Palani Murugan Temple

Palani Murugan Temple History

There is no clear record of how this temple was first built. However, Tamil scriptures say that the idol of Lord Murugan was placed by Sage Bogar, who created it thousands of years ago. The exact time is not known. He made the idol using a mix of nine poisonous substances which, when combined in the right amounts, became a powerful, everlasting medicine. Over time, due to thefts and neglect, the idol was damaged.

Later, a king from the Chola dynasty, known as a Perumal, ordered the construction of the temple between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD. The temple has stood strong for centuries, surviving attacks and the passage of time, even as the Chera, Chola, and Pandya empires disappeared.

An Unbreakable Architecture
At the center of the temple is a shrine believed to have been built during the Chera period. Surrounding it is a walkway that still shows signs of Pandya architecture, including carvings of two fish — the Pandya symbol. Tamil writings are carved into the walls of the sanctum (the inner holy space).

On top of the sanctum is a large golden tower called a Gopuram, which is common in South Indian temples. It is decorated with many statues of Lord Kartikeya and other gods and goddesses who serve him.

The Scientific Side

For centuries, temple idols have been carved from granite, a strong stone made of all five natural elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

Sage Bogar, with the help of 17 other Siddhars (enlightened beings), created Murugan’s idol using a secret formula called “Nava Paashaanam”—a powerful mixture of nine poisonous metals and over 4,498 rare herbs. This blend became solid like granite but had healing and medicinal powers.

It’s believed that around 4,900 years ago, during the beginning of the current age (Kaliyuga), the idol was placed at the top of the sacred mountain where it has been worshipped ever since. Sadly, the idol is now weak and could break. About 100 years ago, a Siddha who was a temple trustee scraped the idol’s back and sold medicine made from it.

Modern scientists and mineral experts have tried to study the idol’s material, but they couldn’t identify it. Even advanced tools like the Perkin-Elmer 707 spectrophotometer failed to detect its ingredients. It remains a mystery.

Mythological History

The Wise Fruit and the Two Brothers

Long ago, Sage Narada brought a magical Fruit of Knowledge to Lord Shiva. This fruit had all the wisdom in the world inside it. Lord Shiva wanted to give it to his sons, Murugan and Ganesha. But Narada said, “This fruit is special. It should not be cut in half.”

So, Lord Shiva gave them a challenge. He said, “Whoever goes around the world three times first will get the fruit.”

Murugan, brave and fast, jumped on his peacock and flew off to circle the earth.

Ganesha stood still and thought for a moment. Then he slowly walked around his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, three times. When he finished, he said, “To me, you are the whole world.”

Shiva and Parvati smiled with joy. They were touched by his love and gave him the Fruit of Knowledge.

When Murugan came back and saw what happened, he was sad. He didn’t argue or ask for the fruit. Instead, he felt a strong need to grow wiser on his own. So, he went to the hills of Palani, left behind his royal life, and began to meditate.

From that day on, he became known as Dhandayuthapani, the god with a staff, who lives in peace and silence on the hill, guiding those who seek true wisdom. Angered and disillusioned, Murugan renounced his family and took refuge at Palani Hills (then called Tiru Avinankudi), declaring “I am the Fruit” (“Pazham Nee” in Tamil), which eventually became Palani.

Thala Virutcham : Kadambam Tree Thala

Theertham : Shanmuga Nadhi

Aagamam : Saiva Agamas Kumara Thanthiram

Description of the Songs

1. Thirupugazh
2. Palani Thiruvayiram
3. Palanipathigam, Palani Nanmanimaalai, Thirupalani venpa, Palani venpa anthathi, Palanapuri maalai, Palani Koil Vinnappam
4. Palani Pillaitamil
5.  Kumara visaiyagirivela chinnavovaiyan
6.  Mayil vidu thoodhu
7.  Palani thalapuranam Sages and

Divine Poets related with Palani :

1. Arunagirinadhar
2. Vannasarabam Dhandapani Swamigal
3. Mambala Kavisinga Navalar
4. Jamin Visaiyagirivela chinnavovaiyan
5. Vaiyapuri pallu
6. Ku.Nadesa Gounder
7. Balasubramaniya Kavirayar

Temple Amenities

Access to Palani Hill Temple 

• Stone Steps

  • 693 steps to the hilltop.

  • Traditional path, usually taken barefoot by devotees.

• Winch Service

  • Rope-pulled trolley system.

  • Operates every 15–20 minutes.

  • Separate queues for free and paid tickets.

• Rope Car (Cable Car)

  • Operates from 7 AM to 9 PM.

  • Faster and scenic option to reach the temple.

  • Ticket cost: ₹15 (normal), ₹50 (special/priority).

Marriage Hall

The marriage halls at Palani are provided and maintained by the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Devasthanam, the official temple administration. These halls are conveniently located near the hill base, offering easy access for families and guests, and are situated close to the main temple complex, allowing couples to receive the blessings of Lord Murugan as part of their wedding rituals.

Available Marriage Halls

• Thirukalyana Mandapam – Large hall (500+ people capacity).

• Kalyana Mandapam 1, 2, 3 – Medium halls (~200–300 people).

• Mini Mandapam on Hilltop – For small, simple ceremonies.                                                                                                                 ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 (based on hall and time slot)

Tonsure Facility

To facilitate the devotees visiting the Hill temple to pay their Hair Tonsure prayers, hair tonsuring sheds have been set up in the temple.

Facilities are located at several spots near the base of the hill:

• Tiru Avinankudi Temple shed

• Shanmuganathi Mudi Mandapam

• Round Tana

• Near Head Office

• Karthikeyan Vidhuthi

• Lower Winch Station

• Near Patha Vinayakar Temple

• Mudished (near Devar statue)

• New spot near Patha Vinayagar Temple offered improved amenities

Information Center

•  Located near temple steps and at Palani bus stand.

•  Offers details on darshan timings, poojas, winch/rope car schedules.

•  Guides devotees on ticket types, special darshan, and accommodation.