Palani Murugan Temple – Idumban Temple
The Idumban Temple, situated on Idumban Hill, holds
great significance since the time of Sage Agastya. It is believed that Sage
Agastya ordered his demon assistant Idumban to take Sivagiri and Shaktigiri
Hills to his abode in South India. Idumban was among the few demon survivors of
the war between Sura and Asura. Idumban later became a devotee of Lord Murugan.
Legends
Sage Agastya wanted to take two hills - Sivagiri and
Saktigiri - to his abode in the South and commissioned his Asuran disciple
Idumban to carry them. Idumban was one of the very few Asuran survivors of the Sura
- Asuran war between Murugan's forces and those of Surapadman. After surviving
the war he had repented and became a devotee of Lord Murugan.
Ganapati employs cunning to cheat Murugan Idumban finds
the Kavadi is too heavy at Palani at this stage, Subrahmanya or Muruga had just
been outwitted by his brother Ganesa in a contest for going around the world
and he was still smarting over the matter. Ganapati had won the prized fruit
(the Jnana-pazham) by simply going around his parents.
Long after this, Subrahmanya came seating on his peacock
to find that the prize had already been given away. In anger, He vowed to leave
his home and family and came down to Tiru Avinangudi at the Adivaram (meaning
'foot of the Sivagiri Hill'). Siva pacified Him by saying that Subrahmanya
Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge. Hence the place was
called Pazham-nee (‘you are the fruit') or Palani. Later he withdrew to the
hill and settled there as a recluse in peace and solitude.
Idumban bore the hills slung across his shoulders in the
form of a Kavadi, one on each side. When he reached Palani and felt fatigued,
he placed the Kavadi down to take rest.
Palani, the timeless centre of Murugan devotion when
Idumban resumed his journey, he found that he could not lift the hill. Muruga
had made it impossible for Idumban to carry it. Upon the hilltop the great Asuran
spotted a little boy wearing only kaupeenam and demanded that he vacate at once
so Idumban could proceed with his task. The boy, who was yet in a fighting mood
refused. In the fierce battle which ensued, Idumban was slain but was later
restored to life.
Idumban belatedly recognised the boy as none other than
his ista Devata Murugan and prayed to him that:
· Whosoever carried on his
shoulders the Kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the temple on a vow
should be blessed
· He should be given the privilege
of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill. Hence we have the Idumban
shrine half-way up the hill where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance
to Idumban before entering the temple of Dhandayuthapani Swami. Since then,
pilgrims to Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a Kavadi. The
custom has spread from Palani to all Muruga shrines.
Muruga, in his aspect as Lord Dhandayuthapani, stands
for tyaagam or renunciation. Eschewing all worldly possessions, the only
apparel he has chosen to retain is a loincloth called kaupeenam. But his bhaktas
never tire of offering him costly garments and enriching his wardrobe with
luxurious royal clothes which are used to adorn him when his devotees yearn to
see the Lord in the vesture of a King. For indeed, his state is that of a Swami
or sovereign Lord.
Greatness of Temple
Those chanting Sashti Kavacham, a hymn devoted to Lord
Muruga will find a line praising Idumban also which is an evidence to show that
the deity was instrumental for the coming up of the main Palani
temple. Many devotees visiting Palani were not aware of this
truth. By the grace of Lord Muruga this temple for Idumban was built
and consecration performed in the year 2002 in the hill opposite of main Palani
Murugan temple.
The idol is 13 feet tall showing Idumban carrying the
Kavadi. There are also shrines for Lord Vinayaka and Lord
Muruga. To reap the full benefit of their prayers to Lord Muruga in
the main temple, devotees should bear in mind they should pray in this temple
first. There are 540 steps to reach the shrine. Visitors
to Palani are advised not to fail in Idumban worship before proceeding to Lord
Muruga.
Festivals
Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Thai Poosam in
January-February and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals
celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those who visit Palani should submit their prayers first
to Sri Idumban to reap the benefits of their prayers to Lord Muruga in Palani
hills. Realizing their wishes devotees perform abishek and offer vastras to Sri
Idumban.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
continuously.
Contact
Sri Idumban Temple,
Palani-624 601,
Dindigul district
Phone: +91- 4545-242 236.
Connectivity
The temple is 2 km far from Palani bus stand. As a famous
pilgrim centre, Palani is connected with rail and road from important places in
the state.