Dhandayuthapani Swamy (Palani Murugan) Temple - Palani

Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple, easily known as Palani Murugan temple holds a prominent place among the divine places of Tamil Nadu. There were 2 legends associated with the origin of this temple. In Mount Kailash, sage Narada came with a game plan that he had to give a divine fruit to one of the children of lord Shiva without slicing it. So Shiva and Parvathi decided to have a competition between Vinayaga and Muruga, asking them to round the world once. The person who reaches them first, will be rewarded with this fruit. They both accepted and lord Muruga started the task with his chariot peacock. But lord Ganesh circled their parents thrice interpreting that there is no World supreme before the parents. The fact was justified and the fruit was given to Vinayaga. Unable to control his anger, lord Muruga came down to earth and chose Palani hills as his abode.

Another legend is about the origin of this mountain. Once, sage Agastya wanted to bring the hills of Sivagiri and Shakti Giri from Mount Kailash to India. It was carried on the shoulders of Idumban, one ardent devotee of lord Shiva. On the way, he felt fatigued and placed one of the hills on the floor. By this way, the origin of this mountain happened. Sacred texts reveal that Cheraman Perumal, a leader of Kerala, constructed the primary temple at some point in the seventh Century. Rulers Jayavarman and Krishnadevaraya contributed to the development of this temple. The Nayakars and Nagarathar group rulers highly contributed in the development of some parts. Alternate segments of the temple were developed in the time of Cheran Kings. In the sacred writings found in the sanctum sanctorum dated 13th century, it is realized that Pandiyan & Chola Kings additionally contributed incredibly for this temple.

Another interesting factor of this temple is the statue of lord Muruga. It was prepared by sage Bogar several thousand years ago with a mix of nine weird substances called ‘Navapashanam’. It was prepared in a proportion that even a little change in that, could cause evaporation of the structure. The samples of the statue have been tested by several alchemists and ended up in failure. The proportions and the method of its preparation could not be answered. Though the temple is architecturally subtle, it has high values among the devotees for its strong mythology. Tonsuring of hair is a famous offering practised by the devotees here. Though there are rope car facilities available to reach atop the temple, those who are physically fit are advised to take steps. It will take at least an hour to reach atop the hill but the scenic atmosphere all the way will make a tireless walk.