Thiru Avinankudi Temple is a sacred and historically significant Murugan temple located at the base of the Palani Hills in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. Revered as one of the earliest abodes of Lord Muruga, this ancient shrine holds a special place in Tamil religious tradition and devotion. Long before the famous Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple came into prominence on the hilltop, this region itself was known as Thiru Avinankudi, highlighting the antiquity and spiritual importance of this holy place.
Origin of the Name Thiru Avinankudi
The name Thiru Avinankudi is derived from sacred legend. It is believed that Lord Surya (Sun God), Goddess Lakshmi, Kamadeva (Manmatha – the God of Love), and Agni (Fire God) worshipped Lord Muruga at this very spot. Their divine worship sanctified the land, giving it the name “Avinankudi,” which later became revered as “Thiru Avinankudi,” meaning a sacred dwelling blessed by celestial beings.
Location and Sacred Surroundings
The temple is situated at the foothills of Palani, making it easily accessible to pilgrims before they ascend to the hilltop temple. It lies close to two important holy water bodies:
- Saravana Poigai
- Vaiyapuri Theertham
These sacred ponds are associated with purification rituals and spiritual cleansing, further enhancing the sanctity of the temple surroundings.
One of the Oldest Murugan Abodes
Thiru Avinankudi is widely regarded as one of the oldest places where Lord Muruga resided. According to tradition, the temple may have had very humble beginnings, possibly starting as a small shrine under the shade of a Nelli tree (Amla tree), which is also considered the Sthala Vriksha (sacred tree) of the temple.
Over time, as devotion grew and royal patronage flourished, the shrine developed into a large and majestic temple complex. Today, it stands as the oldest and largest temple at the foot of Palani hill.
Third Padai Veedu (Arupadai Veedu)
Thiru Avinankudi Temple is traditionally recognized as the third Padai Veedu among the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. These six temples are deeply woven into Tamil Shaivite tradition and Murugan worship, each representing a significant divine event in the life of the deity.
Kulandai Velalyudhaswami Temple
Another revered name of this shrine is:
Arulmigu Kulandai Velalyudhaswami Temple
Here, Lord Muruga is worshipped in his child form (Kulandai Murugan), seated gracefully on his divine vehicle, the peacock (Mayil Vahanam). This charming and compassionate form symbolizes innocence, wisdom, and divine protection.
Mention in Tamil Literature
The famous Tamil poet Nakkirar glorified Thiru Avinankudi in his verses. He described it as the place where:
“Lord Muruga holds a royal court where all the gods assemble, and enlightened saints, clad in saffron robes and deer skin, gather freely.”
This poetic imagery highlights the temple as not merely a physical structure, but a divine spiritual assembly hall, where celestial beings and sages converge in the presence of Murugan.
Temple Timings
Devotees can visit the temple daily during the following hours:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Evening: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Timings may vary slightly on festival days and during special poojas.
Early morning and evening hours are considered especially auspicious for darshan.
Spiritual Importance for Pilgrims
Traditionally, devotees believe that a pilgrimage to Palani is incomplete without first worshipping at Thiru Avinankudi Temple. As the original abode of Murugan in this region, it is customary to seek blessings here before proceeding to the hilltop shrine of Dhandayuthapani Swamy.
A Living Symbol of Faith and Tradition
Even today, Thiru Avinankudi Temple continues to inspire deep devotion among countless pilgrims. Surrounded by the serene landscape of the Palani Hills and enriched with centuries of cultural heritage, the temple stands as a powerful symbol of:
- Faith
- Tamil religious tradition
- Community bonding
- Timeless devotion to Lord Muruga
Though overshadowed in popularity by the hill temple, Thiru Avinankudi remains spiritually profound — a sacred cradle of Murugan worship where divinity, history, and devotion harmoniously meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is Thiru Avinankudi Temple the same as Palani Murugan Temple?
No. Thiru Avinankudi Temple is at the base of the hill, while Palani Murugan Temple (Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple) is on the hilltop. Thiru Avinankudi is the older and original shrine.
2. Why is the temple called Thiru Avinankudi?
The name comes from the belief that Lord Sun (Surya), Goddess Lakshmi, Kamadevu, and Agni worshipped Lord Murugan at this place, making it a divinely sanctified land.
3. What is the other name of Thiru Avinankudi Temple?
The temple is also known as Arulmigu Kulandai Velalyudhaswami Temple.
4. Which form of Lord Murugan is worshipped here?
Lord Murugan is worshipped in his child form (Kulandai Murugan), seated on a peacock (Mayil Vahanam).
