Palani (Pazhani - Tiruvaavinankudi) is one of the six padai vedu shrines of Murugan, representing the sites where Murugan the valiant commander of the gods sojourned, while he proceded to battle against the demon Soorapadman. Palani is probably one of the most visited and the most endowed temples in the state of Tamilnadu.
 

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History 

It is one of the major Arupadaiveedu of Lord Muruga. The other Arupadiveedus are Thiruchendur (100 km south-west of Madurai), Swamimalai (150 km east of Madurai), Thiruthani (50 km from Chennai), Pazhamudircholai (10 km north of Madurai) and Thiruparamkunram (10 km south of Madurai). The consecretion ceremony (kumbabishegam) of this great temple recently took place in April 3rd 2006.(Panguni Matham 20) on the tamil calendar.
 

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Mythology

According to legend, Sage Narada once visited the divine court of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva was with his consort, Goddess Shakthi, and their two children, Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya. Sage Narada gave Lord Shiva a mango fruit and told him that it was a special fruit, the fruit of wisdom.

Lord Shiva wanted his children to have the fruit of wisdom. However, when he offered it to them, Sage Naradar asked that the mango not be cut in two to be shared between the two sons, lest the power be diminished. Now, as a result, they had to decide who should have it. Shiva and Shakthi decided that the son who first circles the Earth would get the

fruit. Immediately accepting the challenge, Lord Murugan, started his journey around the globe on his divine vehicle, the peacock or mayil.

Lord Ganesha, who believed that his parents were his world, circumambulated Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi and claimed the mango fruit. Lord Subramanya returned to Mount Kailash, only to find that Lord Ganesha had already won the contest. Lord Murugan felt he had been deceived and decided to leave Mount Kailasam. He reached to top of what is today called "Pazhani malai" (the Hill of Pazhani) and set up his abode there.

Goddess Shakthi and Lord Shiva rushed to the hill and tried to pacify their son, calling him, Pazham Nee (in Tamil, "you are the fruit (of wisdom)"). Hence this place came to be called Pazhani, or Palani.
 

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The Temple Architecture

Dhandayudapani Temple is located on the 450 feet high Palani malai in the town of Palani near Madurai. 690 stone steps line the mountain passage and an electric winch also takes pilgrims up the hill.

This temple is refered to in the Tamil work Thirumurugatruppadai of Nakeerar of the Sangam age (pre Christian era). Arunagirinaathar, the saint poet has composed 95 verses on Palani in his Thirupugazh. The Palani malai hill temple and the Thiruvavinankudi temple at the foot hills form a composite unit. The Thiruvavinankudi temple is refered to as Kuzhandhaivelayudar temple and the Saravanpoigai tank is located near it.
 

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 Pooja's and Festival

Dharshan (meaning open to the public) hours are from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. On festival days the temple is open from 4.30 a.m. onwards.

Vilaa Poojai (6.30 a.m.)
Siru Kall Poojai (8.00 a.m.)
Kaala Santhi (9.00 a.m.)
Utchikkala Poojai (12.00 noon)
Raja Alankaram (5.30 p.m.)
Iraakkaala Pujai (8.00 p.m.)
Golden Car Dharshan (6.30 p.m.)

Golden car procession starts at 6.30 p.m. and ends around 7.30 p.m. Those who want to sponsor the same can contact the Devasthanam office.

Panguni Uttram is celebrated for 10 days as the annual Bhramotsavam. This festival is celebrated only at Tiruvavinankudi in the foothills to Muthukumarar the festival deity here.The Ther Thiruvizha is held on the last day of this festival. Offerings of Kaveri water brought from Kodumudi by thousands of devotees in kaavadis are made to the deity.

Agni Nakshathram is celebrated in the month of Chittirai and Vaikaasi.During this time, thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the hill. Vaikaasi Visaakam is celebrated for 10 days.

Skanda sashti is celebrated for 7 days. Soorasamharam is enacted on the last day of this festival in which both Chinna Kumarar the festival image of the hill temple and Muthukumaraswami of Thiruvavinankudu participate.

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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