Palani Murugan Temple, Dindigul
Palani Dhandayuthapani temple is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. It is located in the town of Palani in Dindigul, 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of Coimbatore and northwest of Madurai in the foot-hills of the Palani hills. Palani has
been mentioned in the Tamil Sangam Literature as Podhini, which came to be
called as Palani later, according to the historians.
In Tirumurukatrupadai (a Sangam Literature) Palani has
been mentioned as the 3rd Padaiveedu. This was the southern end of the Kongu
Nadu and edicts refer to this place as Vaiyapuri Nadu, which was ruled by King
Vaiyapuri Kopperumbaegan. Many Siddhas; are said to have lived in this region.
The idol of Palani Andavar is said to have been made of Navapashanam (a
combination of Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam,
Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, and Silasat), by a Siddhar called Bhogar.
It is also claimed by many that the materials of
abhishegam like milk, sandal paste, etc., attain medicinal properties on being
poured over Lord Palaniandavar idol and they have cured many diseases, when
taken by the patients. It is a specialty of Palani.
Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram festivals are very
famous festivals and large number of devotees coming here at that time. 38
sub-temples are attached with this temple. It belongs to 9th century and the
king namely Cheraman Peruman constructed this temple.
Muruga is the god of the language Tamizh and he is a
militant figure. The word ‘padai’ here means army and each of the six abodes of
Muruga are considered battle camps.
Dhandayuthapani Temple’s reigning deities are Dhandayuthapani,
Malai kolundu Amman Devi), Malai kolundu Shivan, Lord Nataraja and Lord
Kulandhai Velayudha Swami (Baby Muruga with his vel or spear).
Geographical Location
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Legends
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History
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Archaeological Details
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Bhogar Shrine (Bhogar Samadhi)
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The Temple
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Theerthams
Brahmma
Theertham:
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Saravana
Poigai:
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Shanmuga
Nadhi:
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Vaiyapuri
Lake:
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Valli
Sunai:
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Temple Elephant Details
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Chariots
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Lord Vahanas (Lord Vehicles)
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Literary Mention
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Pooja Timings & Fees Structure
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Traditions
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Worship
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Festivals
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Padayathra
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Facilities
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Controversy
Over the years, some believe that the idol has been
wearing away or dissolving, by virtue of its repeated anointment and ritual
bathing. However, long-time devotees and priests of the temple maintain that
they perceive no visible change. Since Hinduism forbids the worship of an
imperfect idol, suggestions have been made, at various points of time, to
replace it, cover it, or stop some of the rituals, which could have resulted in
its erosion.
A new 100 kg idol was consecrated on 27 January
2004, but coming under severe criticism from orthodox believers, was displaced
and worship of the existing idol restored, shortly thereafter.
Pilgrims Visit
People believe that the materials used in the Abhishekam
(oblation) like milk, sandal paste and other materials attain medicinal
properties after being poured over the icon of Lord Palani Andavar (God of
Palani). This is supposed to have cured many diseases. Pilgrims believe that if
they can walk a full round of the circumference of the temple, they will be
relieved of their problems.
Uniqueness
A unique aspect of the deity is that he faces west
rather than east, the traditional direction in most Hindu temples. This is
because of the temple being re-consecrated by the Cheras, whose dominions lay
to the west. For them, the guardian of their eastern frontier was Lord
Kartikeya of Palani.
Another unusual feature is the large ears of the deity,
signifying the belief that the Lord listens carefully to his devotees' prayers
and requests.
Services
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Temple Administration
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Connectivity
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Temple - Photos
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