Sunday 21 October 2012

Dandayudhapäni Temple, Palani


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.



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

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