Palani Temple
Lord Murugan Temple

Palani Temple is located 60km away from the city of Dindigul atop a hill (Shivagiri hill) 1500ft above sea level, in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam. There are several god and goddess surrounding the hill. One should climb 690 steps to reach there. Those who cannot climb can use Palani Rope car or winch train (Rs.50/-) to reach the temple.

The Palani temple is believed to be constructed by Cheraman Perumal of the Chera dynasty. The king got a darshan from Lord Muruga while he was in Palani hills to rebuild the hill temple. Later, the temple was expanded by the subsequent dynasties i.e. Cholas and Pandyas by adding mandapams and gopurams, followed by Nayakas. The temple is mentioned in the book ‘Thirumurugattrupadai’ of Sangam literature. The architecture of the temple is praise worthy, with famous for sculpture and paintings.

The presiding deity is Muruga as a child sitting on a peacock, signifying beauty and youth. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

There are free darshan entry and Special darshan for Rs.100/- entry available.

The main offerings of the devotees are Kavadi, tonsure ceremony and Annadanam,

Panchamirtham is the famous prasadam of Lord Murugan temple at Palani.

Palani is considered as one of the revered 6 padai veedu shrines of Lord Murugan, also known as Karthikeyan and Subramaniyan.

From Palani hill, you can get a good view of Idumban hill, the Kodaikanal hills, the Western Ghats, the greenery of the paddy fields, rivers, tanks and Palani Town.

Festivals in Palani

Thai Pusam (in January), Panguri Uthiram, Chithira pournami, Agni Natcharitham, Vaikasi Visakam,Aani Annabhishekam, Aadi Festival, Aadi Amavasai, Aadi Laksharchana, Kandha Sashti, Thiru Karthigai and Margazhi pooja.

Gollden chariot - During the main festival timings, the deity is placed riding on a golden peacock mount and fixed to the golden car. This golden car is taken round the prakaram on the top of the hill in a ceremoniously.

Pooja Timings at Palani Temple

Worship Time: 5 am to 10 pm

First pooja Vishvaruba Dharsanam - 5.40 a.m Last pooja Rakaala Pooja - 8.p.m

Contact Address

Palani Murugan Temple No:7, P.K.C. Complex, Head Post Office Road, Palani-624601. Dindigul District, Tamilnadu, South India. E-mail: palanitemples@gmail.com Phone: +91-04545 243373

Reaching the Temple

By Air : The nearest airport is Madurai (119 km away)

By Rail and Road: Though there is a small station in Palani, it is better to go to Dindigul or Madurai and take a taxi or bus to reach Palani. There are regular buses from Madurai,Coimbatore,Chennai and Dindigul.

From Bangalore 5 1/2 hrs by car.