Popular Temple
Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani
Palani, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu
One of Murugan's six abodes, where he stands on the hill as an ascetic
At a glance
- Location
- Palani, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu
- Presiding deity
- Lord Murugan (as Dhandayuthapani)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Palani railway station (~2-3 km)
- Nearest airport
- Coimbatore International Airport (~110 km); Madurai (~120 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March. Thaipusam (January-February) draws enormous crowds, many of them walking to the temple.
History
The temple stands on a hilltop among the Palani hills and is administered by the Tamil Nadu government's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The Sangam-era Tirumurukarruppatai refers to the site as Thiruaavinankudi. It is counted among Murugan's Arupadai Veedu, the six abodes.
Spiritual significance
By the legend, Murugan left Kailasa in displeasure over the episode of the fruit of wisdom brought by Narada, and took up an ascetic's form here — the name Palani is traditionally derived from that story. The image is held to be made of a distinctive compound known as navapashanam. Head-shaving, kavadi offerings and the panchamirtham prasad are all strongly associated with this temple.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
Open from early morning to night with several pujas through the day. The schedule changes for Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Palani is connected by bus and rail to Coimbatore, Madurai and Dindigul. The hill can be climbed by steps, or reached by ropeway or winch railway.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.