Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is a hilltop Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located on Sivagiri Hill in Palani, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Six Abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Murugan and houses an idol made of navapashanam by Siddhar Bogar. Reached by 690 steps, winch and rope car, the temple overlooks Palani town and attracts large pilgrim crowds, especially during Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram festivals.

Visitors can expect a hilltop shrine on Sivagiri Hill about 150m above Palani town, reached by climbing 690 stone steps, or by winch and rope car services. The complex includes gopurams, mandapams, and the sanctum housing the navapashanam idol of Dhandayuthapani. The hilltop offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and town. Facilities include prasadam counters, tonsure hall and shops along the approach. Expect queues for darshan, especially during festivals, and a busy pilgrim atmosphere.

The temple is one of the Arupadai Veedu, the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. Tradition attributes the navapashanam idol to Siddhar Bogar, a noted Tamil siddhar. The hill shrine has associations with the Chera period and later patronage by Cheras, Pandyas and later rulers. The foothill Thiruaavinankudi Temple is considered the original abode before the hilltop shrine.

Major pilgrimage centre for devotees of Lord Murugan, revered as Dhandayuthapani and Palani Andavar. Important festivals include Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram and Vaikasi Visakam, marked by kavadi processions, tonsuring and offerings. The temple is known for panchamirtham prasadam and the practice of devotees carrying kavadis and performing tonsure as vows.