Lord Subrahmanya mounted His peacock to go around the world. Lord Vinayakar circumambulated around His parents, symbolising the world, and got the fruit. On return, Lord Subrahmanya found that He was cheated. In anger, He renounced His family and came to this spot to settle forever. Lord Siva and Parvati came to pacify Him. They said, “Pazham Nee” (‘You are the Fruit’). Hence the name Palani is a popular syncopation of the two words mentioned. The presiding deity, Lord Dandayudhapani Swami, is the son of Lord Siva and son-in-law of Vishnu. He has other names such as Kulandaivelan, Balasubrahmanyan, Shanmukhan, Devasenapati, Swaminathan, Vallimanalan, Devayanaimanalan, Palaniandavar, Kuriñjiandavar, Arumugan, Jñana Pandita, Saravanan, Sevar Kodiyon, etc. Tamils, Keralites, Bengalis, Sri Lankans, Malaysians, Fijians, Africans, Australians and Americans to name a few come here to worship Lord Muruga. Thus Murugan worship cuts across provincial boundaries and national frontiers.
Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam which is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees.
How to reach palani hill temple : There are 5 ways on the hill to reach the Palani Murugan temple. The 4 ways are mentioned below, the 4th way is not widely used by public. It is known as Theertha Pathai – Theertham forAbishegam is brought through this way.
Timing
POOJA NAME | POOJA TIME | NAME OF ALANGARAM | FEES Normal Day | FEES Special Day |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vishwarubha Dharsanam | 05.40 AM | Vishwarubham | Rs. 100.00 | Rs. 200.00 |
Vilaa Pooja | 06.40 AM | Sanniyasi Alangaram | Rs. 150.00 | Rs. 300.0 |
Siru Kall Pooja | 08.00 AM | Vedan Alangaram | Rs. 150.00 | Rs. 300.00 |
Kaala Santhi Pooja | 09.00 AM | Balasubramaniar Alangaram | Rs. 150.00 | Rs. 300.00 |
Utchaikkala Pooj | 12.00 NOON | Vaitheekal Alangaram | Rs. 150.00 | Rs. 300.00 |
Sayaraksha Pooja | 05.30 PM | Raja Alangaram | Rs. 150.00 | Rs. 300.00 |
Iraakkaala Pooja | 08.00 PM | Puspha Alangaram | Rs. 150.00 | Rs. 300.00 |
Temples
Festivals
KANDHAR SHASTI (SOORA SAMHARAM)
This is a very important festival at Palani, during the 6 days in the month of Aippasi (7th Tamil month). This is based on the mythological story of Lord Muruga Killing the demons. On this day only (once in a year) the Lord comes down the Hill, and after vanquishing the demons, ascends the Hill again. This is associated with Kandhar Shasti. The four demons (Gajamugan, Tharagan, Singamugan and Surapadman) are won by the Lord. It is a grand sight to see the dramatic representation of this. On this day devotees observe total fasting as they consider that this will offset all their sins.
THIRUKKARTHIGAI
From Thirugnanasambandar’s statement “Ancient Karthigai day”, we known about the age-old practice of this festival. It falls on Karthigai Day in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It is celebrated for 10 days and daily “Chinna Kumarar” goes in procession in the small golden carriage. On Karthigai day, he goes in the Golden Car. On the 10th day, woman devotees light lamps and worship Murugan. This is done in Thiruvavinankudi, Periyanayagi Amman Temple and the Hill Temple.This is a very important day for devotees. Every month also, an Karthigai day, devotees visit Palani.
THAI POOSAM
This is a very important festival , associated with pilgrimage to Palani. Devotees from Tamil Nadu reach Palani by foot (Pada Yathra) and worship. Begining with flag-hosting at Perianayagiamman Temple, this festival runs on for 10 days. Kavadi of various types (with holy water, sugar, flowers, tender co-conuts, etc., ) are offered to Murugan at Palani. On the 6th day, there is procession of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai in the Silver Car. During this, Kavadi dance and rural musical-dance are performed. On the 7 th day there is “Thai Thaer” (wooden Car) and thousands of devotees participate in this. On the 7th day “Chinna Kumarar” goes round in His Golden Car.
PANGUNI UTHIRAM
This also is a very important festival here, and is celebrated for 10 days, devotees carry Kavadies with holy water (from sacred rivers), sugar, tender co-conut etc. During these 10 days, we can see various rural dances like ”Oyilattam, Thappattam, Dhidumattam,Velanattam, Samiyattam”etc., along with rural songs. The rural music is an important part of Paunguni uthiram festival. The main feature of Panguni Uthiram is the offering of “Theertham” (Posts of Holy water) from Kodumudi. Lord Palaniandavar is given abhishekam with this holy water. The devotees carrying Kavadi to Palani sing Kavadi – songs throughout their ‘Padayathra’ and these songs are ancient oral songs.
Chariot
The Fee for the Thangaratha Ula (Golden Chariot Procession) is Rs.2,000/, for which two members are allowed, The Golden Chariot procession is held on every day at 7.00 PM.The Lord—the festival deity called Cinnakumârar, a graceful figure in bronze—is placed riding on a golden peacock mount whose feathers are spread out beautifully. The mount is then fixed to the golden car and the car taken round the prakâram on top of the hill in a ceremonious procession on all Kârttikai days and six other festival days in a year. On payment a devotee can have the golden car drawn round the temple on any evening of his choice, along with nadasvaram, Tiruppugazh music, other temple paraphernalia, etc.
The illuminated Golden Car is a veritable fairyland. There is a heavy demand for such service to fulfill vows of thanksgiving for recovery from physical affliction or success in important undertakings. At the conclusion of the procession, the donor is honoured with Parivattam. The procession makes brief stops at each of the nine bali-peetams (altars for religious offerings.) The Lord, being a recluse, wants nothing for Himself. His own name is Ândi or the penniless. He is very liberal in generously acceding to the requests of devotees who have unflinching, unfailing, unqualified and unquestioned faith in Him, without mental reservations. He grants all boons and extends His grace to them. He lavishly gives His resources to other temples as well.