Sri Dhandayuthapani Temple

Sri Dhandayuthapani Temple Form Palani

  • Temple History

The idol of Lord Muruga in this temple, made from a unique blend of nine toxic minerals called “Navapashanam,” is believed to have been created by Bogar, one of the eighteen Siddhas. Worshipping this idol is considered equivalent to offering prayers to all nine planets. Rediscovered in the 6th century by King Perumal of the Chera Dynasty, he built the current temple and reinstated its worship, commemorated by a small stela at the base of the hill.

  • Architecture

The temple on Sivagiri Hill features a series of neatly laid stairs with resting spots every 50 steps, alongside the rock-cut pathway Yanai Pathai, primarily for ceremonial elephants but also accessible to pilgrims. Constructed by the 9th century under the Kings of the Chera Dynasty, it showcases the Chera architectural style, with intricate designs in the outer courtyards symbolizing the royal insignia of the Pandya dynasty. In addition to the main deity, there are sub-shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, as well as to Bogar.

  • Festivals

The Plan Temple, or Sankara Narayana Temple, hosts vibrant year-round festivals like Thai Poosam, Vaikasi Visakam, Aadi Krithigai, Maha Shivaratri, and Navaratri, attracting devotees with processions, prayers, and offerings that showcase its rich spiritual heritage.

  • Travel
  • Palani, located in Dindigul district, is 111 km from both Madurai and Coimbatore, 57 km from Dindigul, 154 km from Trichy on NH83, and a seven-hour drive from Chennai covering 485 km via the Chennai-Theni Highway.
  • The nearest railway station is Dindigul. Also,27 trains cross Palani heading from and to Chennai on any day and Palani is found to be a busy railway station well connected to the major cities of South India.
  • The nearest airports are Trichy, Coimbatore and Madurai and from there the temple can be reached by Road.