The Palani Murugan Temple is one of the most gorgeous and admirable in the heart of Tamil Nadu. Lord Murugan also known as deity Kartikeya in our Hinduism, but as a Murugan he is quite popular in the Southern parts of India, particularly Tamil Nadu. The temple of Palani Murugan located at the top of the Palani Hills. This temple is very famous for its spiritual significance, architectural beauty, and divine atmosphere. Devotees from all over India come to Palani Murugan temple to seek blessings, specially they come to celebrate grand festivals here.
In India, every temple is renowned for its unique idol and its historical significance. The Palani Murugan Temple also has its own fascinating history and story about the deity. Let’s take a closer look at the temple's rituals and festivals.
In India, every temple is renowned for its unique idol and its historical significance. The Palani Murugan Temple also has its own fascinating history and story about the deity. Let’s take a closer look at the temple's rituals and festivals.
What is the History Behind Palani Murugan Temple?
The history behind the temple connected with a famous legend Lord Murugan and a divine fruit as per hindu mythology.
One day Sage Narada presented a mango (divine fruit) known as the "Gnanapazham" (Fruit of Knowledge), to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at Mount Kailash. But their sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan, both want that desired fruit. Then Lord Shiva came with a challenge to decide who will get this fruit. Then Shiva said to his sons whoever circled the world three times first would win the fruit.
Then Lord Murugan (kartikey) immediately took off on his peacock to complete the three rounds around the world, but Lord Ganesha simply circled his parents, considering them they are his world, and won the fruit. When Murugan found out about Lord Ganesha's win, he was disappointed. He misunderstood and left Kailash and came to Palani, where he settled as a hermit atop the Sivagiri Hill.
The most interesting part of Palani Temple History is the “Navapashanam” statue of Murugan that was made by Sage Bogar several thousand years ago. The medicinal value of the Navapashanam statue is that it can cure any disease with a pinch of it. This sacred statue is made of an unusual mixture called Navapashanam, a combination of nine medicinal minerals believed to possess divine healing properties. Only a highly talented alchemist can do this. If the substances are mixed in the wrong proportion, then the substances will evaporate. So the making of the Navapashanam statue is still an outstanding question. Bogar established a temple for Murugan in two places, Palani and Kathirkamam (Eelam). The Statue Palani Murugan Temple represents Lord Murugan in his youthful ascetic form, symbolizing wisdom and devotion. This sacred idol draws thousands of devotees daily, making Palani one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in South India.
Then Lord Murugan (kartikey) immediately took off on his peacock to complete the three rounds around the world, but Lord Ganesha simply circled his parents, considering them they are his world, and won the fruit. When Murugan found out about Lord Ganesha's win, he was disappointed. He misunderstood and left Kailash and came to Palani, where he settled as a hermit atop the Sivagiri Hill.
The most interesting part of Palani Temple History is the “Navapashanam” statue of Murugan that was made by Sage Bogar several thousand years ago. The medicinal value of the Navapashanam statue is that it can cure any disease with a pinch of it. This sacred statue is made of an unusual mixture called Navapashanam, a combination of nine medicinal minerals believed to possess divine healing properties. Only a highly talented alchemist can do this. If the substances are mixed in the wrong proportion, then the substances will evaporate. So the making of the Navapashanam statue is still an outstanding question. Bogar established a temple for Murugan in two places, Palani and Kathirkamam (Eelam). The Statue Palani Murugan Temple represents Lord Murugan in his youthful ascetic form, symbolizing wisdom and devotion. This sacred idol draws thousands of devotees daily, making Palani one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in South India.
What Festivals are Celebrated at Palani Murugan Temple?
Palani Murugan Temple is renowned for its grand festivals, which bring an air of devotion, joy, and spiritual energy to the temple town. Below are some of the most significant festivals celebrated at the temple:
Thaipusam
Thaipusam and Lord Murugan deeply connect with each other. And this festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is celebrated with great fervor at Palani Murugan Temple. This festival comes in January-February. The reason to celebrate when Goddess Parvati gifted the divine spear to her son Murugan which helped to defeat the demon Soorapadman.
Devotees keep strict fasting and carry Kavadis barefoot up 693 steps to the temple. Many shoot their skin with Vel as an expression of devotion. The sight of thousands chanting and ascending the hill is a breathtaking spiritual experience.
Panguni Uthiram
The Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated for 10 days and features devotees carrying Kavadies filled with holy water, sugar, and coconut. At this time, many rural dances and songs are performed, which shows the importance of rural music.
The main celebration of Panguni Uthiram is where devotees offer “Theertham” from Kodumudi, and Lord Palaniandavar accepts a special bath (Abhishekam) with holy water. This festival starts for the next 10 days, during which Lord Muthukumara Swamy, along with Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai, joyfully marches around Palani Hill. On the 7th day, the “Car Festival” becomes a big attraction for thousands of visitors. There’s a special pooja held at various mandapams in the area which showcase a grand welcome of Lord Muruga with his wives. The Palani Murugan Idol is beautifully decorated with stunning accessories, and devotees immerse themselves in the joyous celebrations.
Thaipusam
Thaipusam and Lord Murugan deeply connect with each other. And this festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is celebrated with great fervor at Palani Murugan Temple. This festival comes in January-February. The reason to celebrate when Goddess Parvati gifted the divine spear to her son Murugan which helped to defeat the demon Soorapadman.
Devotees keep strict fasting and carry Kavadis barefoot up 693 steps to the temple. Many shoot their skin with Vel as an expression of devotion. The sight of thousands chanting and ascending the hill is a breathtaking spiritual experience.
Panguni Uthiram
The Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated for 10 days and features devotees carrying Kavadies filled with holy water, sugar, and coconut. At this time, many rural dances and songs are performed, which shows the importance of rural music.
The main celebration of Panguni Uthiram is where devotees offer “Theertham” from Kodumudi, and Lord Palaniandavar accepts a special bath (Abhishekam) with holy water. This festival starts for the next 10 days, during which Lord Muthukumara Swamy, along with Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai, joyfully marches around Palani Hill. On the 7th day, the “Car Festival” becomes a big attraction for thousands of visitors. There’s a special pooja held at various mandapams in the area which showcase a grand welcome of Lord Muruga with his wives. The Palani Murugan Idol is beautifully decorated with stunning accessories, and devotees immerse themselves in the joyous celebrations.
Karthigai Deepam
In Tamilnadu, devotees celebrate Karthigai Deepam in November-December at Lord Murugan temples. On this day, a grand lamp is lit at the temple which shows divine knowledge and the victory of good over evil.
Devotees light up thousands of oil lamps at the temple that give a mesmerizing look at Palani hill. Devotees offer prayers and perform special poojas to seek Lord Murugan blessings for prosperity and wellness.
In Tamilnadu, devotees celebrate Karthigai Deepam in November-December at Lord Murugan temples. On this day, a grand lamp is lit at the temple which shows divine knowledge and the victory of good over evil.
Devotees light up thousands of oil lamps at the temple that give a mesmerizing look at Palani hill. Devotees offer prayers and perform special poojas to seek Lord Murugan blessings for prosperity and wellness.
Vaikasi Visakam
Vaikasi Visakam comes in May-June and represents the birth of Lord Murugan. The Statue Palani Murugan Temple is decorated with flowers and special Abhishekams are performed. On this day, devotees carrying the deity in a golden chariot attract large crowds of devotees who gather to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
Vaikasi Visakam comes in May-June and represents the birth of Lord Murugan. The Statue Palani Murugan Temple is decorated with flowers and special Abhishekams are performed. On this day, devotees carrying the deity in a golden chariot attract large crowds of devotees who gather to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
What Rituals Performed at Palani Murugan Temple?
There are very daily special rituals performed at the Palani Murugan Temple, which not only add a divine aura to this place but also give blessings to his believers. Check here some of the rituals that are performed at the temple:
Holy Bathing of the Idol Murugan
The Palani Murugan Temple Idol is given a ritualistic bath known as Abhishekam multiple times a day. Priests chant mantra and give bath to Idol Murugan with milk, honey, curd, sandalwood paste, and rosewater. People believe that this ritual cleanses the soul and brings divine blessings to the devotees.
Feeding the Devotees
People gathering and giving free meals to devotees become an important ritual during celebration at the temple. Every day, thousands of devotees give simple and nutritious meals to people which shows acts of charity and devotion.
Golden Chariot Procession
During the evening puja, the Palani Murugan Idol is placed in a beautifully decorated golden chariot and paraded around the temple. Devotees gather and are excited to pull the chariot, which not only brings good fortune but also fulfills their wishes.
People gathering and giving free meals to devotees become an important ritual during celebration at the temple. Every day, thousands of devotees give simple and nutritious meals to people which shows acts of charity and devotion.
Golden Chariot Procession
During the evening puja, the Palani Murugan Idol is placed in a beautifully decorated golden chariot and paraded around the temple. Devotees gather and are excited to pull the chariot, which not only brings good fortune but also fulfills their wishes.
Padi Pooja
Padi Pooja is the unique ritual at the Palani Murugan Temple, where devotees worship the steps that lead to the temple. The 693 steps are appraised as a holy journey to the temple, and many devotees climb them while chanting Lord Murugan’s name, seeking his blessings.
Kavadi
Kavadi is a special way to offer devotion to the deity Murugan. They carry decorated structures on their shoulders that are made of wood. The Kavadi represents the burden of sins and asks Lord Murugan to grant freedom from the cycle of birth and death, and also to seek his divine grace and relief from suffering.
Padi Pooja is the unique ritual at the Palani Murugan Temple, where devotees worship the steps that lead to the temple. The 693 steps are appraised as a holy journey to the temple, and many devotees climb them while chanting Lord Murugan’s name, seeking his blessings.
Kavadi
Kavadi is a special way to offer devotion to the deity Murugan. They carry decorated structures on their shoulders that are made of wood. The Kavadi represents the burden of sins and asks Lord Murugan to grant freedom from the cycle of birth and death, and also to seek his divine grace and relief from suffering.
Conclusion
Palani Murugan Temple is a spiritual place where millions of devotees come each year. If you want this year's Palani Murugan Temple idol to come to your home to make vibrant festivals and sacred rituals more cheerful, explore cottage9 and enjoy the spiritual experience at your home.
Whether you wish to witness the grand celebrations of Thaipusam or seek peace through the temple’s daily rituals, a visit to this sacred abode of Lord Murugan is sure to leave you with divine blessings and inner tranquility.
If you are planning to visit the Palani Murugan Temple, then immerse yourself in traditions, captivating rituals, and profound spiritual energy. For more details, stay tuned with us.
Whether you wish to witness the grand celebrations of Thaipusam or seek peace through the temple’s daily rituals, a visit to this sacred abode of Lord Murugan is sure to leave you with divine blessings and inner tranquility.
If you are planning to visit the Palani Murugan Temple, then immerse yourself in traditions, captivating rituals, and profound spiritual energy. For more details, stay tuned with us.
