Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani

Sthala Puranam

Sage Narada gave a fruit of knowledge to Shiva. Shiva said it would go to whichever son went around the world first. Murugan set off on his peacock. Ganesha simply walked around his parents, because they were the world to him, and won the fruit.

Murugan felt cheated and left Kailash. He came to the Palani hills and stood there as an ascetic with only a staff (dhandam). This is why he is called Dhandayuthapani, 'the one who holds a staff'.

Another story says the asura Idumban carried the Palani hill from Kailash on sage Agastya's order, and it was set down here.

Speciality

• The main idol was made and installed by the Siddha sage Bogar. It is said to be made of navapashanam, a mix of nine herbal minerals.
• Panchamirtham, the sweet prasadam of five ingredients, has a Geographical Indication tag.
• You can go up by steps, by a sloping path, by the winch train or by the rope car.

Festivals

• Thaipusam (January–February), the biggest festival
• Panguni Uthiram (March–April)
• Skanda Sashti

How to reach

Before you go

• Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
• Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
• Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
• On Thaipusam and weekends the winch and rope-car queues are very long. Going up on foot is often faster.
• Panchamirtham is sold at the temple's own counters.

Prayers for this temple

• Kanda Sashti Kavasam
• Murugan Gayatri (Shanmukha)