Daëòäyudhapäëi Temple, Palani
Palani,
is 107 km south-east from Coimbatore, and 125 km north-west from Madurai. It
enshrines Daëòäyudha-päëi in a hill-temple. It is one of the six holiest of
Murugan shrines, referred to as the Aarupadai
Vidugal. The shrine of Daëòäyudha-päëi is at the top of a hill about 500 ft
high, but there are several shrines and térthams
surrounding the hill itself. One of these is the famous shrine called Aavinakudi, built at the foot of the
hill, which is mentioned in old religious verses. It is believed to be more
than 2000 years old.
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Deity
Lord
Muruga stands as an young ascetic holding a daëòa.
Hence, he is known as Bäla Daëòäyudha-päëi. The place Tiruvävinankudi), is one
of the six padal vedu shrines of
Muruga, representing the sites where Murugan the valiant commander of the gods
sojourned, while he proceeded to battle against the demon Surapadman.
The
image of the deity in the hill shrine is made up of a wax-like substance and is
believed to be an amalgam of nine different herbal substances, and is believed
to be of nine rare minerals. Devotees believe that any substance that comes in
contact with the body of this image acquires a miraculous curing powers for
many illnesses.
The
materials used on this image during abhiñekams
(ceremonial ablutions), especially the sandalwood paste used to cover the body
overnight are highly sought after. The pancämåtam
(a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar-crystal) used in the abhiñekam is kept for long periods
without any preservative in it.
Temple architecture/style/specialty
Palani
is probably one of the most visited and the most endowed temples in the state
of Tamil Nadu. The Daëòäyudha-päëi Temple is located on the 450 feet high Palanimalai
in the town of Palani near Madurai. 659 or 690 steps line the mountain passage,
and an electric winch also takes the pilgrims up the hill.
Along
the steps to the shrine, there are small shrines of various deities with
resting place where tired devotees can rest a while during their climb. There
are about 690 steps to the top of the hill.
History
The
Temple is referred to in the Tamil work Thiru-murugatruppadal
of Nakirar of the Sangam age (pre-Christian era). Arunagiri-nathar, the saint
poet has composed 95 verses on Palani in his Thirupugazh. The Palanimalai hill
temple and the Tiruvävinankuòi temple at the foothills form a composite unit.
The Thiruvävinankuòi temple is referred to as Kuzhandhai-velayudar temple is
located at the foot of the hill, and the Saravanpoigal tank is located near it.
The Palani Andavar temple with a gold-plated vimanam is located at the top of the Palani hill.
Festivals
This
temple follows a calendar of festivals throughout the year. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month
of Phalguna.
Travels in palani city
Travels in palani city
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