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Arulmigu Dandayudapani Swamy Temple is a well known pilgrim centre
and is the third one of the six abodes
 (Padai Veedu) of Lord
Subrahmanya(Muruga). The shrine stands on the top of the Palani
Hills cocsisting of 600 steps, at a height of 1500 feet above sea
level. There are ropeways too, to take the pilgrims to the top. This
temple draws the largest number of devotees in Tamil Nadu.
The
main deity is called Dandayudhapani. The deity at the sanctum
sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly
called Navabashana. This icon of Lord Muruga at Palani is a unique
one.
Legend of the Temple:
According to the legend, Saint Narada once visited Lord Shiva. The
Lord was with his consort Parvathi and children Lord Ganesha and
Lord Subramanya. The Saint gave the Lord a special fruit, a fruit of
wisdom(Jnanapazham). Lord Shiva wanted the fruit to be given to his
two sons, but Narada asked him not to cut the fruit. So they kept a
contest so that the winner gets the fruit. Whoever rounds the world
and comes back first will be the winner.
Subrahmanya began his journey round the world on his Peacock. Lord
 Ganesha considered his parents as the world and made a quick round
around them and won the fruit. When Lord Subrahmanya returned, he
felt he had been deceived and decided to leave Mount Kailasham. He
reached the top of todays "Pazhani Malai" and made it his abode.
Goddess Shakthi and Lord Shiva came here to pacify their son and
told "Pazham Nee" (you are the fruit). Hence this place is known as
Pazhani or Palani.
Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple in the 7th
Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam which is a
fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed
with nine bays. The other portions of the temple have been built by
the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups
and individual devotees.Very near the Palani Hills is the Vanjapuri
Tank.
Agni Nakshatram, Kandhar Shasti, Thirukkarthigai, Thai Poosam and
Panguni Uthiram are the major festivals, which are attended by
pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Kerala, Karnataka and other
states. There are special 'pooja' every month on 'karthigai' day.
Opening Hours : The early morning worship starts at 6 am. and the
temple is open all day until the last worship is conducted at 8 pm.
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