Palani Murugan Temple – Patha Vinayagar Temple
It is located at the entrance in the base of the hill and it is a north
facing temple. Here three Vinayagar’s are housed instead of one. They have to
be worshipped before three acts. One is going round the hill, the second is
going up the hills and having darshan of Dhandayuthapani, and the third is
fulfillment of various vows undertaken by a devotee. For the above three
Vinayagar’s came to be called Patha Vinayagar’s.
Since Vinayagar is at the base of the hill, there is
always a huge crowd. Flowers and garlands are sold in plenty. The number of
Vinayagar temples in Palani is the greatest than in any other place. It has
been reported that ther are 108 Vinayaga temples in Palani. Perhaps Vinayaga in
great numbers have assembled here to shower grace on devotees who come to
worship his brother.
Further there are many varieties of Vinayagar’s too
here. They built a new Vinayaga shrine in Shanmugapuram colony. The Tamil
Literary Society is looking after that. He has been bestowing grace on all, who
come to him. The roof of the Patha Vinayagar temple is very low. In a way it
does not affect any devotee, as bowing with head bent is common in all Vinayaga
Temples.
The Vinayagar sports in his upper hands Ankusa in the right
and Pasa (noose) in the left. Ankusa is an instrument used to control an
elephant. Why this elephant is wielding that weapon? He has to control himself
as nobody else can control him. The object of bowing down and thumbing our
forehead ourselves is indicative of the truth that one should control himself;
instead of offering ourselves to be controlled by others.