Pazhani / Palani is situated in Dindigul District, on the Palani hill bottom (Malai Adivaram) called Thiruaavinankudi, where the temple deity is known as “Kuzhanthai Velayuthaswami”. Palani also has the scriptural name Pothigai.
The legend is that this lord was worshipped by Goddess Lakshmi (‘Thiru’ in Tamil), the sacred cow Kamadhenu (‘Aa’ in Tamil), the sun God Suryan (‘Inan’ in Tamil), the earth goddess (‘ku’ in Tamil), and the fire god Agni (‘Di’ in Tamil), hence the place called “Thiruaavinankudi”.
The hilltop temple has 690 steps where “Dhandayuthapani” is the main deity, in a meditating state, carrying a staff (‘danda’) as weapon (‘ayutha’) in his hands (‘pani’). Here, the main deity is made out of Navabashanam and was created and established by Siddhar Bhogar.
Great Tamil poet Avvaiyar, known not only for her poetic excellence but also for wisdom, called Murugan “Pazham Nee” so the place came to be known as Pazhani.
This is the place where Murugan resided after his feud with his family over a divine fruit.
Palani Murugan Temple Timings:
| S.No | Timings | Darshan / Pooja |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5:40 am | Viswaroopa Darshan |
| 2 | 6:00 am – 6:50 am | Darshan |
| 3 | 6:50 am – 7:15 am | Vila Pooja |
| 4 | 7:15 am – 8:00 am | Darshan |
| 5 | 8:00 am – 8:25 am | Sirukalasanthi |
| 6 | 8:25 am – 9:00 am | Darshan |
| 5 | 9:00 am – 9:25 am | Kalasanthi |
| 6 | 9:25 am – 12:00 pm | Darshan |
| 7 | 12:00 pm – 12:25 pm | Uchikala Pooja |
| 8 | 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Darshan |
| 9 | 5:30 pm – 5:55 pm | Sayaraksha Pooja |
| 10 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Darshan |
| 11 | 8:00 pm – 8:25 pm | Rakaala Pooja |
| 12 | 8:30 pm – 8:45 pm | Darshan |
| 13 | 9:00 pm | Temple closing hours |
Note: Palani Temple Timings might differ on festival days.
Palani Temple Dress Code: Any decent outfit.