 Palani or Tiru Aavinan kudi, is one of the most popular temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Muruga, the supreme commander of the celestial army. The temple of Dhandayudhapani is located atop the Palani hills, which is about 450 metres above the sea level. 690 stone steps line the mountain passage and an electric winch also takes pilgrims up the hill.
This is one of the famous padal petra sthalams in the country today. Poet Nakkerar has sung about this temple in Thirumurugaatrupadai. In his Thiruppugazh, Saint poet Arunagirinadhar has composed many verses about the Palani temple. The structure of the temple is such that Tiruvavinankudi temple is located at the foot of the hill while the Palani Andavar is located on top.
The Tiru aavinankudi temple is also known as Kuzhandai velayudhar temple. The waters of Saravanapoigai is located beside this. The main deity at this temple is known as 'Dhandayudhapaani', called so due to the staff (dhandam) he holds in his hand. He is clothed like an 'aandi' in this sthalam, so different from the others where he is seen in his regal
splendour.
Legends
The legend behind the Palani temple is very famous. One day, when all was well in Mount
Kailash, the sage Naradha went to pay his respects to the Destroyer. He had with him the
'nyana pazham' or the fruit of knowledge. When he offered it to Shiva, who in turn offered it to his
offspring, there arose the question as to who would have it - Ganesha or
Skanda. To help them arrive at a decision, Shiva and Parvati said that whoever circumbulates the universe and reaches them first will be declared the winner.
The minute these words were uttered, Lord Subramanya jumped on his
vahana, the peacock to go around the Universe. Lord Ganesha thought for a minute and came around his parents. Thus declaring that they are the Universe. His delighted parents gave the fruit to him when Lord Muruga reached Mount Kailash after finishing his round.
Seeing that he has been defeated made the young God angry and he left his parents and settled in
Palani. He denounced all his riches, including his grand clothes - which explains the aandi pose at
Palani.
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Another legend attached to this temple is based on Sage Agasthiyar. Lord Shiva presented the holy sage with two mountain peaks, Shivagiri and Shaktigiri. Agasthiyar bade his disciple Idumban to carry the two hills. To make this easier, Idumban joined the two hills by means of a pole and carried it over his shoulders. When he came near Palani, he was exhausted and took a moment of rest. While doing so, he kept his load down. At this, the hills got stuck to the ground. While he tried to shift them, Lord Muruga, who was atop one of these hills, fought with Idumban and killed him. But Sage Agasthiyar implored the Imperial Commander to restore Idumban back to life.
Lord Muruga agreed to this and gave life to Idumban, who wished to be a dwara palagan at the temple at Palani. Lord Muruga granted his wish. The way in which Idumban carried his load is said to be the origin of the kavadi worship.
Daily worship
Pujas are done at seven times in a day at the Palani temple. 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.
Festivals
The annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of Panguni, for a period of ten days. This is celebrated only at the temple of Tiru aavinan kudi. The special ther thiruvizha is held on the tenth day. Thousands of devotees bring water for the deity from the Cauvery river.
In the summer, during the months of Chithirai - Vaikasi, Agni Nakshathram is celebrated here. After this comes the ten-day festival of Vaikaasi
Vishakam.
The biggest festival of the Muruga devotess, Skanda Sashti is celebrated for seven days. On the seventh day, Soora Samharam is enacted. Kartikai deepam is also celebrated for ten days here as is Thai
poosam.
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.
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