Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple - अरुल्मिगु धनदायुथापानी स्वामी मंदिर

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, also known as Palani Murugan Temple. This famous temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Murugan. It is located in Palani town of Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, the distance of the temple from Coimbatore is around 100 kms. The temple is situated on the higher peak of two hills called Sivagiri Parvat. Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan. The Palani temple is considered synonymous with Panchamritham, a sweet concoction made of five ingredients. The original idol of the main deity is believed to have been made by Bhog Siddhar using highly toxic herbs whose mere presence can kill people and hence has been in controversy many times.

History and Architecture of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple:
According to a legend, Sage Narada went to Kailash to offer Gnanapalam to Bhagwan Shiva. Bhagwan Shiva says that he will divide the fruit into two parts and distribute it to his two sons. But Narad does not agree to cut the fruit. So, he decides to give the fruit to the son who first goes around the world thrice. The sons accept the challenge, and Bhagwan Kartikeya begins his journey across the world on his peacock.

But Bhagwan Ganesh perceives his parents as the world and circumambulates them thrice. Bhagwan Shiva influences the thinking of Bhagwan Ganesh and then bestows him with fruits. When Kartikeya returns home, he finds his efforts futile. So, he leaves Kailash in despair and lives in the Palani/Shivagiri hills. Hence the Palani temple originated here in the Palani/Shivagiri hills.

The idol of the deity is said to be made of a mixture of nine poisonous substances which when mixed in a certain proportion become an eternal medicine. It is placed on a stone plinth with an archway and represents Bhagwan Subrahmanya as he assumed at Palani - He is a very young recluse, dressed as a monk wearing a loincloth and armed only with a dandam.

Religious Traditions of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple
At night, before the temple closes for the day, the head of the idol of the presiding deity is anointed with sandalwood paste. The paste is allowed to stay overnight, said to acquire medicinal properties, and is distributed to devotees as Rakkal Chandanam. Panchamirdam is provided to the devotees as Prasad.

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple Timings:
Palani Murugan Temple remains open for darshan from 5:00 am - 9 pm.

Festivals and Religious Practices of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple
Apart from regular services, the holy days of Bhagwan Subrahmanyan are celebrated every year with pomp and splendour, and are attended by hordes of devotees from all over South India. Some of these festivals are Thai-Poosam, Pankuni-Uththiram, Vaikhashi-Vishakham and Sura-Samharam. Thai-Poosam, by far the most important festival in Palani, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai (January 15–February 15).

How to reach Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?
Palani city is very well connected to other cities by road and rail.The Nearest city is Coimbatore.It is about 105 km away from Palani.