Palani Murugan Temple – Thiru Aavinankudi Temple
(Kulandhai Velayudhaswamy Temple)
Thiru Aavinankudi Temple, also called as the Kulanthai
Velayuthaswamy Temple, is one of the oldest temples located at the footsteps of
the Palani Hills. The temple is considered to be the third abode of Lord
Murugan who is depicted here as a child sitting on a peacock.
The Temple is about 2000 years old. Nakkeerar in his
Tirumurukatrupadai has praised this Sthalam as third Padai Veedu. The holy tree
of this Sthala is Amlaka. Velavi Koman, a feudatory chief was the ruler in the
Sangam period. The classical Ahananooru speaks very highly of him. Vakisa
Kalanidhi K.V.Jagannadan has opined that Podini must have been changed in to
Palani and how apt it is.
'Avi' is the general name of a clan, like Chera, Chola,
etc. Because they ruled small territories, they were called Velirs; as they
belonged to Vellala caste they were known as Velirs; because of their
philanthropic nature they came to be called Velirs; as they aided the kings in
battle they were known as Velirs; Muruga too is called Vel. And instead of
calling their ruler merely as Velir, they called him as Nedu Vel Avi. This
place was once a big city. Nakkeerar in his Tirumurukatrupadai only in this
Padaiveedu describes in 18 lines about several sages who worshipped here and
about them, their thoughts and feelings.
Finally he praises them as having
bodies without illness. We understand the medicinal nature of this place and of
the existence of Siddhars. He adds "Devars", Moolavars and others
from heaven come here and bow.
This ancient and large temple at the foot of the hill is
the third Padai-Vidu celebrated in song, classics, legend and tradition since
antiquity. The official name of the shrine is Kulandhai Velayudhaswamy Temple;
Thiru Aavinankudi is the name of the place. A sacred tank is attached to the
temple.
Thiru Aavinankudi is among the earliest abodes of Muruga
and perhaps it had humble beginnings under the shade of the Nelli tree (amla).
Poet Nakkeerar says that God Muruga holds at Thiru Aavinankudi a Royal Court of
all gods with saints emancipated and clad in saffron-dyed clothes and deer
skin. The presiding deity is Muruga as a child sitting on a peacock.
A
convenient and full view can be taken by the worshippers since the sanctum is
on an elevation. He is like a kind monarch on his throne who receives the humble
tributes and petitions of his loyal subjects. The festival deity and the Nelli
and Nagalinga flora and the shrine of Arunagirinathar are worth your notice.
The temple was renovated lavishly between 1898 and 1910
by N. M. Subramanian Chettiar of Karaikudi and K. P. S. Palaniappa Chettiar of
Kandanur. SP. Ramanathan Chettiar and other members of the first donor's family
have added in 1968 a majestic raja gopuram - one of Palani's landmarks visible
from the hill-temple. Since the late 1970's, a few small shrines and an
artistic mandapam have been constructed, adding to the beauty of an already
beautiful temple.
