Periyanayaki Amman Temple

Periyanayaki Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Periyanayaki, located at Adivaram at the foothills of Palani Hills in Palani, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. It is closely associated with the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy (Palani Murugan) Temple and is administered as part of the Palani temple complex. The temple is notable for its Dravidian architecture, gopuram, and its role as the Amman shrine for pilgrims visiting Palani.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian Dravidian temple complex at the base of Palani Hills with a gopuram, pillared mandapams, and sanctum dedicated to Goddess Periyanayaki Amman. The temple courtyard is paved and surrounded by small shrines and shops selling offerings. The atmosphere is devotional with regular pujas, oil lamps and chanting. The temple is easily accessible on foot from Palani town and serves as the starting point for the hill ascent to the Palani Murugan Temple via steps or winch.

Periyanayaki Amman Temple is historically linked to the Palani Murugan Temple complex, one of the Arupadai Veedu temples of Lord Murugan. The Amman shrine at the foothills traditionally serves as the consort shrine associated with the hill temple and has been maintained under the administration of the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple. The temple reflects later Dravidian temple architectural traditions of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is culturally significant as the principal Shakti shrine of Palani, dedicated to Goddess Periyanayaki, revered as the divine mother. It holds importance for pilgrims who offer prayers here before ascending to the Palani Murugan Temple. Festivals such as Navratri and Thai Poosam are observed with special pujas and draw devotees.