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Palani - Abode of Lord Murugan

Palani (Pazhani / Thiru Avinankudi) is a temple in a hilltop in the Dindigul district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The deity of Palani is known variously as Lord Murugan, Dandayudhapani Swami, Shanmukhan, Arumukhan, Saravanan, Swaminathan etc. Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD.

The legend behind the origin of the temple is as follows. Once sage Narada paid a visit to Kailasa to see Lord Siva and Parvathi and gifted a mango (jnanappazham or fruit of knowledge). Lord Siva gave it to Parvathi who in turn wanted it for her children to eat it. As there was only one fruit and it should not be cut, they announced a contest and said that the winner would be given the fruit. Whoever makes a pradakshinam (circum ambulation) of the entire world first will be given the fruit.Lord Murugan mounted his vahana (peacock) to go around the world. Lord Ganesha was cunning and circumambulated around his parents, symbolising the world, and got the fruit. On his return Lord Murugan found himself cheated and in his anger renunciated everything and came to this spot to settle forever. Lord Siva and Parvati said, "Pazham Nee" ('You are the Fruit') to pacify him and that is how the name of the place came into being Pazhani.

Visit the official temple website to know more about the legend, facilities, maps, picture galleries etc.
Link: http://palani.org/

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