Arulmigu Abirami Amman Temple, Dindigul

Arulmigu Abirami Amman Temple  is a holy place situated in Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, India. This is one of the important ‘Shivasthalam’ were you can find Badmagiriswarar – Abirami Amman and Kalahastheeswarar – Gnanambigai Sannathi’s. There was no shrine for Ambica in the beginning. Mother Kali came here to destroy a demon named Analan and was very furious. Lord Shiva softened Her fury and married Her. She looked very alluring then and therefore, was named Abhirami Ambica. A festival remembering the furious Kali destroying the demon and her wedding with Shiva is celebrated during Chithirai month – April-May.

Though a Shiva sthala-place, Ambicas occupy a prominent place. The temple is popularly known as Abhirami temple. The name Abhirami contains auspicious Mantra letters. Worshipping Mother in the name of Abhirami, naturally the devotees chant this Mantra bring them manifold blessings.

Greatness Of Temple

Unlike in other temples, there are two presiding deities in this temple.  Car and wedding festivals are celebrated in this temple only in evenings against morning hours in other temples.  In his foreword to the famous book Thendral Vidu Dhoodhu - sending a message to Lord Padmagirinathar through the wind from south - by Pala Pattadai Chockanatha Pulavar, great Researcher and Scholar of Tamil Renaissance – by gathering age old literatures from the palm leaves and publishing them in print, says that Dindeeswaram is but the name of Dindigul adding that the place is one mentioned in Thevaram hymns also.

In early days, the temple of Lord Padmagiriswarar was on the hill top.  Lord will come to the ground during festivals days.  To receive the Lord, a mandap was built then near Mother Abhirami Amman temple.

King Achuta Devarayar ruling this place then was a staunch devotee of Lord Kalahastheeswar of Thirukalathi now in Andhra Pradesh.  To worship Him daily and that too in his place, the king installed Kalahastheeswarar and Mother Gnamabikai in this Mandap in the year 1578.  Later, when other kings came to power here, they brought down Lord Shiva and Mother too to the foot hill place and facilitated worship easily in the same mandap.  The mandap then was expanded as a full fledged temple with both Lords and Mothers.  Even now, there are two presiding Lords with two Mothers in the same temple in separate shrines.  During the Fridays of Aadi and Thai months (July-August and January-February) respectively, Ambicas are dressed in sandal paste (alankaras).  Special pujas are performed on the Thai new moon day. 

There was no shrine for Ambica in the beginning.  Mother Kali came here to destroy a demon named Analan and was very furious.  Lord Shiva softened Her fury and married Her.  She looked very alluring then and therefore, was named Abhirami Ambica.  A festival remembering the furious Kali destroying the demon and her wedding with Shiva is celebrated during Chithirai month – April-May.

Though a Shiva sthala-place, Ambicas occupy a prominent place.  The temple is popularly known as Abhirami temple.  The name Abhirami contains auspicious Mantra letters.  Worshipping Mother in the name of Abhirami, naturally the devotees chant this Mantra bring them manifold blessings. 

Tirukarthikai in November- December was grandly observed in olden days.  Two Shiva devotees Bahu and Subahu used to worship the Lord during these days without fail.  While they were proceeding to temple, Lord Shiva intercepted them in the guise of a tiger as if to kill them.   

The two asked the tiger to wait and have them for its prey after they finished the Shiva worship.  The tiger yielded to their request.  They returned to the tiger as promised.  Tiger Shiva granted darshan to them and blessed them with salvation.  This event is symbolically celebrated during Karthikai festival. 

Varuna the God of Rain lost his job due to a curse by Indira.  He prayed to Lord Shiva here and got back his job.  Those who had lost their jobs pray to Lord here on their birth star days or on Poornima-full moon days offering Rudrabisheka and Samba rice nivedhana to regain the job.  Those aspiring promotions also follow this worship.

Sage Vishwamitra offered a heavy wage to a Brahmin named Sumedhan for participating in his yajna.  The Brahmin was still greedy and demanded more.  To teach him a lesson, the sage cursed the Brahmin to become a deer.  He also told the animal that it would get back its original form by worshipping Lord Padmagiriswarar in this place.  This event is played during the Chithirai-April-May Brahammotsavam in the temple. 

Girivalam-circumambulating the hill is followed by devotees on Poornima-full moon days.  On the eighth day of new moon fortnight (Ashtami), in Margazhi-December-January, Lord Shiva gives alms to all (Padi Alathal in Tamil).  Pancha Moorthis come in procession that day.  Lord Dakshinamurthi in the Shiva shrine goshta graces with two disciples only against four traditionally seen in other temples.  They are in standing posture learning from the Great Teacher paying their respects.  Behind the shrine of Lord Kalahastheeswarar, in the place of Lingodhbava, Lord Muruga occupies the place. 

Sage Agasthya worshipped Lord Vinayaka here on his way to Pothigai hills.  The Vinayaka praised as Agasthya Vinayaka is on the Girivalam path.  During Skanda Sashti, Valli and Deivani come to this place.  A drama is played then here as if Vinayaka threatening Valli and followed by Muruga-Valli wedding.  A nivedhana made of Thinai flour, a corn so dearto Lord Muruga is offered during this festival.

There is a shrine for Lord Varadaraja Perumal in the prakara facing north, a direction said to be very auspicious and prosperous.  People pray here seeking prosperity.  Sri Anjaneya having His shrine separately in other temples or before the Lord, graces the devotees so close to Perumal Himself in the shrine, a respect to His Bhakti.  On the Vaikunta Ekadasi day, Perumal passes through the entrance of Mother Abhirami as there is no special Sorga Vasal – entrance to Paradise for Perumal in the temple.  It is said that He uses this entrance with liberty as the Brother of Mother Abhirami.

Temple History

Lord Brahmma performed penance in this place on Lord Shiva for relief from an evil effect-dosha- he was suffering then.  Lord gave him darshan from a Lotus-Padma- tank.  Hence, Lord Shiva is praised as Padmagiriswara.  He marched on a demon Dindimasura.  At the very sight of Lord, the demon became good and surrendered at His feet.  As requested by Him, Lord agreed to make the place known after his name as Dindeeswaram.

Later, the demon invaded Devas who fell at the feet of Lord of Padmagiri.  As a token of their gratitude to Lord, the Devas installed a Shiva devotee Dharmabala as the king of Dindeeswaram and left the place.  He built a temple to Lord Padmagiriswara on the hill top.  During the rule of the Moghuls, people brought down Lord and Ambica to the ground temple as procession deities in the present Kalahastheeswara temple.  They showed equal respect and importance to both Shivas and Ambicas.  Dindeeswaram later came to be known as Dindigul.This is a hill temple.

Festival

• Chithirai
12 day Chithirai big festival in April-May with flag hoisting on the Kruthika star day and concluding on the Chithirai star day with theerthavari, drawing huge crowd.
• Aani
Aani Thirumanjana Thiruvizha will be celebrate
• Aadi
Sandhana kappu Abisegam will be celebrate on mother Ambika and Abirami of all fridays.
• Aavani
Vinayagar chaturthi will be celebrate
• Ippasi
kandahar sasti kavasam will be celebrate on 6 days of this month
• Kathigai
Karthigai thiruvizha will be celebrate in this month
• Margalai
Thiruvilaku Poojai will be celebrate in this month
• Maasi
Special valipadu for Arulmigu nadarajar

Thirumalaikeni Subramaniaswamy Temple, Dindigul

Sri Subramaniaswamy temple is located in the city of Thirumalaikeni, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu and is about 500-1000 years old. The Temple is situated at a distance of 25 kms from Dindigul on the way to Senthurai, where Lord Muruga blesses his devotees. It is situated on the top of a hill in the midst of thick flora and fauna.

Peacock and monkeys engage the children who visit the temple. The spring water is tasty and is available in hot, cold and normal temperature at various places with in the temple which surprises the devotees. Buses are available from Dindigul. Private cars and vans are the other modes of transport. The place can also be approached from Natham.

Legends

A king belonging to the Pandya dynasty had the desire of building a temple for Lord Muruga. While he was here on hunting and resting after drinking the water from a spring, he fell asleep. Lord Muruga appeared in his dream and directed him to build the temple here. Accordingly, the old and first temple came into being.

Greatness of Temple

Dressed as a king 

Lord Balamurugan in the upper temple always appears in his royal attire known as Raja Alankaram. It is the faith of the devotees that seeing the Lord in the Royal form would ensure high position and leadership in life. The consorts of Muruga, Valli and Deivanai are not by the side of the Lord but grace in the form of the holy springs. 

Kil Palani

Generally, devotees go up on the steps to have the darshan of the Lord in hill temples. Here, people step down to reach the Lord. Devotees call this temple Kilpalani (Palani downward). During the 7 day Skanda Sashti festival, Surasamharam (killing the demon Surapadma) takes place on the sixth day followed by Valli-Deivanai wedding festival on the seventh day.

Speciality

This Murugan temple is built in such a way those devotees have to go down to worship lord Muruga. Maunaguru Swamigal Adhistanam is situated near by this temple. Milk abhishegam, Santhana kappu, Viboothi abhishegam are conducted by devotees as people who want higher position in office pray to lord Murugan who is always in raja Alangaram.

The Temple

It is a two tier temple with a Muruga shrine at the ground and one at the top of the hill. : This is a two tier temple in the midst of dense forests. The idol of the presiding deity was damaged in days of yore and the temple too became dilapidated. Regular pujas came to an end. Sri Kripanandavariar took up the renovation of the temple in the year 1979. A new idol was made for the presiding deity. But the old idol could not be removed. Therefore, a Mandap was built where the old idol was installed while a temple above this was built installing the new idol. Thus, it became a two tier temple with deities installed in each.

The two temples are constructed with high engineering skill that the water used for the Abhishekam of the Lord in the upper level will fall on the Lord in the Ground too through a hole specially made for the purpose.

Shakthi Vinayaka shrine is in the corridor of the temple. Saint Pattinathar appears under the mango tree in the temple. The Adhishtanam (Samadhi) of His Holiness Maunaguru Swamigal is near the temple.

Valli Theertham is in the middle of the hill in the form of a well, hence the place is known as Malaikeni- a spring the hill. The specialty is the spring, the source of which could not be traced.

Temple Opening Time

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m

Festivals

Chitra Poornima in the month of April-May, Vaikasi Visakam (May-June), Kruthika in Aadi (July-August) and Karthigai (November-December),Skanda Sashti in Iyppasi ((October-November), Thirukarthigai (November-December) and Thai Poosam (January-February).

Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani temple, Palani, Dindigul

   Palani Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani temple is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. It is located in the town of Palani in Dindigul, 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of Coimbatore and northwest of Madurai in the foot-hills of the Palani hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Palani temple is considered synonymous with Panchamirtam, a sweet mixture made of five ingredients.

As per Hindu legend, Sage Narada visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to him a fruit, the gyana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge). He decided to award it to whichever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Karthikeya started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them and won the fruit. Karthikeya was furious and felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit to Palani. The idol of the Muruga in Palani was created and consecrated by sage Bogar, one of Hinduism's eighteen great siddhas, out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam.

Other than the steps and sliding elephant way, there is a winch and rope car used to transport devotees uphill. Six poojas performed from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m and special poojas on festival days the temple, when is is open from 4.30 a.m. As of 2016, the temple was the richest among temples in the state with a collection of 33 crore during the period of July 2015 to June 2016.

Legend

Lord Murugan

Lord Muruga had just been outsmarted by his brother Ganesa in a contest for going who around the world first and He was still smarting over the matter. Ganapati had won the fruit (the yhana-pazham) by simply going around his parents. Long after this, Subrahmanya came seating on his peacock to find that the fruit had already been given away. In anger, He consecrated to leave his home and family and came down to Tiru Aavinankudi at the Adivaaram (meaning 'foot of the Sivagiri Hill'). Siva pacified him by saying that Subrahmanya Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge. Hence the place was called Pazham-nee ('You are the fruit') or Palani. Later He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a hermit in peace and solitude.

      Lord Muruga, in His aspect as Lord Dandayudhapani, stands for repudiation. Shunning all wordly possessions, the only apparel He has chosen to retain is a breechcloth . But His bhaktars never tire of offering Him costly garments and enriching His wardrobe with luxurious royal clothes which are used to adorn Him when His devotees yearn to see the Lord in the vesture of a King. For indeed, His state is that of a Swami or self-governing Lord.

It is also claimed by many that the materials of abhishegam like milk, sandalpaste, etc., attain medicative properties on being decanted over Lord Palaniandavars idol and they have healed many diseases, when taken by the patients.

The avatar of Palani Andavar is said to have been made of Navapaashanam ( a combination of Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat), by a siddhar called Bhogar.

Idumban

       Sage Agastya wanted to take two hills - Sivagiri and Sakthigiri - to his abode in the South and commissioned his disciple Idumban to carry them. Idumban bore the hills slung across his shoulders, in the form of a kavadi one on either side. When he was fatigued, he placed the kavadi near Palani to take rest.

      At this stage, Subrahmanya or Muruga had been outwitted in a contest for going round the world. Ganapati had won the prized fruit (pomegranate or mango) by simply going round His parents. Long after, this, Subrahmanya came sweating on His peacock to find that the prize had already been given away. In anger, the frustrated child left the divine parents and came down to Tiru Avinankudi at the Adivaram (pronounced Adivaram. It means foot of the Sivagiri Hill). Siva pacified Him by saying that He (Subrahmanya) Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge nee - you. Hence the place was called 'Pazham Nee' or Palani. Later, He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a recluse in peace and solitude.

      When Idumban resumed his journey, he could not lift the hill. Muruga had made it impossible for Idumban to make it. In the fierce battle that ensued, Idumban was killed but was later on restored to life. Idumban prayed that:

      1. whosoever carried on his shoulders the Kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the temple on a vow, should be blessed and

      2. he should be given the privilege of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill.

      Hence we have the Idumban shrine halfway up the hill where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandayudhapani. Since then, pilgrims to Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a kavadi. The custom has spread from Palani to all Muruga shrines worldwide.

Bhogar 

       Bogar is a Siddhar, he is considered as one of the 18 siddhars born in the world. According to epigraphical sources and his book Bogar Seven thousand his period is around 3000 B.C. Bogar born at India and visited China in search of truth of life, he gained knowledge in medicine, astrology, spritiuality, yoga etc. Bogar anticipating that in due course of period, human beings will suffer from large number of disease. As an expert in medicine he used 4448 rare herbs and made 9 poisonous medicine, mixing these 9 poisons into one needs great knowledege and skill, to make a Master Medicine ( One medicine to cure all disease ). Thirumoolar also discuss one such Master Medicine in his book Thiru Mandiram. With the consultation of Agasthiar ( Father of Ayurvedic Medicine) and other siddhars Bogar mixed the 9 poisons ( Nava Bashanam ) and made the Master Medicine in the form of Lord Murugan which is currently worshiped at Palani Murugan temple. There is a place near Palani Hill called Thanasiappan Temple which is the place were Bogar mixed the Nava Bashanam and made the Murugan idol. Bogar and others then decided that by using the milk and panchamirtham ( a sweet recipe ) poured on the idol, one can extract the medicine from the idol. The milk and panchamritham then becomes medicine to cure disease. After installing Lord Murugan Navabashana idol at the Palani Hill, Bhogar used to worship it with milk abishegam ( pouring milk on the idol ) and panchamirtha abishegam ( pouring panchamirtham on the idol ). His disciple Pulipani siddhar then took over the job of Lord Murugan pooja after Bogar went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi - the highest samadhi stage where the Mind dissolves with Matter and Energy.

      Bogar Samadhi is inside Palani Murugan temple at Palani Hill. Actually Bogar himself constructed his samadhi exactly under the Lord Murugan Navabasha idol and went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi there. The entrance to his samadhi is a cave like structure, now also worship for this great siddhar is conducted at this entrance where he is last seen by his disciples which is at the Palani temple.

Temple (An Oceanic Life Story)

Bogar is a Siddhar, he is considered as one of the 18 siddhars born in the world. According to epigraphical sources and his book Bogar Seven thousand his period is around 3000 B.C. Bogar born at India and visited China in search of truth of life, he gained knowledge in medicine, astrology, spritiuality, yoga etc. Bogar anticipating that in due course of period, human beings will suffer from large number of disease. As an expert in medicine he used 4448 rare herbs and made 9 poisonous medicine, mixing these 9 poisons into one needs great knowledege and skill, to make a Master Medicine ( One medicine to cure all disease ). Thirumoolar also discuss one such Master Medicine in his book Thiru Mandiram. With the consultation of Agasthiar ( Father of Ayurvedic Medicine) and other siddhars Bogar mixed the 9 poisons ( Nava Bashanam ) and made the Master Medicine in the form of Lord Murugan which is currently worshiped at Palani Murugan temple. There is a place near Palani Hill called Thanasiappan Temple which is the place were Bogar mixed the Nava Bashanam and made the Murugan idol.

Bogar and others then decided that by using the milk and panchamirtham ( a sweet recipe ) poured on the idol, one can extract the medicine from the idol. The milk and panchamritham then becomes medicine to cure disease. After installing Lord Murugan Navabashana idol at the Palani Hill, Bogar used to worship it with milk abishegam ( pouring milk on the idol ) and panchamirtha abishegam ( pouring panchamirtham on the idol ). His disciple Pulipani siddhar then took over the job of Lord Murugan pooja after Bogar went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi - the highest samadhi stage where the Mind dissolves with Matter and Energy.

Bogar Samadhi is inside Palani Murugan temple at Palani Hill. Actually Bogar himself constructed his samadhi exactly under the Lord Murugan Navabasha idol and went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi there. The entrance to his samadhi is a cave like structure, now also worship for this great siddhar is conducted at this entrance where he is last seen by his disciples which is at the Palani temple.

Navapashanam (The icon made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances)

He deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navapashanam. Some people say it is a combination of medicinal herbs. It consits of the following items : Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.

Archaeological Details

           The Palani Hill temple has been constructed on the top of a hill. It is said that the temple was built by a Chera King.

1. EDICTS : 

   

   On the outer walls of Lord Murugas shrine there are many edicts, made by some Pandya Kings, Sadayavarman sundarapandiyan, Sadayavarman veerapandian, Veera Nanjana wudaiyar , Mallikarjuna Devarayar II and others. The edict by Sundarapandiyan is the oldest of all. He was also Known as Kongupandiyan and was the famous king of the later Pandya Dynasty . He ascended the throne in 1251 AD. From the inscriptions on the wall, he come to know that many kings have gifted lands and villages to the temple to enable the conduct of regular Poojas. In 1300 AD king Jatavarman sundrapandian gifted a village for carrying a special daily Pooja in his name. It is called Avani Vendha Raman Sandhi. 
2. SCULPTURE AT THE HILL TEMPLE :
   

   In the front Mandapam of the temple there are many beautiful and artistic sculpture pieces live Siddhas in penance, parrot, peacock, deer, Karpaga vriksha (Divine Tree ) and so on. There are also icons of Dhandayuthapani. His devotees, as also Yaali . At the entrance near the Raja Gopuram there are two nice sculpture pieces - a young lady carrying her child in the right arm and carrying a flower basket in the left another beautiful lady , the friend of the first standing in front of her. There are pillars with Yaali in the Paaravel Mandapam. In the Ardha Mandapam there are sculptures of young, good looking damsels. They create a sense of admiration in the minds of the visitors. The Tamils belive that Murugan resides where there is beauty. The Sanctum of Dhandayuthapani Swami is full of art-work. The ceiling here having the Kodungai design speaks of the talent of the sculptors. The balcony - like structure on the outer side of this area adds beauty. Such artistic work can be seen on the pillars of Thiruvavinankudi temple and Periyanayagiamman temple. In the Navaranga Mandapam here there are two pieces the divine dance of Lord Siva and (opposite to this ) the dance of Kali after her shedding her ego .
3. PAINTING :
     

  In the temple walls of Periyanayaki Ammam Temple there is a beautiful ancient painting, revealing the art of singers, artists and dancers. It belongs to the Nayak period.
4. ANCIENT COINS : 
  

    In Palani area , old coins of ancient kingdoms were also found.

Vallisunai

In the Hill temple, Valli sunai considered to be the most ancient and holiest, was not properly cleaned for the part 15 Years. The Sunai was cleaned (for more then 10 days) and transformed into a cleaned Holy Sunai.

About the Hill Temple

Height of the Hill : 150 M.

Total Steps : 693

Direction of temple : Towards West.

Pragaram around hill                                                    

(Giriveethi ) : 2.4 KM

Chariot's

Golden Chariot

Golden Chariot is at the Hill Temple and it has been made using 4.730 Kg of Gold and 63.000Kg of Silver. This Golden Chariot was donated on 17.8.1947 by Thiru V.V.C.R.Murugesa Mudaliar of Erode. The Fee for the Thangaratha Ula (Golden Chariot Procession) is Rs.2,000/,for which two members are allowed. The Golden Chariot procession is held on every day, except on Festival days (ThaiPoosam -4days, Panguni Utharam 4Days,Navarathiri -10days,Soorasamharam-1day and Deepa Kirthigai - 1 day)

Silver Chariot

This Chariot is at Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman temple one of the subtemples and it was donated in the year 1939 by Thiru Ummudi Ramaiah Chetty and Gurusamy Chetty & Co., of Chennai. The weight of the Chariot is 713.725kg The silver Chariot is drawn only on 6th day of ThaiPoosam Festival , 6th day of Panguni Utharam festival , Chirtra Pournami and last Adi Friday .

Wooden Chariot

Three Wooden Chariots are at Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman Temple and one chariot is at Poomparai Temple, Kodaikanal. Wooden Chariots' procession are conducted only on ThaiPoosam, Panguni Utharam, Vaikasi Visakam and for Mari Amman festival.

Winch

The capacity of winch is 36 seats and length of the way is 290 meters from base station to hill temple and travel time is only 8 minutes. The cost of winch is cheap and It operates from 5.20 A.M to 9 P.M. On festival days Winch will be operated from 3.20 A.M to 9.00 P.M.

      Three Man Riding Haulage Winches are operated. The 36 seater 1st Winch was installed in the year 1966, the 32 Seater 2nd Winch was installed in the year 1981 and the 36 seater 3rd Winch was installed in the year 1988.

The cost of journey of the winch for upward and downward :

        Normal Way (Above 3 years)     Rs. 10/-

        Special Way                                    Rs. 50/-

      Along the winch tracks beautiful Greenish garden is maintained, water falls and Lily ponds are maintained at the lower winch station

Rope Way System

The rope-car takes only 2.45 minutes to cover the distance of 323 metres . The rope car is faster than winch.

      The Rope car system is introduced for the first time in Tamilnadu at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani for the benefits of the devotees.

      A mono Cable Fixed Grip Reversible Jig-Back Rope way system is being operated with four cabins on each side with 350 passengers per Hour capacity with travel time of 3 minutes.

      The rope way is operated from 7.00A.M to 9.00P.M with one hour break between 1.30P.M to 2.30P.M.

Fare for Rope way : One way trip - Rs.15/-, Special way - Rs.50/-

      Italian and Korean grass giving rock a greenish look were planted on the hill embarkment on the rope car station. 30 meters High artificial water fall is being created along the rope car alignment. Flower giving plants are also planted giving beautiful location. Watering all these, water spray guns are used.

Second Ropeway System :

      Second rope way system of the same existing type but with higher capacity is going to be installed for which necessary action has already been taken.

Landscaping :

      Italian and Korean grass giving the rock a greenish look were planted on the hill embankment on the rope car station. 30 meters High artificial water fall is being created along the rope car alignment. Flowering plants are also planted to create a beautiful sight. The eye-catching green park has drip and sprinkler facilities. Artificial falls and greenery are now an added attraction.

Material Ropeway System :

      The installation of material rope way at cost of Rs.36 Lakhs to bring down the carbages collected at the hill temple is in progress.

Thiru Aavinankudi (Kulandai Velayudhaswami Thirukkovil)

       

This ancient and large temple at the foot of the hill is the third Padai-Vidu celebrated in song, classics, legend and tradition since antiquity. The official name of the shrine is Kulandai Velalyudhaswami Temple Thiru Avinankudi is the name of the place. A sacred tank is attached to the temple.

      Thiru Avinankudi is among the earliest abodes of Muruga and perhaps it had humble beginnings under the shade of the Nelli tree (amla). Poet Nakkirar says that God Muruga holds at Thiru Avinankudi a Royal Court of all gods with saints emancipated and clad in saffron-dyed clothes and deer skin. The presiding deity is Muruga as a child sitting on a peacock. A convenient and full view can be taken by the worshippers since the sanctum is on an elevation. He is like a kindly monarch on His throne who receives the humble tributes and petitions of His loyal subjects. The festival deity and the Nelli and Nagalinga flora and the shrine of Arunagirinathar are worth your notice.

      The temple was renovated lavishly between 1898 and 1910 by N. M. Subramanian Chettiar of Karaikudi and K. P. S. Palaniappa Chettiar of Kandanur. SP. Ramanathan Chettiar and other members of the first donor's family have added in 1968 a majestic raja gopuram - one of Palani's landmarks visible from the hill-temple. Since the late 1970's, a few small shrines and an artistic mandapam have been constructed, adding to the beauty of an already beautiful temple.

Saravana Poikai :

       

Saravana Poikai is the name of a pool in the Himalayas, from whose waters the divine child, saravanapoikaiMuruga, is believed to have emerged. Hence the name Saravana Bhava. Saravana Poikai pools in Muruga shrines are sources of redemption. Accumulated sins are thought to be destroyed by a dip here. As fire consumes fuel, so too this sacred pool consumes the sins of the wicked.

The Saravana Poikai at Thiru Avinankudi has drawn uncounted millions to its banks. It has a hoary tradition and a bath or at least a symbolic use of its waters over your head is a prerequisite for entering the sanctum sanctorum. Bath taps are provided at separate enclosures for men and women.

Festivals

Thai   -  Thai Poosam

This is a very important festival , associated with pilgrimage to Palani. Devotees from Tamil Nadu reach Palani by foot (Pada Yathra) and worship. Begining with flag-hosting at Perianayagiamman Temple, this festival runs on for 10 days. Kavadi of various types (with holy water, sugar, flowers, tender co-conuts, etc., ) are offered to Murugan at Palani. On the 6th day, there is procession of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai in the Silver Car. During this, Kavadi dance and rural musical-dance are performed. On the 7 th day there is "Thai Thaer" (wooden Car) and thousands of devotees participate in this. On the 7th day "Chinna Kumarar" goes round in His Golden Car.

Panguni - Panguni Uthiram

This also is a very important festival here, and is celebrated for 10 days, devotees carry Kavadies with holy water (from sacred rivers), sugar, tender co-conut etc. During these 10 days, we can see various rural dances like "Oyilattam, Thappattam, Dhidumattam,Velanattam, Samiyattam"etc., along with rural songs. The rural music is an important part of Paunguni uthiram festival.

      The main feature of Panguni Uthiram is the offering of "Theertham" (Posts of Holy water) from Kodumudi. Lord Palaniandavar is given abhishekam with this holy water. The devotees carrying Kavadi to Palani sing Kavadi - songs throughout their 'Padayathra' and these songs are ancient oral songs.

      On the 1st day, there is flag hoisting at Thiruvavinankugi Temple and on all the 10 days Lord Muthukumara Swamy with Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai goes in procession around the Palani Hill. On the 7th day there is "Car Festival" and this is attended by thousands of devotees. During these days the Lord also is given special reception and pooja at many 'mandapams' in the Palani Adivaram area. It is a grand sight to see Lord Muruga with his concerts during these processions.

Cithirai - Chitra Pournami

On this day, a ten-day festival is conducted at Arulmigu Lakshminarayana perumal temple. At the Periyanayakiamman Temple also, Lord Muthukumara Swamy, along with Valli and Deivanai, rides in the silver car along the streets around the Temple.

Agni Nakshatram 

This is one of the important festivals at Palani. During the last 7 days of Chitrai and the first 7 days of the following month(i.e.Vaikasi) the devotees of Lord Muruga go around the Hill by foot, early in the mornings. As per the Palani mythology, it is considered holy to worship the Hill temple from afar or from near or go around it. It is also called Girivalam. It is an age old practice. In ancient days the siddhas, rishis, saints and other noble persons followed this practice. Girivalam gives mental peace, the medicinal herbs around the hillock cure many physical diseases. Nowadays people go around the temple by wearing Kadamba Flower.

On the 1st day, there is flag hoisting at Thiruvavinankugi Temple and on all the 10 days Lord Muthukumara Swamy with Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai goes in procession around the Palani Hill. On the 7th day there is "Car Festival" and this is attended by thousands of devotees. During these days the Lord also is given special reception and pooja at many 'mandapams' in the Palani Adivaram area. It is a grand sight to see Lord Muruga with his concerts during these processions.

Vaikaasi - Vaikaasi Visakam

This is celebrated for ten days. At the Perianayaki amman temple, it is celebrated for 10 days with procession every day. There is car festival on the 10th day(i.e Visakam). Visakam is Lord Muruga's birthday star. This is celebrated at all Murugan Temples.

Aani - Aani Annabhisekam

During the Tamil month of Aani(3rd month of the Tamil year) Annabhishekam (abhishekam with fragrant cooked rice) is conducted at Thiruvavinankudi Temple, Hill Temple, Periyanayagi Amman temple and Periyavudaiyar Temple. On Aani Uthiram Day, abhisekam is performed to Lord Nataraja and a procession is conducted with the Lord in the Company of the icons of the four Tamil Saints.

Aadi - Aadi Perukku

From Perianayaki amman Temple, Lord Kailasanathar and Amman go to Periyavudaiyar Koil and after performing "Kannimar Pooja" return in a procession.

Aadi Krithigai

This is celebrated in a grand way at Palani. Devotees carry flower-Kavadi to Lord Muruga and Worship.

Aadi Amavasai

On this day many devotees offer 'tonsure' on the banks of Shanmuga River and climb the Hill for worship. In the book of Palani mythology this has been mentioned in the chapter on 'Shanmuga Nadi'. Devotees consider that they get cleansed of their sins once they bathe in the Shanmuga River.

Aadi Laksharchana

At Periyanayaki Amman Temple, this is conducted well , and Amman (Goddess Periyanayaki) is given special abhishekam and decoration . On the last day of the function, Amman is adorned with the "Golden Kavacham".

Kandhar Shasti - Soora Samharam

This is a very important festival at Palani, during the 6 days in the month of Aippasi (7th Tamil month). This is based on the mythological story of Lord Muruga Killing the demons. On this day only (once in a year) the Lord comes down the Hill, and after vanquishing the demons, ascends the Hill again. This is associated with Kandhar Shasti. The four demons (Gajamugan, Tharagan, Singamugan and Surapadman) are won by the Lord. It is a grand sight to see the dramatic representation of this. On this day devotees observe total fasting as they consider that this will offset all their sins.

Karthigai - Thirukkarthigai

From Thirugnanasambandar's statement "Ancient Karthigai day", we known about the age-old practice of this festival. It falls on Karthigai Day in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It is celebrated for 10 days and daily "Chinna Kumarar" goes in processionin the small golden carriage. On Karthigai day, he goes inthe Golden Car. On the 10th day, woman devotees light lamps and worship Murugan. This is done in Thiruvavinankudi, Periyanayagi Amman Temple and the Hill Temple.This is a very important day for devotees. Every month also, an Karthigai day, devotees visit Palani.

Maargali Pooja

During the Tamil month of Markazhi (9th month) the Hill Temple opens at 4 A.M, and recital of Thiruvembavai is done. The early morning Pooja is done in all the main Temples in Palani. The recital of Thiruppavai is done at Perumal temple.