India | Tamil Nadu | Palani

Palani Hill Temple

Set in Palani, Tamil Nadu, Palani Hill Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga as Dandayudhapani (the wielder of the baton). It is an ancient temple situated 1500 feet above sea level, about 110 km from Madurai and 150 km from Tiruchirapalli. Saravana Poigai, the teertham of this temple, is in the premises. Kadamba tree is the sthala vriksham.

The Aavinankudi, a famous 2000-year old shrine, is situated at the foot of the hill. The idol of Dandayudhapani is made of a mixture of nine poisons popularly called Navapashana. This unique combination and the special bacteria that grow on the idol are said to preserve for years all food that is offered as abhishek to the deity. The idol is in standing position with a baton (Danda) in his hand.

The Sivagiri hill, considered the abode of Palaniandava (the deity of Palani) is surrounded by numerous shrines and teerthams. The hill is 450 ft high, reached by a flight of 659 steps. From the hilltop one gets a fabulous view of the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, and the Western Ghats, the greenery of the paddy fields, rivers, tanks, Palani town and the colleges.

The main festivals are Thaipusam (January), Panguni Uttaradam (April), Agni Nakshtram (May), Visakham (June) and Skanda Shashti (November). The temple is about 5 km from the railway station on the Dindigul-Coimbatore line of the Southern Railway. Regular bus services are available from all the major towns.

Updated on 7th June, 2005

District: Dindigul

Location: Palani