cereal grain powdered and mixed with Kandasari sugar.
During the night before closing the temple the Lord’s footsteps are taken ceremonially. The Oduvar and the Kattiyakkarar recite passages from the scriptures. Then a silver palanquin is brought to the doors of the sanctum sanctorum and the footsteps placed on it. On Fridays, Mondays and Kārttikai a golden palanquin is put into use; on these days, the procession route includes the outer prakaram too. The edible part of the coconut is mixed with jaggery and cardamom and distributed to the devotees. A green carpet is spread in the route and the palanquin carried to the Palli Arai accompanied by Nadasvaram music, Theevattis and fly-wisks called Ven Chāmarai. The footsteps are transferred to a swing that is like a cradle. The theory is that Muruga came to Palani as a child and so He is put to sleep in a cradle as any other child. The day’s receipts and expenditures (classified under each head of account) for the hill-temple are read at the Palli Arai in the presence of all the devotees. With the Oduvar and the Kattiyakkarar singing lullabies glorifying the Lord, the doors of the Palli Arai are locked, the pilgrims cleared from the hill and the entire temple sealed.
There are six pujas every day.
Tonsure ceremony is a special feature of Palani. Many devotees of all ages perform tonsure ceremony at Palani
Panguniuttiram, Thai Pucam, Kanda Sasthi, Agni Nakshatram are the major festivals. Vaikasi Vishakam, Tirukkarttikai and other festivals are also celebrated. Apart from these, special worship is attributed on the day of the Kirthika star and Shashti day very month.
Thaipoosam is the festivel celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month "Thai" and Pankuniuthiram is the festivel celebrated on "Uthiram" star day. In both the festival times thousands of people from all over Tamil nadu come to the Temple by walk from far off places with out wearing foot wears. Before starting walking yathra to Palani, the devotees must follow some practices such as fasting, avoiding wearing of foot wears, dressing with yellow or red coloured cloths, avoiding smoking, drinking of liquors and etc.
The Kavaadi culture or the Kaavadi worship is said to have spread from Pazhani.Devotees make their way to Pazhani by foot with Kaavadis slung across their shoulder. The Kaavadis also contain small pots filled with jaggery or milk of which jaggery will be used to make the Panchamirtham to be smeared on the idol and the milk to bathe the idol. It is believed that people in the early days also carried the Machcha Kavadi that constituted fish and the Sevar Kavadi which constituted chicken. It is believed that the cooked rooster in the Sevar Kavadi of an ardent devotee who had strictly followed the rules of worship sprung with life when the pot was opened in front of the deity displaying the omnipotence of the Lord.
Timings - 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. On festival days the temple opens at 4.30 a.m.
The Raakaala Sandhanam or the sandalwood paste smeared on the idol also serves the same purpose. Rākkālam or the last puja for the day commences at 8 p.m. with abhishekam. The deity is dressed in large quantities of sandal paste which remain overnight. Early morning they are removed; medicinal value accrues to the paste throughout the night and it is utilised to maximum advantage by the devotees. The menu for the last puja is called Tinai, a cereal grain powdered and mixed with Kandasari sugar.
During the night before closing the temple the Lord’s footsteps are taken ceremonially. The Oduvar and the Kattiyakkarar recite passages from the scriptures. Then a silver palanquin is brought to the doors of the sanctum sanctorum and the footsteps placed on it. On Fridays, Mondays and Kārttikai a golden palanquin is put into use; on these days, the procession route includes the outer prakaram too. The edible part of the coconut is mixed with jaggery and cardamom and distributed to the devotees. A green carpet is spread in the route and the palanquin carried to the Palli Arai accompanied by Nadasvaram music, Theevattis and fly-wisks called Ven Chāmarai. The footsteps are transferred to a swing that is like a cradle. The theory is that Muruga came to Palani as a child and so He is put to sleep in a cradle as any other child. The day’s receipts and expenditures (classified under each head of account) for the hill-temple are read at the Palli Arai in the presence of all the devotees. With the Oduvar and the Kattiyakkarar singing lullabies glorifying the Lord, the doors of the Palli Arai are locked, the pilgrims cleared from the hill and the entire temple sealed.
There are six pujas every day.
Tonsure ceremony is a special feature of Palani. Many devotees of all ages perform tonsure ceremony at Palani
Panguniuttiram, Thai Pucam, Kanda Sasthi, Agni Nakshatram are the major festivals. Vaikasi Vishakam, Tirukkarttikai and other festivals are also celebrated. Apart from these, special worship is attributed on the day of the Kirthika star and Shashti day very month.
Thaipoosam is the festivel celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month "Thai" and Pankuniuthiram is the festivel celebrated on "Uthiram" star day. In both the festival times thousands of people from all over Tamil nadu come to the Temple by walk from far off places with out wearing foot wears. Before starting walking yathra to Palani, the devotees must follow some practices such as fasting, avoiding wearing of foot wears, dressing with yellow or red coloured cloths, avoiding smoking, drinking of liquors and etc.
The Kavaadi culture or the Kaavadi worship is said to have spread from Pazhani.Devotees make their way to Pazhani by foot with Kaavadis slung across their shoulder. The Kaavadis also contain small pots filled with jaggery or milk of which jaggery will be used to make the Panchamirtham to be smeared on the idol and the milk to bathe the idol. It is believed that people in the early days also carried the Machcha Kavadi that constituted fish and the Sevar Kavadi which constituted chicken. It is believed that the cooked rooster in the Sevar Kavadi of an ardent devotee who had strictly followed the rules of worship sprung with life when the pot was opened in front of the deity displaying the omnipotence of the Lord.
Timings - 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. On festival days the temple opens at 4.30 a.m.
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