Thiru Avinankudi Murugan Temple
Thiru Avinankudi Murugan Temple
This Temple is located in the foothills of Palani.The name Thiru Aavinankudi (Thiru Avinankudi) originated as Lord Sun, Lakshmi, Kamadhenu,Agni worshipped Lord Muruga here.The Temple is located near the sacred pond “Saravana poigai” and “Vaiyapuri”.The temple existed before Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy and in ancient times Palani is referred as Thiru Aavinankudi.
Thiru Avinankudi temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga who is considered as the Lord of Kurinji (mountain).He is revered as the third Padai-Veedu.The temple got its name from the place it is situated whereas the shrine is called as Kulandai Velayudhaswamy Temple. It is believed as the earliest abode of Lord Muruga which began under the shade of ‘Nelli’ (Amla) Tree. This temple is about 200 meters from the foothill of main temple. It is one of the temples similar to Chozha architecture.
The presiding deity is Lord Muruga as a child sitting on a peacock. The shrine is located at an elevation where the full view of the deity can be seen at a glance. Even the Nelli tree can be noticed beside the Lord clearly.
Legend has it that Idumban, a disciple of Sage Agasthayar, while carrying two hillocks by the name Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on his shoulders as Kavadi, wanted to rest for a while and placed these hillocks on the ground. Lord Muruga, mischievously immobilized these hillocks and Idumban could carry the Kavadi no further.
Sanga period poet Nakkeer and later Arunakirinatha wrote hymns about Tiruvavinankudi Murugan. Legend has it that Agathiyar did penance here and learned Tamil grammar from Lord Murugan.
Sthala Purana says that this town was called Tiruvavinankudi during the Sangam period, Lord Shiva and Parvati, who were enraged by the mangoes, came to this place and called Muruga “the fruit of wisdom”, which eventually led to the name of the town being called Maruvi Palani.
After worshiping the Lord in this temple, it is customary to go to the mountain temple to worship the Dhandayuthapani deity.
Milk is given as neivediyam after Balamurugan Abhisekam. It is believed that if somebody is yearning for a child they would receive one soon if they worship here.
Panguni Uthra festival which is specially celebrated in Arupadai houses, flag hoisting at Tiruvavinankudi temple, Thirukalyanam and Chariot holding are organized by Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple Devasthanam.
