Lord Murugan holds a revered place as a Tamil deity in Tamil Nadu. Lord Murugan embodies courage, righteousness, and spiritual enlightenment. Lord Murugan known by various names such as Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, Kathirvelan, Saravana, Shanmukha, and Senthilnathan, he holds a prominent place in Hindu mythology. His weapon, the formidable spear or "Vel," symbolizes victory, the restoration of peace, and the destruction of evil forces. The Palani Murugan Temple, located in the lush Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a symbol of devotion, spirituality, and architectural beauty. Celebrated as one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, this temple attracts millions of devotees and tourists each year. Join us to explore the fascinating story of the Palani Hills and discover amazing facts in this article.
Legend of Palani Temple
According to Hindu mythology, Sage Narada once visited Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash, presenting him with a special fruit called the gyana-palam, which contained the elixir of knowledge. Lord Shiva wanted to share this fruit with his two sons, Ganesha and Murugan, but Narada advised against cutting it. Shiva suggested a challenge to solve the problem: whoever circles the world three times first will receive the fruit.
Murugan immediately embarked on his journey, mounted on his peacock, eager to win the fruit. However, Ganesha, the more thoughtful of the two, deduced that his parents, Shiva and Parvati (Shakti), embodied the entire world. He circled them three times, symbolically encompassing the universe. Pleased with Ganesha's wisdom and devotion, Shiva awarded the fruit to him.
Upon his return, Murugan was disheartened to learn that his efforts had been in vain. Feeling the need to gain maturity and wisdom, he decided to leave Kailash and settle in the Palani hills of South India. There, he immersed himself in deep meditation and self-reflection, seeking to understand his true purpose. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati rushed to pacify him, calling him "Gnana Pazham neeyappa," which means that Lord Murugan himself is a bundle of wisdom. This is why the hill is called Pazhani. In Hindu scriptures, Lord Murugan in Palani is known as Dhandayuthapani Swami, depicted with a staff in one hand and a pot of nectar in the other.
Another legend associated with Palani Murugan Temple involves the great sage Agathiyar. At one time, a large gathering of sages and gods at Mount Kailash caused the earth to tilt. To restore balance, Shiva asked Agathiyar to move south. Agathiyar tasked a demon named Ettumba with carrying two hills to the south. When Ettumba rested at a place, he found that one hill couldn't be moved because a young man stood atop it. This young man was Murugan. After a brief confrontation, Agathiyar identified the young man as Murugan and requested him to forgive the demon. Murugan consented, allowing the hill to remain at Pazhani. This event is commemorated by devotees who carry milk in devotion to Murugan. The other hill was carried to Swamimalai, another abode of Lord Murugan.
Slogan for Palani Murugan
Gayatri mantram for Palani Murugan
ஓம் தத்புருஷாய வித்மஹே !!!
சிகித்வஜாய தீமஹி !!!
தன்னோ ஸ்கந்த ப்ரசோதயாத் !!!
Adhala Vidhala Thiruppugazh by Thiru Arunagirinathar
பவுரி யிடநரிபு லம்பப்ப ருந்திறகு
கவரி யிடஇகலை வென்றுச்சி கண்டிதனில்
பழநி மலையின்மிசை வந்துற்ற இந்திரர்கள் ...... தம்பிரானே.
pavuri yidanaripu lampappa runthiRaku
kavari yidaikalai venRucchi kaNdithanil
pazhani malaiyinmisai vanthutRa inthirarkaL ...... thambirAnE.
Festival celebrated in Palani Murugan Temple
- Thai poosam: January - February
- Panguni Uthiram: March – April
- Vaikasi Visakam: May- June
- Aadi Krithigai: July- August
- Skanda Sashti festival: Celebrated for 6 days in October – November month. This year Skanda Sashti starts in Aippasi month from 2nd November 2024 to 7th November 2024.
Facts about Palani Temple
- Rope-way Journey: One of the unique experiences at Palani is the rope-way journey to the hill temple. As you ascend, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape unfold, adding to the spiritual voyage.
- Panchamirtham: The temple is renowned for its Panchamirtham, a sacred concoction offered as prasadam. Made from five ingredients including bananas, jaggery, ghee, honey, and cardamom, it is believed to have medicinal properties.
Palani Murugan Temple Timings: Opens morning at 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and Evening from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Location: Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, Palani, Dindigul District
Contact Number: 04545241293
The temple invites people from all walks of life to experience the divine grace of Lord Murugan.The spiritual journey at Palani is a profound exploration of faith, inner peace, and the eternal quest for enlightenment.