Palani Murugan Temple – Pattathu Vinayagar Temple
This Vinayaga housed amidst the noisy and busy markets
worshipped by many, is to the north-west of the Palani hill. This temple is in
a narrow opening and faces north.
The temple structure is not only new but also
prosperous. Fenced by a wall of iron bars, it has three quarters and we enter
by the middle quarter. Devotees can come in large numbers, worship, sit, relax
and then depart.
One of the later Zamindars, who ruled Palani, worshipped
this deity to be graced with an issue. To rival his brother's fame, this
Vinayaga blessed him with a son. The highly pleased Zamindar built this temple
in gratitude.
In the entrance is a palm-leaf mandapa. When we turn
east for circumambulation we see a neem and papal tree in luxuriant growth,
under which is a Dhandayuthapani. A board proclaims him as Kamadenu Murugan.
Kamadenu is the cow which gives whatever we desire. As Murugan too fulfills all
our wishes, they have named him like this. In the western corridor, a Lingam
and a Nandi are seen without any roof .Devotees place coins on the Lingam and
worship. Nearby is the navagraha on a dais fenced by walls fixed with bars.
We now move to the sanctum of the Vinayagar. The
consecration was performed in 1961 and hence this place looks grand. In the
Ardha Mandapa are several pictures, depicting Divinities.
The Moolavar appears to be rich. The merchants of the
neighborhood donate liberally and that may be the reason.