Palani Murugan Temple – Periyanayaki Amman Temple
Periya Nayagi Amman temple is one of the important
temples in Palani. It is one of the sub temples of Dhandayuthapani Swamy
Devasthanam. During festivals season many people visit the temple.
Temple
The temple architecture is unique Nayak architecture,
with the Periya Nayagi Amman at the center and other deities at the same row.
There are lots of sculptures with excellent art work. The Main Mandapam is
constructed with lot of tall stone pillars carved with huge idols of Lord
Muruga in many forms.
There is no big Gopurams like the Chola architecture in
Nayaks architecture. The main Raja gopuram is not built, only the foundation is
visible. Many of the small gopurams found in this temple were built by Dhandayuthapani
swamy Devasthanam at later period. The Nayaks works are in stone.
It is popularly called 'Town Temple', 'Ur-k-Kovil' and
'Ur-Ambalam', this large and spacious temple is in the heart of Palani town,
two kilometres from Adivaram. Built four centuries ago by the Nayaks and
enlarged by chieftains of Palani, Ayakudi and Neikkarappatti, it has Goddess
Periyanayaki as the presiding deity; there are sanctums for Muthukumaraswamy,
Subramanyar, Kailasanathar and Natarajar. In the Muthukumara Swami shrine,
within the iron railings are a series of festival deities, the last of which
Uchi Mahakali is an amazing piece of art.
This temple is essentially a Muruga shrine with other
shrines added perhaps at later stages. This is clear from the fact that the central
tower is over Muruga's shrine. The flagstaff and image of the vehicle are all
in front of Muruga only. Kailasanatha is on the northern side and Periyanayaki
on the southern side with Muruga in the centre, or in between father and other.
This seating arrangement is known as Somaskanda Murtam.
In the Palli Arai in the Amman shrine, it is worth
taking a look at the mirror reflecting the chamber. Ask for the shutter to be
raised up. Almost every pillar is extravagantly covered with a filigree of
sculpture. The supreme climax of South Indian architecture is in its most
prodigal plastic manifestation.
In one pillar of the Kailasanathar shrine and in another
in the Navaranga Mandapam, Gnana Dhandayuthapani has been remarkably produced
by stone masons. The pillars and sculptures therein add to importance of the
Navaranga Mandapam, which has been built by the Nadar community.
Festivals
On Vijayadasami day, the Lance of the Lord is brought
from the hill temple to this temple and the Utsava deity Muthukumaraswamy uses
it to destroy evil and usher in an era of hope and good cheer after Navarathri.
In the month of Aadi (July-August) 100,000 archanas (Lakshrachana)
are performed in this temple. Particularly, the Fridays of this month are
crowded days here and one has to inch his/her way to the sanctum.
Vahanas
This temple houses the Vahanas of all the temples under
the Devasthanam and from this point of view, this temple is an art gallery. Do
not miss the silver car, a galaxy of various vehicles, the ivory palanquin, and
several Vahanas in silver, brass and wood. Their beautiful workmanship needs
close observation.
Attractions
Near the Periyanayaki Temple is the Mari Amman Temple,
very popular with the local folk. It is crowded on Fridays. Increasing
attention is being paid to this temple.