Thiru Avinankudi Temple Palani is widely regarded as one of the oldest places where Lord Muruga resided. According to tradition, the Thiru Avinankudi Murugan 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 Palani 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.