Palani
A major pilgrimage centre, Palani is situated on the
edge of the great Vyapuri tank. Palani is a municipality in Dindigal
district, located about 60 kms from Dindigal. This temple draws
more than 7 million devotees every year to offer their prayers
to Lord Muruga.
Its hilltop Subrahmanyam temple is the most famous of the six
abodes of Muruga, the son of Shiva, who is said to have come here
disguised as a mendicant after quarreling over a fruit with his
brother, Ganesha. Popularly known as Dandayutha Pani ("Bearer
of the Staff"), Murugan is depicted with a clean shaven head,
holding a stick. His image is made of medicinal herbs, mixed together
to create a wax-like substance. During the Thaipoosam festival,
the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims, many of whom shave
their heads as an act of worship. An electric cable car takes
devotees up the 600 steps to the hill shrine. Palani is also a
base for hikes in the surrounding hills.