The Palani Murugan Temple, officially known as Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, is one of the most sacred and powerful temples dedicated to Lord Murugan in India. Located atop the serene Palani Hills in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, this divine shrine is one of the revered Arupadai Veedu – the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit this temple seeking wisdom, good health, success, and spiritual liberation.
The Divine Legend of the Gyana Pazham (Fruit of Wisdom)
According to Hindu mythology, Sage Narada once visited Mount Kailash with a divine fruit known as the Gyana Pazham – the fruit of supreme knowledge and wisdom. He offered it to Lord Shiva, who decided to give it to one of his two sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan (Kartikeya).
Narada advised that the fruit should not be cut and suggested a challenge instead: the son who could circle the world three times first would receive the fruit.
Accepting the challenge, Murugan immediately set off on his majestic peacock to travel across the globe. Ganesha, however, realized that his parents Shiva and Shakti together represented the entire universe. With deep wisdom, he circumambulated them three times and declared that he had completed the task.
Pleased with Ganesha’s intelligence, Shiva awarded him the divine fruit. When Murugan returned and discovered what had happened, he felt deeply hurt and renounced Mount Kailash. He traveled south and settled in the Palani Hills, choosing a life of renunciation and meditation.
This divine event marks the spiritual origin of the Palani Murugan Temple.
The Unique Idol of Dhandayuthapani Swamy
At Palani, Lord Murugan is worshipped as Dhandayuthapani, meaning “the ascetic holding a staff (Dhandam)”. Unlike his warrior form elsewhere, here he appears as a young monk:
Shorn of ornaments
Wearing only a simple loincloth
Holding a staff
Symbolizing supreme renunciation and wisdom
The idol is believed to be made from an ancient medicinal amalgamation called Navapashanam – a combination of nine poisonous substances mixed in a precise ratio that transforms into an eternal medicine. Devotees believe that abhishekam water from this idol has powerful healing properties.
The deity is housed in the Garbhagriham (sanctum sanctorum) and can only be touched by the temple priests belonging to the Gurukkal community, who hold hereditary worship rights. Assistants from the Pandaram community may enter only up to the antechamber, while devotees can worship from outside the sanctum.
Historical Significance of the Temple
The temple was re-consecrated by the ancient Chera dynasty, whose kingdom lay to the west of Palani. They believed Lord Murugan of Palani to be the divine guardian of their eastern borders.
Over centuries, the temple has evolved into a major spiritual center, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, Saivite traditions, and the devotional hymns of saints like Arunagirinathar.
About Palani – The Sacred Hill Town
Palani is a picturesque hill town located in the eastern part of the Western Ghats, part of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, dating back to the Pre-Cambrian period.
The name Palani is derived from:
“Pazham” – Fruit
“Nee” – You
Symbolizing Murugan’s renunciation of the divine fruit.
The region is home to the indigenous Paliyan tribes and is known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and spiritual atmosphere. The nearby Kurinji Andavar Temple is another important Murugan shrine visible from the hills.
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Timing |
5:45 AM – 1:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
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Entrance Fee |
Free for all devotees
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Special Dharshan |
From ₹10 to ₹300 per person |
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Online Booking |
Not Available |
How to Reach Palani Murugan Temple
By Air
Coimbatore International Airport – 83 km
By Train
Palani Railway Station – 3 km
By Road
Palani town – 1 km from the temple base
Well connected by buses and taxis from major Tamil Nadu cities
Devotees can reach the hilltop temple via steps, rope car, or winch train.
Major Festivals Celebrated at Palani Temple
The temple is famous for its grand festivals attracting lakhs of pilgrims:
Thai Poosam – January / February
Panguni Uthiram – March / April (10-day grand festival)
Chitra Pournami – April / May
Agni Nakshatram – May / June
Vaikasi Festival – June
Aani Annabhishekam – July
Aadi Laksharchana – July / August
Navarathri & Vijayadasami Vizha – September / October
Kandha Shasti (Soora Samharam) – October / November
Thirukarthigai (Periya Karthigai) – November / December
Thirupalli Ezhuchi Festival – December / January
Among these, Panguni Uthiram is the most significant, drawing over 5 lakh devotees, featuring daily processions of Lord Murugan with Valli and Deivanai, and traditional offerings by farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Palani Murugan Temple famous?
The temple is famous for:
Being one of the Arupadai Veedu (six abodes) of Lord Murugan
The unique Navapashanam idol
Lord Murugan’s ascetic form (Dhandayuthapani)
The legend of the Gyana Pazham (fruit of wisdom)
Powerful spiritual and healing beliefs
2.What is special about the Palani Murugan idol?
The idol is believed to be made of Navapashanam, a rare combination of nine medicinal and poisonous substances mixed in precise proportions, forming a divine medicine. Lord Murugan is depicted as a young monk holding a staff.
3. How can devotees reach the temple?
Devotees can reach the hilltop temple by:
- Walking via steps
- Rope car
- Winch train
4.Are mobile phones allowed inside the temple?
Mobile phones are usually restricted inside the temple premises and must be deposited at designated counters.
