Thiru Avinankudi Temple

Thiru Avinankudi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at the foothills of Palani Hills in Adivaram, Palani, Tamil Nadu. It is regarded as the third of the six sacred Arupadai Veedu abodes of Murugan and is also known as Kuzhanthai Velayuthaswamy Temple. The temple features Dravidian architecture and serves as the base temple for the hilltop Palani Murugan Temple, attracting pilgrims year-round.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex at the base of Palani Hills with Dravidian gopuram, pillared halls, and sanctum enshrining Murugan as Kuzhanthai Velayuthar (child form). The surroundings include temple tanks, shops selling offerings, and access points to the hilltop Palani Murugan Temple via steps and winch. The atmosphere is devotional with regular pujas, chanting, and festival gatherings.

Thiru Avinankudi Temple is an ancient Murugan temple referenced in Sangam literature, notably Tirumurugatruppadai by poet Nakkeerar. It is considered one of the Arupadai Veedu temples and has historical associations with Chera and Pandya patronage. The temple at the foothills is traditionally regarded as the original abode before the hilltop Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple became prominent.

The temple is the third among the six Arupadai Veedu, the most sacred abodes of Lord Murugan in Tamil tradition. It is revered as the place where Murugan is worshipped as a child (Kuzhanthai Velayuthar). It plays a central role in festivals such as Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram and Vaikasi Visakam, drawing large numbers of pilgrims who first worship here before ascending to the hilltop shrine.