Dhandayuthapani Swamy of Palani: The Ascetic Murugan on the Hill

Location

Town: Palani, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu.
Geography: Situated atop Palani Hills, part of the Western Ghats.
Access: Pilgrims reach the temple via steps, winch, rope car, or elephant path.
Nearby landmarks: Idumban Hill, Shanmukha River, and Sivagiri–Saktigiri hills associated with legends of Sage Agastya.

Deity and Subshrines

Main Deity: Dhandayuthapani Swamy (Lord Murugan)

Depicted as a renunciate (ascetic), holding a staff (danda) and wearing no ornaments.
The idol is made of navapashanam—a rare herbal compound believed to have medicinal properties.
The deity faces west, symbolizing spiritual introspection.

Subshrines:

Idumban Shrine: Located on the adjacent hill, dedicated to Idumban, the devotee who carried the sacred hills.
Bhogar Shrine: Honors Sage Bhogar, the siddhar who crafted the navapashanam idol.
Shrines for Vinayaka, Shiva, and Parvati are present within the temple complex.
Golden Chariot Mandapam: Used during festival processions.

Temple Significance

Arupadai Veedu: Palani is the third of the Six Abodes of Murugan, each marking a key event in the deity’s mythology.
Legend of Palani:

When Murugan lost a divine fruit contest to his brother Ganesha, he renounced worldly life and settled in Palani.
His father Shiva consoled him with the words “Palam Nee” (You are the fruit), giving the place its name.

Navapashanam Idol:

Created by Sage Bhogar, the idol is believed to radiate healing energy.
Devotees collect abhishekam liquids as sacred prasadam for health benefits.

Spiritual Symbolism:

The deity’s ascetic form inspires detachment and inner strength.
The hilltop location symbolizes spiritual ascent and self-realization.

History

The temple was first constructed by Cheraman Perumal, a Chera dynasty king, who had a divine dream of Lord Murugan instructing him to build a shrine on Palani hill.
Later, Chola and Pandya kings expanded the temple between the 8th and 13th centuries, adding mandapams and gopurams.
The Nayaka rulers contributed intricate sculptures and structural enhancements.
Inscriptions mention patrons like Jadavarma Sundara Pandian (1259 CE) and Mallikarjuna Devarayar II, who donated for rituals and renovations.

Legends

Murugan’s Renunciation: After losing a divine fruit contest to Ganesha, Murugan chose asceticism and settled in Palani. Shiva consoled him with the words “Palam Nee” (You are the fruit), giving the place its name.
Sage Bhogar’s Navapashanam Idol: The main deity was sculpted by Siddhar Bhogar using a rare herbal mix called navapashanam, believed to have healing properties.
Idumban’s Devotion: The adjacent hill shrine honors Idumban, who carried the sacred hills and was blessed by Murugan.

Architecture

Built in Dravidian style, the temple features:

Gopurams with detailed carvings.
A Sabhamandapam with pillars and murals.
A hilltop sanctum accessible via steps, winch, rope car, or elephant path.

The idol of Dhandayuthapani Swamy is unique:

Made of navapashanam.
Depicted as a youthful ascetic holding a staff (danda), with no ornaments.
Faces west, symbolizing introspection and renunciation.

Rituals

Daily Worship:

Begins with Viswaroopa Darshan at dawn.
Includes abhishekam with milk, sandalwood, and sacred oils.
Archana and deeparadhana are performed multiple times a day.

Navapashanam Abhishekam:

Liquids used in abhishekam on the navapashanam idol are believed to have medicinal properties.
Devotees collect this prasadam for healing and spiritual benefits.

Special Offerings:

Panchamritam (a mix of banana, jaggery, ghee, honey, and cardamom) is the temple’s signature prasadam.
Kavadi, milk pots, and flower garlands are offered during festivals.

Festivals

Thaipusam (January–February):

Celebrates Murugan receiving the divine spear (Vel) from Parvati.
Devotees carry kavadis and perform padayatra (pilgrimage on foot).
Includes silver chariot processions, kavadi dances, and flag hoisting at Periyanayaki Amman Temple.

Panguni Uthiram (March–April):

Marks Murugan’s celestial wedding with Deivanai and Valli.
Features golden chariot parades, special abhishekams, and devotional music.

Skanda Sashti (October–November):

Commemorates Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman.
Includes six-day fasting, ritual reenactments, and special pujas.

Monthly Kiruthigai:

Celebrated on the day of the Krittika star, with abhishekams and devotional chanting.

Beliefs

Spiritual Renunciation:

Lord Murugan’s ascetic form inspires detachment from material desires and inner strength.
Devotees seek moksha and mental clarity through worship.

Healing Power of Navapashanam:

The idol, crafted by Sage Bhogar, is believed to radiate healing energy.
Abhishekam liquids are considered sacred medicine.

Kavadi Offering:

Carrying kavadi is seen as a penance and purification ritual.
Devotees believe it removes karma and obstacles.

Dual Worship:

Devotees often worship both Murugan and Idumban, symbolizing devotion and humility.

Temple Hours

Opening Time: 5:00 AM
Closing Time: 10:00 PM
Best Time for Darshan: Early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) and evening (5:00–7:00 PM) for peaceful worship.
Special Days: Extended hours during Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram, and Skanda Sashti festivals.

Getting Here

By Road:

From Dindigul: ~60 km via NH83.
From Madurai: ~120 km, ~2.5 hours by car.
From Coimbatore: ~110 km via Pollachi.
Parking is available near the base station.

By Train:

Nearest station: Palani Railway Station (~2 km from temple base).
Regular trains from Madurai, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore.

By Air:

Nearest airports: Coimbatore International Airport (~110 km) and Madurai Airport (~120 km).

Hill Access:

Steps: ~700 steps with shaded shelters.
Winch: Operates every 15–20 minutes; ideal for elderly devotees.
Rope Car: Scenic ride with panoramic views.
Elephant Path: Gradual slope for walking pilgrims.

Tips

Start at Idumban Shrine: Tradition recommends beginning worship at the Idumban temple before ascending to the main sanctum.
Dress Code: Modest attire is required; avoid shorts or sleeveless tops.
Footwear: Remove shoes before entering sanctum; counters are available near winch and rope car stations.
Mobile Phones: Not allowed inside the hill temple; deposit counters available (₹5 fee).
Panchamritam: Don’t miss the temple’s famous prasadam, made from banana, jaggery, ghee, honey, and cardamom.
Stay Options: Temple guest houses and private lodges available in Palani town; advance booking recommended during festivals.
Festival Crowds: Arrive early and expect long queues during Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram, and Skanda Sashti.