Palani Murugan Temple is one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kartikeya or Subramanya. The temple is situated on a hill called Sivagiri Hill at a height of about 150 meters. It is considered one of the Arupadai Veedu (six holy abodes) of Lord Murugan and is visited by millions of devotees every year. The main deity here is known as Dandayudhapani Swamy, who is shown in a simple ascetic form with a staff in his hand.
The temple has a long history and was built in ancient times by the Chera kings. Pilgrims climb hundreds of steps to reach the temple, though there are also facilities like winch cars and rope cars for those who cannot climb. People believe that praying here brings peace, strength, and success in life. The temple also becomes very crowded during special occasions like Thaipusam Festival, Panguni Uthiram, and Skanda Shashti.
Overview of Palani Murugan Temple
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Palani Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swamy Temple |
| Location | Palani, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu |
| Deity | Lord Murugan (Dandayudhapani Swamy) |
| Hill Height | About 150 meters (Sivagiri Hill) |
| Special Festivals | Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram, Skanda Shashti |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ticket Booking | Online & Offline |
| Darshan Options | Free Darshan, Paid Darshan, Special Seva Tickets |
Timings of Palani Murugan Temple
The temple follows fixed timings every day. Pilgrims should note the darshan hours before visiting.
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 5:45 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
On festival days, timings may change slightly due to special poojas.
Sevas and Darshan Options at Palani
The temple offers different sevas and types of darshan for devotees.
| Seva/Darshan | Timings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free Darshan | General timings | Free |
| Special Entry Darshan | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM | ₹100 per person |
| Quick Darshan | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM | ₹500 per person |
| Abhishekam | Morning 6:30 AM | ₹1,500 |
| Golden Chariot Seva | Evening | ₹5,000 |
| Annadanam (Food Offering) | Noon | Free/Donation based |
How to Reach Palani Murugan Temple
- By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (110 km away). Another option is Madurai Airport (120 km).
- By Train: Palani has its own railway station, well connected to Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
- By Road: Palani is well connected by buses from major Tamil Nadu cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy.
- Within Palani: Pilgrims can reach the hill temple by steps (693 steps), winch car, or rope car facility.
How to Book Darshan Tickets
Devotees can book Palani Murugan Temple tickets both online and offline.
Online Booking Steps
- Visit the official Palani Murugan Temple website.
- Go to the “Darshan / Seva Booking” section.
- Select the type of darshan or seva (Free/Special/Abhishekam).
- Choose date and time slot.
- Enter devotee details and make payment.
- Download or print the e-ticket.
Offline Booking
- Tickets are available at the temple counters near the entrance.
- Pilgrims can also buy seva tickets at designated counters inside temple premises.
Accommodation Near Palani Temple
Pilgrims can find temple-managed lodges and private hotels near the temple.
| Accommodation Type | Price Range | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Cottages | ₹200 – ₹600 | Basic rooms, near temple |
| Temple Guest Houses | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | A/C & Non-A/C rooms |
| Private Budget Hotels | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | Standard facilities |
| Luxury Hotels | ₹2,000+ | A/C, Wi-Fi, Dining |
It is advised to book accommodation early during festivals as rooms get filled quickly.
Nearby Attractions
Apart from the temple, visitors can explore nearby attractions:
- Thirumoorthy Hills – Scenic hill range near Palani.
- Vaigai Dam – Popular picnic spot near Madurai.
- Kodaikanal – A famous hill station located 65 km away.
- Periyanayaki Amman Temple – Another ancient temple near Palani.
Important Instructions for Visitors
- Dress modestly inside the temple (men: dhoti/pants & shirt, women: saree/salwar).
- Photography is not allowed inside sanctum.
- Do not carry leather items, alcohol, or tobacco.
- Follow queue system for darshan.
- Use winch or rope car if you cannot climb steps.
- Pregnant women, elderly, and disabled devotees should avoid long queues and use special entry.
Dos and Don’ts at Palani Murugan Temple
Dos:
- Maintain silence and devotion inside temple.
- Deposit footwear at the footwear stand.
- Take part in Annadanam (free meals).
- Carry water bottles and caps while climbing.
Don’ts:
- Do not litter in temple premises.
- Do not push in queues.
- Avoid carrying mobile phones into sanctum.
- Do not bring pets or eat non-veg food near temple.
FAQs on Palani Murugan Temple
Q1. Where is Palani Murugan Temple located?
Palani Murugan Temple is in Palani, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu.
Q2. What is the main deity at Palani?
The main deity is Lord Murugan in the form of Dandayudhapani Swamy.
Q3. How many steps are there to climb the hill?
There are 693 steps to reach the temple.
Q4. Is rope car facility available?
Yes, rope car and winch facilities are available.
Q5. What are the temple darshan timings?
Darshan timings are 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Q6. How much is the Special Entry ticket?
Special entry ticket costs ₹100 per person.
Q7. Can I book darshan tickets online?
Yes, tickets can be booked through the official website.
Q8. What festivals are celebrated here?
Thaipusam, Skanda Shashti, and Panguni Uthiram are major festivals.
Q9. Are accommodations available near the temple?
Yes, both temple guest houses and private hotels are available.
Q10. Why is Palani Temple famous?
It is one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan, attracting lakhs of devotees every year.