The temple of Lord Muruga is located on the Palani Hills. The presiding deity is Dandayudhapani. The idol is made of medicinal herbs. It is one of the six abodes of the major Pilgrim centres in South India next only next only to Tirupathi. An electrically operated winch takes the pilgrims to the top. It is 105 kms from Coimbatore .Palani is a well known pilgrim centre and one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya or Muruga. The shrine stands on top of the Palani Hills consisting of 660 steps. There are rope ways too, to take pilgrims to the top. The main deity is called Dandayudapaani. Pilgrims from various parts of the country visit this temple.

The temple at Palani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Dedicated to Sri Dandayuthapani, the temple is built atop a 140m high hill and can be reached either using the steps or the electrically operated winch. During the festivals of Panguni Utthiram ( March-April) and Adi Krithikai (July-August) Kavadi dancers dance and walk their way from far and near as they flock to the temple in hundreds, often in a state of trance. The Lord - the festival deity called Chinnakumarar, 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 prakaram on the top of the hill in a ceremonious procession on all Karthigai days and six other festival days in a year. On payment of Rs. 900/- a devotee can have the golden car drawn round the temple on any evening of his choice, along with nadhasvaram, Thiruppugazh music, other temple paraphernalia etc. The illuminated Golden Car is a veritable fairy-land. There is a heavy demand for such service to fulfill vows of thanksgiving for recovery from physical afflication 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.)

Festivals

Palani and festivals are synonymous. The most important festival is ' PANGUNI UTHARAM ' in March - April on the day Utharam Star (Nakshatra) is ascendent. This 10-day event at the Thiru Avinankudi temple, at the foot of the hill occurs in the off-season and so agriculturists and other rural folk participate in it and give offerings of paddy to the temple. Some of the monthly Karthigais draw a crowd of one lakh.The Karthigai Deepam and Vaikasi Visakam get two lakhs of persons each. The same may be said of Skanda Sasthi. Three lakhs persons attend the Thai Pusam. Panguni Utharam spectacle has been estimated at five lakhs of simple and unsophisticated people with formidable faith in Lord.

For further information please contact

The Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer
Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam Office
Adivaram Palani - 624 601 India
Tel. (91) 04545-41417 or 42236 Fax: (91) 04545-41417
E-mail: palaniinfonet@eth.net.in

How to get there

Palani is well connected by road and there are frequent buses from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Dindugal and Tiruchi.Nearest railway station is Palani . The nearest airport is Coimbatore & Madurai.The Hill Statiion KODAIKANAL (Princess of Hills) is 60 KM from palani.