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Palani
is one of the most visited temples in Tamilnadu and is one of the revered
6 Padai Veedu shrines of Murugan
Significance:
Palani (Pazhani
- Tiruvaavinankudi) is one of the six padai vedu shrines of Murugan,
representing the sites where Murugan the valiant commander of the gods
sojourned, while he proceded 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 Dhandayudapani Temple is located
on the 450 feet high Palani malai in the town of Palani near Madurai. 690
stone steps line the mountain passage and an electric winch also takes
pilgrims up the hill.
This temple is refered to in the Tamil work Thirumurugatruppadai of
Nakeerar of the Sangam age (pre Christian era). Arunagirinaathar, the
saint poet has composed 95 verses on Palani in his Thirupugazh. The
Palani malai hill temple and the Thiruvavinankudi temple at the foot hills
form a composite unit. The Thiruvavinankudi temple is refered to as
Kuzhandhaivelayudar temple and the Saravanpoigai tank is located near it.
Around
the Palani Hill is a circumambulatory passage called ‘The Giri Veedi’.
It is considered auspicious to circumambulate the hill here,
as in Tiruvannamalai.
The herbs on the mountain are believed to have miraculous healing
properties. Girivalam is especially popular during the Agninakshathiram
fortnight in summer.
At the foothills is
a shrine to Meenakshisundareswarar and PadiVinayakar. There is also a
shrine to Murugan on the way where Idumban is portrayed as worshipping
Murugan. There is yet another shrine to Murugan representing his
appearance in front of Idumban under the Kura Tree.
The main Temple to
Dhandayudapani is located on top of the Palani hill. The inner most
sanctum is crowned with a gold plated vimanam. In the inner sanctum are
situated shrines to Navaveera, Navadurga, the Saptamataas, Kailasanadar
and Chandeswarar. Navadurga(Bhuvaneswari) is worshipped here along with a
Maragatalingam. There is also a shrine to Bhogasiddhar, the founder of
this temple.
The entrance to the
inner temple is through the Manikatti, and the Kattai gopuravaasal
mandapams constructed by local chieftans. There are also shrines to
Dakshinamurthi, Shiva and Malainachiyamman.
The beautiful
navaranga mandapam supported by 12 pillars is located in front of the
sanctum. The processional images of Natarajar, Navaveerar, Murugan, Shiva
and others are located in this mandapam.
The golden Kavacham,
the Thanga ratham and the Golden peacock vaaganam are of great beauty.
There are several
temples in town and on the hill steps and in the Giri veedi affiliated to
the main temple.
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