Palani Murugan Temple – Archaeological Details
The Palani Hill temple has been constructed on the top
of a hill. It is said that the temple was built by a Chera King.
Inscriptions:
On the outer walls of Lord Muruga’s shrine there are
many edicts, made by some Pandya Kings, Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandian, Sadaiyavarman
Veerapandian, Veera Nanjana Udaiyar, Mallikarjuna Devarayar II and others.
The edict by Sundarapandian is the oldest of all. He was
also known as Kongupandiyan and was the famous king of the later Pandya Dynasty.
He ascended the throne in 1251 AD.
In 1300 AD king Jatavarman Sundarapandian gifted a
village for carrying a special daily Pooja in his name. It is called Avani
Vendha Raman Sandhi.
From the inscriptions on the wall, it is known that many
kings have gifted lands and villages to the temple to enable the conduct of
regular Poojas.
Sculptures:
In the front Mandapam of the temple there are many
beautiful and artistic sculpture pieces live Siddhas in penance, parrot,
peacock, deer, Karpaga vriksha (Divine Tree) and so on. There are also icons of
Dhandayuthapani & Yali. At the entrance near the Raja Gopuram there are two
nice sculpture pieces - a young lady carrying her child in the right arm and
carrying a flower basket in the left; another beautiful lady, the friend of the
first standing in front of her. There are pillars with Yali in the Paaravel
Mandapam.
In the Ardha Mandapam there are sculptures of young,
good looking damsels. They create a sense of admiration in the minds of the
visitors. The Tamils believe that Murugan resides where there is beauty. The
Sanctum of Dhandayuthapani Swami is full of art-work. The ceiling here having
the Kodungai design speaks of the talent of the sculptors.
The balcony - like structure on the outer side of this
area adds beauty. Such artistic work can be seen on the pillars of Tiruvavinankudi
temple and Periyanayakiamman temple. In the Navaranga Mandapam here there are
two pieces the divine dance of Lord Siva and (opposite to this) the dance of
Kali after her shedding her ego.
Paintings:
In the temple walls of Periyanayaki Amman Temple there
is a beautiful ancient painting, revealing the art of singers, artists and
dancers. It belongs to the Nayak period.
Ancient
Coins:
In Palani area, old coins of ancient kingdoms were also
found.