Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple Timings, Palani

In Palani, Tamil Nadu, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is a shrine to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) as Dhandayuthapani, in his hermit form. It is also known as Palani Murugan Temple, Pazhani Temple.

One of the six sacred abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu and among the wealthiest temples in the state, drawing more than 7 million pilgrims a year. Linked to the legend of the Gyana Pazham (fruit of knowledge), from which the town's name is derived. According to Sangam-era references Palani lay in the southernmost part of Kongu Nadu (Vaiyapuri Nadu).

Tamil Nadu carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Land of towering gopurams and living Dravidian temple traditions, from the Chola masterpieces to the great Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.

Darshan hours and daily worship

Session	Timing (as published)
Morning	5:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Open continuously from about 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Signature annual eventsThai Poosam kavadi pilgrimage and Skanda Sashti.

Festivals and special-day timings

Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.

Festival	Period	What happens
Thai Poosam	January-February	The most important festival, a 10-day celebration; devotees walk to Palani and carry kavadi to Lord Murugan.
Skanda Sashti	October-November (Aippasi)	A six-day festival honouring Murugan's victory over evil.
Panguni Uthiram	March-April	Celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Vaikasi Visakam	May-June	Marks the birth star of Lord Murugan.

History and architecture

Built or establishedThe hill temple is believed to have been built by the Chera king Cheraman Perumal; the outer shrine wall carries numerous medieval inscriptions from the Pandya and later periods.

Architecture

Perched atop the Sivagiri hill overlooking Palani town, with a gold gopuram over the sanctum and walls covered in stone inscriptions. The hill is reached by rock-cut steps, an elephant path, a winch-operated rope railway and a ropeway.

History

According to Sangam-era references Palani lay in the southernmost part of Kongu Nadu (Vaiyapuri Nadu). The Murugan hill temple is attributed to the Chera king Cheraman Perumal, after which the region passed under the Pandyas of Madurai, the rulers of Coimbatore and Madurai, and later Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan before British rule.

Planning your visit

Entry feeGeneral entry is free; special darshan available for about Rs 100-300.

Dress codeTraditional, modest attire, men in dhoti/veshti or full trousers with shirt, women in saree, salwar kameez or long skirt and blouse with dupatta; avoid short skirts, shorts and sleeveless tops. Non-Hindus may visit the complex but may not enter the sanctum.

Best time to visitNovember to March for pleasant weather; Thai Poosam (Jan-Feb) is the grandest but most crowded time.

NearbyThiru Avinankudi Temple at the hill base, the Idumban shrine midway up the hill, and Kodaikanal hill station.

How to reach

Palani lies between Coimbatore (about 108 km) and Madurai (about 122 km), 41 km from Kodaikanal. Fly to Coimbatore or Madurai, then take a train (e.g. Palani Express) or bus. Buses run from Madurai, Chennai, Coimbatore and Trichy.

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Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in photographs

5 freely-licensed photographs of this temple, from Wikimedia Commons. Each is credited to its photographer.

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani, Tamil Nadu - photograph 2 — © Ranjithsiji, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani, Tamil Nadu - photograph 3 — © Ranjithsiji, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani, Tamil Nadu - photograph 4 — © Ranjithsiji, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani, Tamil Nadu - photograph 5 — © Ranjithsiji, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Where this information comes from

Confidence: High. Timings (5:30 AM-9:00 PM daily) and festival details from a detailed temple guide; single primary source but internally consistent.

trawell.in

Frequently asked questions about Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple

What is the timing of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is open 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, daily. Open continuously from about 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

What are the darshan (visiting) hours at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

As published, morning darshan runs 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM. Open continuously from about 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Is there an entry fee at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

General entry is free; special darshan available for about Rs 100-300.

What is the dress code at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

Traditional, modest attire, men in dhoti/veshti or full trousers with shirt, women in saree, salwar kameez or long skirt and blouse with dupatta; avoid short skirts, shorts and sleeveless tops. Non-Hindus may visit the complex but may not enter the sanctum.

Which festivals are celebrated at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

The main ones documented for this temple are Thai Poosam, Skanda Sashti, Panguni Uthiram. See the festival table above for dates and what each involves.

What is the best time to visit Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

November to March for pleasant weather; Thai Poosam (Jan-Feb) is the grandest but most crowded time.

How do I reach Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

Who is the presiding deity at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) as Dhandayuthapani, in his hermit form

What is the history of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple?

According to Sangam-era references Palani lay in the southernmost part of Kongu Nadu (Vaiyapuri Nadu).

How reliable is the information on this Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple page?

This listing's confidence is rated high. Timings (5:30 AM-9:00 PM daily) and festival details from a detailed temple guide; single primary source but internally consistent.

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple Timings