Pazhani

Pazhani, The abode of Lord Muruga.

Palani [Pazhani] is one of the six padai veedu shrines of Murugan, representing the sites where Murugan the valiant commander of the gods sojourned, while he proceeded to battle against the demon Soorapadman. Palani is probably one of the most visited and the most endowed temples in the state of Tamilnadu. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level.

The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashanam.

The legend is as follows….

Naradha Maharishi, had brought a divine fruit known as the ‘Gnanappazham’ - Fruit of Knowledge and gifted it to Shiva and Parvathi. Lord Shiva told his sons Ganapathy and Subramanian [Murugan] that the first one among them to circle the globe would be given the fruit. Accepting the challenge Lord Murugan quickly set off on his vehicle, Mayilvahanam- the Peacock. But Ganesh just circled his parents and said that there is no world greater than his parents. This impressed Shiva and so He gave the Gnanapazham to Lord Ganesh. When Lord Murugan returned, he was very disappointed with Lord Shiva’s decision. So he left his parents and came to Thiru Aavinankudi at the adivaram (foot of Sivagiri hill). Shiva calmed him down by saying that Lord Murugan himself was a fruit of all knowledge (Pazham nee- Pazham is fruit and Nee, means you: that you are the fruit of knowledge) and thus the name Palani evolved. Later on it is said that Lord Murugan settled down in Palani as a hermit just with a loin cloth and stick symbolizing humbleness and simplicity.

Tonsure ceremony is a special feature of Palani. Many devotees of all ages perform tonsure ceremony at Palani. Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are very famous festivals and a large number of devotees are coming here for those festivals.

Kavadi is another offering devotees give to Murugan. Many come here as “Padayatra” without wearing any ornaments, even sandals. They walk several kilometers to the temple. Whosoever carried on his shoulders the kavadi, signifying the two hills and visiting the temple on a vow will be blessed..

Balamurugan at Pazhani hills listens to everyone’s prayers. Shashti vrutham is fasting on shashti thithi every month. The day is spent chanting Subramanya stotram. This is usually followed by the women of Kerala.