Palani Murugan Temple

The Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple crowns a hillock in the Palani Hills at Palani, Dindigul district, and ranks among the six sacred abodes of Murugan. Sangam poetry knows it as Thiruaavinankudi. Legend says the demon Idumban carried the hill here from Kailasa for the sage Agastya, and that Murugan came to live on it as a hermit after losing the contest for the fruit of knowledge to his brother Ganesha. The image in the sanctum is believed to have been made by the siddha Bogar from navapashanam, a blend of nine herbs.

The Cheras are said to have built the temple between the 2nd and 5th centuries, and later dynasties enlarged it. Pilgrims climb the steps or take the winch railway or rope car to the top. Many have their heads shaved, and some carry a kavadi as an act of devotion. The temple is known for panchamritam, a sweet of five ingredients given as prasadam, which holds Geographical Indication status.