Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple

Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple: Abode of Lord Murugan

The Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, situated atop the Sivagiri hill in Palani, is one of the six abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan. This ancient temple is renowned for its unique idol of Lord Murugan, made from Navapashanam (a combination of nine poisonous substances believed to have medicinal properties), and the panoramic views it offers.

Expectations for Pilgrims

Sacred Prasad: Divine Blessings from Lord Dhandayuthapani

The Prasad at the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is considered highly sacred and blessed by Lord Murugan. It typically includes items representing the temple's unique spiritual significance and the deity's grace.

Prasad / Prasadam :

Note : Prasad is readily available within the temple complex, often distributed after darshan. Special offerings can also be arranged through the temple administration.

Offerings to Lord Murugan: Expressions of Devotion

Devotees visiting the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple can offer various items to express their devotion, seek blessings, and participate in the temple rituals. These offerings are a way to connect with Lord Murugan and seek his divine grace.

Devotee's Offerings

Local priests can guide devotees on appropriate offerings and rituals. Devotees are encouraged to offer with a pure heart and devotion.

Essential Experiences: Immersion in Lord Murugan's Grace

Activities:

Sacred Rituals & Pujas: Deepening Devotion to Lord Murugan

The Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is a site for various pujas and rituals dedicated to Lord Murugan. These ceremonies are central to the spiritual experience, allowing devotees to connect with the deity.

Attending Pujas:

Non Attending Pujas:

Pujas and special offerings can be arranged through the temple administration. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons and festivals.

Historical Roots & Profound Meaning: The Legend of Palani Murugan

The Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple boasts a rich history rooted in Hindu mythology and Tamil traditions.

Significance: A Paramount Spiritual Beacon

The Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is a major pilgrimage center in South India, revered for its unique idol, spiritual energy, and the blessings of Lord Murugan.

Key Aspects:

• Healing and Blessings Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Dhandayuthapani can bring healing from ailments, bestow blessings of prosperity, and lead to spiritual enlightenment.

Opening Hours

Sunday : 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Monday : 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday : 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday : 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday : 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday : 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday : 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

User Review

Total Reviews : 47623

• Star Rating :
  Author Name : sreekanthnaidu gali
  Review Time : 2 weeks ago
  Review : 🕰️ General Info & Reviews • Location & Timings The temple runs from around 5 AM to 9–10 PM daily . Free entry; paid special darshan (~₹10–20), pujas like Viswaroopa Darshan (~₹100–200), Vila Pooja (~₹150–300), etc. . • Pilgrim Experience Visitors often praise the well-managed facilities (clean water, toilets, lodging) and serene spiritual vibe . Some mention crowding and commercial hassles, like pressured purchases and tiered queues enhancing darshan access: “The temple and its surroundings are heavily commercialized… separate queue system… higher-priced queue got a closer view… question the purpose of worship and the concept of equality.”  ⸻ 📜 Historical & Mythological Significance • Six Abodes of Murugan A major temple among the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, dating back to Chera dynasty (2nd–5th century CE) . • Legend Murugan renounced after losing the gnana-palam contest to Ganesha, settling here as a hermit; “Pazham Nee” (“You are the fruit”) explains the name Palani . Sage Agathiyar also plays a part in placing this hill here, aiding Murugan’s solitude . • Unique Idol The main idol is a Navapashanam (nine-herb/mineral mix) crafted and consecrated by Siddhar Bogar . Known for centuries as an enduring medicine-like form, it faced replacement controversies in early 2000s, later halted due to legal and community resistance . • Architecture & Facilities Showcases Dravidian style with gold-pated vimana, Pandyan-era praharams, winch and ropeway access, plus tonsuring sheds, annadanam, goshala, etc. . ⸻ 🛕 Daily Pujas & Booking • Six pujas daily 1. Viswaroopa Darshanam ~5:40 AM 2. Vila/Siru Kall Pooja ~6:40–8:00 AM 3. Kaala Santhi ~9:00 AM 4. Uchikala ~12:00 noon 5. Sayaraksha ~5:30 PM 6. Irakkaala (Pushpa Alangaram) ~8:00–8:30 PM    • Booking Poojas/Abhishekams Available online via the official site palanimurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in. Choose date, time, service, fill details, make payment—your slot is booked  . ⸻ 🍯 Prasadam & Rituals • Panchamirtham A GI‑protected auspicious mixture of banana, jaggery, ghee, honey, raisins, etc.—sold in jars, offered during abhishekam. Average sales: 20k–30k jars/day, surging to over 100k during festivals . • Tonsuring & Kavadi Pilgrims shave their heads and carry kavadi during festivals (Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, Kanda Sashti…), evoking devotion to Lord Murugan . ⸻ 🚗 Access & Transport • Steps/Ropeway/Winch Around 600–690 steps to archakam mudar. Rope car runs 7 AM–12:30 PM & 1:30–5 PM (~₹15 one-way, ₹50 special); winch operates from ~5:20 AM till ~9 PM (₹10 adult, ₹5 child) . • Location & Reach Situated in a hill in Palani, Dindigul district. Nearest airport: Coimbatore (~112 km). Nearest rail: Palani station (~3 km). 🚗 Accessible via NH‑83 . ⸻ ✅ Tips & Suggestions • Best Time to Visit Festivals like Thai Poosam (Jan/Feb), Panguni Uthiram attract large numbers—but weekdays are quieter . • Queue Tactics Choose steps to avoid ropeway/winch crowd waits (~2 hrs at peak) . • Watch Out Be wary of unofficial vendors outside the premises; stick to authenticated booking channels .
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : KAMALANATH A M
  Review Time : 3 weeks ago
  Review : Lord almighty. It's always a blissful journey and moment to get the blessings of the lord Muruga. Temple is developing at a rapid pace as compared to the earlier years. Several encroachments have been removed from the temple premises, which makes space for the devotees. Bad odour in the elephant path way and steps has to be controlled as many people might get infection due to the poor maintenance of restrooms in the uphill pathway. Reaching the temple at earliest time at around 4.00 am would definitely help anyone to see the god in the shortest time possible.
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : Arun kumar
  Review Time : a month ago
  Review : I would suggest using the steps to reach the hilltop, as ticket booking for the cable car and winch train can take hours. Be aware that mobile phones are not allowed on the hill. The management should consider installing more fans in the queue areas, especially during peak hours, and deploy more volunteers to manage the crowd efficiently. Despite the challenges, praying to Lord Murugan while hearing devotees chant "அரோகரா" is truly a divine experience🙏. Pulling the golden chariot is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual moment. Highly recommended for those seeking a deep devotional journey
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : Priya Art and Lifestyle
  Review Time : a month ago
  Review : Very good temple to go,but lot of crowd,you can go by walk in hill by steps ,it will take one to one and half hour time to reach top to temple.down many cable cars are available.they left us near winch station.we stood in line for 3 hours. We went by winch very much disappointed ,it took more than three to reach the winch .but it is nice experience. We went to top of the hill then we brought 100rs ticket to see lord Murugan .it took again two hours to see God .we were again waiting for winch to go down again two hours.better please use step if you can walk or else lot's of time is wasted.
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : Arun kumar
  Review Time : 3 months ago
  Review : Hi Reader's, As I visited early in the morning on a normal day, so I didn't face as much crowd, from down hill(adivaram) the gate was open at 4:45-5:00Am early in the morning on normal days, as so many of them were aware it was a good environment located in the temple, I go on normal free dharshana and the god dharshana is good and peaceful at the time I visited, the dhandayudhaphani(murugan) door was open at 6:00am in the morning in normal days. The pictures I attached with these posts were taken in the down hill, phones were not allowed on the top of the hill, there will be a locker facility available and it is safe.