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Coordinates: 10°27′00″N 77°30′58″E / 10.450000°N 77.516100°E / 10.450000; 77.516100
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{{Redirect|Pazhani|the films|Pazhani (1965 film)|and|Pazhani (2008 film)}}
{{Redirect|Pazhani|the films|Pazhani (1965 film)|and|Pazhani (2008 film)}}
{{About|the pilgrim city in Tamil Nadu, India|the temple|Palani Murugan Temple|the village in Iran|Palani, Iran}}
{{About|the pilgrim city in Tamil Nadu, India|the temple|Palani Murugan Temple|the village in Iran|Palani, Iran}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2014}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
| name = Palani
| name = Palani<!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, or the lead, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. See "Etymology" section below. -->
| native_name = Pazhani
| nickname =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = [[Town]]
| settlement_type = [[Town]]
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| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu, India
| pushpin_map_caption = Palani, Tamil Nadu
| coordinates = {{coord|10.45|N|77.52|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|10.450000|N|77.516100|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Region]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Region]]
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
[[Kongu Nadu]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Kongu Nadu |url=http://www.coimbatore.com/kongunadu |website=www.coimbatore.com |accessdate=3 December 2019}}</ref>
[[Kongu Nadu]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Kongu Nadu |url=http://www.coimbatore.com/kongunadu |website=coimbatore.com |access-date=3 December 2019}}</ref>
| subdivision_type4 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type4 = [[List of districts in India|District]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Dindigul district|Dindigul]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Dindigul district|Dindigul]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
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| founder =
| founder =
| named_for =
| named_for =
| government_type = Municipality
| government_type = Selection-Grade Municipality
| governing_body =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| unit_pref = Metric
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| area_total_km2 =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_m = 341
| population_total = 70,467
| population_total = 70467
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_rank =
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| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 04545
| area_code = 04545
| registration_plate = '''TN''' '''94''' (Before TN 57)
| registration_plate = '''TN''' '''94'''
| website = {{URL|palanimurugantemple.org}}
| website = {{URL|palanimurugantemple.org}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| official_name =
| official_name =
}}
}}
[[File:Palani Town.jpg|thumb|270x270px|'''View of Palani Town''']]
'''Palani''' (or '''Pazhani''') is a [[town]] and a [[taluk]] [[headquarters]] in [[Dindigul district]], [[Tamil Nadu]] located about {{convert|100|km|mi}} South-east of [[Coimbatore]], {{convert|100|km|mi}} north-west of [[Madurai]], and {{convert|67|km|mi}} from Kodaikanal. The [[Palani Murugan Temple]] or Arulmigu Kulazhandaivelayutha Swamy Temple (Thiru Avinankudi), dedicated to Lord [[Murugan]] is situated on a hill overlooking the town. The temple is visited by more than 7 million pilgrims each year. As of 2011, the town had a population of 70,467.
'''Palani''' or Pazhani({{IPA-ta|paɻani|lang}}), is a town in [[Dindigul district]] of [[Tamil Nadu]] state in [[India]]. It is located about {{convert|54|km|mi}} west of [[Dindigul]], {{convert|106|km|mi}} south-east of [[Coimbatore]], {{convert|122|km|mi}} north-west of [[Madurai]], {{convert|67|km|mi}} from Kodaikanal. The [[Palani Murugan Temple]] or Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple (Thiru Avinankudi), dedicated to Murugan is situated on a hill overlooking the town. The temple is visited by more than 7 million pilgrims each year. As of 2011, the town had a population of 70,467 and the Taluk had a population of 292,301<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/tamil-nadu/dindigul/palani-population.html#google_vignette | title=Palani Population (2021/2022), Taluk Village List in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu }}</ref> which makes it the second largest town in the district after Dindigul.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani {{!}} Dindigul District {{!}} India |url=https://dindigul.nic.in/tourist-place/arulmigu-dhandayuthapani-swamy-temple-palani/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The town derive its name from the compounding of two [[Tamil language|Tamil]] words ''pazham'' meaning ''fruit'' and ''nee'' meaning ''you'', a reference to poet [[Avvaiyar]]'s song praising [[Kartikeya|Lord Muruga]] which forms part of the [[Palani Murugan Temple#Mythology|legend]] of the Palani Murugan temple. Palani is pronounced using the retroflex approximant ''ɻ'' (ழ) and is thus also spelt using the [[List of Latin-script digraphs#Z|'zh' digraph]] as "Pazhani".
The town derives its name from the compounding of two [[Tamil language|Tamil]] words ''palam'' meaning ''fruit'' and ''nee'' meaning ''you'', a reference to poet [[Avvaiyar (Sangam poet)|Avvaiyar]]'s song praising[[Kartikeya|Muruga]] which forms part of the [[Palani Murugan Temple#Mythology|legend]] of the Palani Murugan temple. But the actual correct word is பழம்நீர் which means place surrounded by fruit with water(Coconut and Palm)trees. The word கழனி which is similar in name, both gives agricultural meanings, here கழனி means வயல் (field).


==History==
==History==
[[File:Tamil Inscriptions Pazhani.jpg|thumb|left|Tamil Inscriptions at Pazhani Temple]]
[[File:Tamil Inscriptions Pazhani.jpg|thumb|left|Tamil Inscriptions at Pazhani Temple]]
References to the place exist in ancient Tamil devotional texts. According to Hindu mythology, "Sage [[Narada]] once visited the celestial court of Lord [[Shiva|Sivan]] at [[Mount Kailash]] to present to Him a fruit, the ''gyana-pazham'' (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom. Upon Lord Sivan expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, [[Ganesha]] and [[Muruga]], the sage counselled against cutting it. He decided to award it to whomever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Lord Murugan started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and [[Shakti]] combined, circumambulated them".<ref>{{cite web|title=Dhandapani Murugan Kovil|url=http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html|website=tamilnadu.com|publisher=General Interactive, LLC|accessdate=28 January 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307142728/http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html|archivedate=7 March 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Pleased with their son's discernment, Lord Shiva awarded the fruit to Lord Ganesha. When Murugan returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts had been in vain. He left Kailash and took up his abode in Palani hills in South India. It is believed that Murugan felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit and discarded all his robes and ornaments. He went into meditation to know about himself.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
References to the place exist in ancient Tamil devotional texts. According to Hindu mythology, "Sage [[Narada]] once visited the celestial court of Shiva at [[Mount Kailash]] to present to Him a fruit, the [[Jnana Palam|''jnana-palam'']] (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom. Upon Shiva expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, [[Ganesha]] and [[Muruga|Murugan]], the sage counselled against cutting it. He decided to award it to whoever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Murugan started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and [[Shakti]] combined, circumambulated them".<ref>{{cite web|title=Dhandapani Murugan Kovil|url=http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html|website=tamilnadu.com|publisher=General Interactive, LLC|access-date=28 January 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307142728/http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html|archive-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> Pleased with their son's discernment, Shiva awarded the fruit to Ganesha. When Murugan returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts had been in vain. He left Kailash and took up his abode in Palani hills in South India. It is believed that Murugan felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit and discarded all his robes and ornaments. He went into meditation to know about himself.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}


Palani and most of [[Dindigul district]] were part of the [[Kongu Nadu]] region of the Tamil country. The northern part of the Palani and [[Oddanchatram]] taluks is held to have been part of the Anda Nadu sub-region, whereas the rest of the area constituted the Vaiyapuri Nadu. The area was under the influence of the rulers of Coimbatore and Madurai, at various points of time. In the 18th century, [[Hyder Ali]] and his son, [[Tippu Sultan]] ruled over the place before being annexed the British after the [[Third Anglo-Mysore War]].
Palani and most of [[Dindigul district]] were part of the [[Kongu Nadu]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Kongu Nadu Areas|url=https://www.tn.gov.in/district_details/575 |access-date=8 June 2021}}</ref> region of the Tamil country. The northern part of the Palani and [[Oddanchatram]] taluks is held to have been part of the Anda Nadu sub-region, whereas the rest of the area constituted the Vaikapuri Nadu. The area was under the influence of the rulers of Coimbatore and Madurai, at various points of time. In the 18th century, [[Hyder Ali]] and his son, [[Tippu Sultan|Tipu Sultan]] ruled over the place before being annexed the British after the [[Third Anglo-Mysore War]].


==Temples==
==Temples==
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[[File:Thiru Avinan Kudi Kulandhai Velappar Temple.jpg|thumb|Thiru Avinan Kudi Temple]]
[[File:Thiru Avinan Kudi Kulandhai Velappar Temple.jpg|thumb|Thiru Avinan Kudi Temple]]


Palani is home to one of the most sacred shrines of the Lord Muruga, as worshiped in the Hindu sect of ''[[Kaumaram]]''. The Thandayudhapani Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan "Palani Andavar", and regarded one of his ''Arupadai Veedu'' (Six Battle Camps), is situated here.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html |title=Dhandapani Murugan Kovil |publisher=Tamilnadu.com |date=5 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307142728/http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html |archivedate=7 March 2013 }}</ref> The temple is situated atop a hill known as Sivagiri. The ''Garbagriham'' is surmounted by a gold ''gopuram'' and the walls of the Garbagriham have numerous stone inscriptions describing offerings made by devotees to the temple. Steps are hewn into the rock, besides a wide path meant for the ascent of elephants, up the hill. In addition, a [[winch]] pulled railway with three tracks and a [[rope way]] are operational. A temple is dedicated to Murugan near the foot of the hill by the name of ''Thiru Avinan kudi'' which actually forms a part of the six abodes of Muruga ([[Arupadaiveedu]]). It is also called as Kulandai Velayudhaswami Thirukkovil.<ref>{{cite book|title=Palani: The Hill Temple of Muruga|author=Cōmale|publisher=Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, 1975|page=23}}</ref>
Palani is home to one of the most sacred shrines of the Murugan, as worshiped in the Hindu sect of ''[[Kaumaram]]''. The Thandayudhapani Temple dedicated to Murugan "Palani Andavar", and regarded one of his ''Arupadai Veedu'' (Six Battle Camps), is situated here.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html |title=Dhandapani Murugan Kovil |publisher=Tamilnadu.com |date=5 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307142728/http://tamilnadu.com/temples/dhandapani-murugan-kovil.html |archive-date=7 March 2013 }}</ref> The temple is situated atop a hill known as Sivagiri. The ''Garbagriham'' is surmounted by a gold ''gopuram'' and the walls of the Garbagriham have numerous stone inscriptions describing offerings made by devotees to the temple. Steps are hewn into the rock, besides a wide path meant for the ascent of elephants, up the hill. In addition, a [[winch]] pulled railway with three tracks and a [[Cableway|rope way]] are operational. A temple is dedicated to Murugan near the foot of the hill by the name of ''Thiru Avinan kudi'' which actually forms a part of the six abodes of Murugan ([[Arupadaiveedu]]). It is also called as Kulandai Velayudhaswami Thirukkovil.<ref>{{cite book|title=Palani: The Hill Temple of Muruga|author=Cōmale|publisher=Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, 1975|page=23}}</ref>


Besides this, right at the foot of the Sivagiri is a small shrine dedicated to the god [[Ganapathi]], where he goes by the name ''Pada Vinayakar''. It is customary amongst the pilgrims to pay their obeisances at this shrine before commencing their ascent of the hill.
Besides this, right at the foot of the Sivagiri is a small shrine dedicated to the god [[Ganapathi]], where he goes by the name ''Pada Vinayakar''. It is customary amongst the pilgrims to pay their obeisances at this shrine before commencing their ascent of the hill.
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Halfway up the hill, there is the [[Idumban]] shrine where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandayudhapani. The practice of Pilgrims to Palani bringing their offerings on their shoulders in a [[Kavadi Aattam|kavadi]] is associated with the legend of Idumban.
Halfway up the hill, there is the [[Idumban]] shrine where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandayudhapani. The practice of Pilgrims to Palani bringing their offerings on their shoulders in a [[Kavadi Aattam|kavadi]] is associated with the legend of Idumban.


Within the town is another temple dedicated to the Goddess [[Parvathi]] as ''Periyanayaki Amman''. Near the Periya Nayaki Amman temple are two others - the ''Mariyamman'' Temple and the ''Perumal'' Temple. The former is particularly resorted to in times of epidemics, the goddess there being regarded as the protector against illnesses.
Within the town is another temple dedicated to the Goddess [[Parvathi]] as ''Periyanayaki Amman''. Near the Periya Nayaki Amman temple are two others – the ''Mariyamman'' Temple and the ''Perumal'' Temple. The former is particularly resorted to in times of epidemics, the goddess there being regarded as the protector against illnesses.


A short distance from the town is a temple dedicated to Shiva as ''Periya Avudaiyar''.
A short distance from the town is a temple dedicated to Shiva as ''Periya Avudaiyar''.
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==Geography==
==Geography==
{{main|Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park}}
{{main|Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park}}
The backdrop to the town is formed by an offshoot of the [[Western Ghats]], the [[Palani Hills]], whereon lies the hill-station of [[Kodaikanal]]. The view within the town is dominated by the two hills, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on the former of which lies the temple. At the foot of the hills lie several lakes which drain to the Shanmuga river, a tributary of the [[Amaravathi River]] (itself a tributary of the [[Kaveri River]]), which takes its source on the slopes of the Palani Hills.
The backdrop to the town is formed by an offshoot of the [[Western Ghats]], the [[Palani Hills]], whereon lies the hill-station of [[Kodaikanal]]. The view within the town is dominated by the two hills, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on the former of which lies the temple. At the foot of the hills lie several lakes which drain to the Shanmuganathi river, a tributary of the [[Amaravathi River]] (itself a tributary of the [[Kaveri River]]), which takes its source on the slopes of the Palani Hills.<br>The nearest towns are [[Oddanchatram]], [[Dharapuram]], [[Udumalaipettai]], [[Kodaikanal]].
[[File:Varadhamanadhi Dam.jpg|thumb|Varadhamanadhi Dam]]
[[File:Varadhamanadhi Dam.jpg|thumb|Varadhamanadhi Dam]]


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
According to [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Palani had a population of 70,467 with a sex-ratio of 1,023 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> A total of 6,467 were under the age of six, constituting 3,283 males and 3,184 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 16.57% and .23% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 78.95%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The town had a total of 19015 households. There were a total of 27,150 workers, comprising 372 cultivators, 1,277 main agricultural labourers, 763 in house hold industries, 23,478 other workers, 1,260 marginal workers, 40 marginal cultivators, 68 marginal agricultural labourers, 107 marginal workers in household industries and 1,045 other marginal workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Palani|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=690511|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> As per the religious census of 2011, Palani had 84.71% [[Hindus]], 12.4% [[Muslims]], 2.44% [[Christians]], 0.01% [[Sikhs]], 0.01% [[Buddhists]], 0.42% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>
According to [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Palani had a population of 292,301 with a sex-ratio of 1,023 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> A total of 6,467 were under the age of six, constituting 3,283 males and 3,184 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 16.57% and 0.23% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 78.95%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The town had a total of 19,015 households. There were a total of 27,150 workers, comprising 372 cultivators, 1,277 main agricultural labourers, 763 in house hold industries, 23,478 other workers, 1,260 marginal workers, 40 marginal cultivators, 68 marginal agricultural labourers, 107 marginal workers in household industries and 1,045 other marginal workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Palani|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=690511|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> As per the religious census of 2011, Palani had 90.58% [[Hindus]], 7.63% [[Muslims]], 1.44% [[Christians]], 0.01% [[Sikhs]], 0.01% [[Buddhists]], 0.42% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>


{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=right|bars={{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|84.71}}{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|12.4}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|purple|2.44}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.46}}}}
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=right|bars={{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|90.58}}{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|7.63}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|purple|1.44}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.46}}}}


==Transportation==
==Transportation==


===Roadway===
===Roadway===
[[File:Palani Bus Stand.jpg|thumb|'''Image of V.O.C Central Bus Stand, Palani''']]
National Highway [[NH 83]] connects [[Coimbatore]] to [[Nagapattinam]] via Palani
National Highway [[NH 83]] connects [[Coimbatore]] to [[Nagapattinam]] via Palani
[[Tiruchirappalli]] [[Thanjavur]]. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited [[TNSTC]] buses connect the town to other parts of the state. [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation|KSRTC]] buses connecting places like [[Kottayam]], [[Kozhikode]], [[Kasaragod]], [[Guruvayur]], [[Ernakulam]], [[Thrissur]], [[Palakkad]], and [[kottarakara]] are available at particular interval of time from Palani bus stand.
[[Tiruchirappalli]] [[Thanjavur]]. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation|TNSTC]] buses connect the town to other parts of the state. [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation|KSRTC]] buses connecting places like [[Kottayam]], [[Kozhikode]], [[Kasaragod]], [[Guruvayur]], [[Ernakulam]], [[Thrissur]], [[Palakkad]], and [[kottarakara]] are available at particular interval of time from Palani bus stand. 24 hours buses are available on all three main roads (via [[Dharapuram]], [[Oddanchatram]] and [[Udumalaipettai]])


===Railway===
===Railway===
{{main|Palani railway station}}
{{main|Palani railway station}}
Station Code :PLNI, Palani is a part of the [[Coimbatore]]-[[Rameswaram]] BG line prior to the commencing of gauge conversion. On 20 November 2012, the Dindigul-Palani section of the line was completed, and the [[Palani railway station|local railway station]] opened to railway traffic again. Currently there are passenger trains are crossing from [[Madurai]], [[Thiruchendur]] to [[Coimbatore]], [[Palakkad]]. And a daily [[Palani Express|express train]] train available between Palani to [[Chennai Central|Chennai]]. Recently Amritha express running from Madurai - Thiruvananthapuram via [[Dindigul]] , Palani, [[Pollachi]] , [[Palakkad]] , [[Ernakulam]] , [[Kottayam]], [[Kollam]].
Station Code :PLNI, Palani is a part of the [[Coimbatore]]-[[Rameswaram]] BG line prior to the commencing of gauge conversion. On 20 November 2012, the Dindigul-Palani section of the line was completed, and the [[Palani railway station|local railway station]] opened to railway traffic again. Currently there are passenger trains are crossing from [[Madurai]], [[Thiruchendur]] to [[Coimbatore]], [[Palakkad]]. And a daily [[Palani Express|express train]] available between Palani to [[Chennai Central|Chennai]]. Recently Amritha express running from Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram via [[Dindigul]], Palani, [[Pollachi]], [[Palakkad]], [[Thrissur]], [[Ernakulam]], [[Kottayam]], [[Kollam]].


===Airway===
===Airway===
The nearest major airports are [[Coimbatore International Airport]] located {{convert|113|km|mi}} from Palani and [[Madurai International Airport]] located at {{convert|130|km|mi}} from Palani
The nearest major airports are [[Coimbatore International Airport]] located {{convert|100|km|mi}} from Palani and [[Madurai International Airport]] located at {{convert|130|km|mi}} from Palani. Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the next nearest, 164&nbsp;km from Palani.


==References==
==References==
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==See also==
==See also==

* [[Sacred mountains#India|Sacred mountains of India]]

* [[Kalthurai]]
* [[Palani (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Palani (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Vibhuti]]
* [[Vibhuti]]
{{Adjacent communities

| Centre = Palani
| North =[[Tiruppur]]
| Northeast = [[Karur]], [[Tiruchirappalli]]
| East = [[Dindigul]]
| Southeast = [[Madurai]]
| South = [[Sivakasi]]
| Southwest =
| West =
| Northwest = [[Coimbatore]]
}}
{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Dindigul District}}
{{Dindigul District}}

Latest revision as of 13:26, 18 October 2024

"Pazhani" redirects here. For the films, see Pazhani (1965 film) and Pazhani (2008 film).
This article is about the pilgrim city in Tamil Nadu, India. For the temple, see Palani Murugan Temple. For the village in Iran, see Palani, Iran.

Palani
Town
Clockwise from top left: Gopuram of Palani Murugan temple, Winch pulled car climbing uphill, Vaiyapuri Pond, View of temple atop the hill
Clockwise from top left: Gopuram of Palani Murugan temple, Winch pulled car climbing uphill, Vaiyapuri Pond, View of temple atop the hill
Palani is located in Tamil Nadu
Palani
Palani
Palani, Tamil Nadu
Coordinates: 10°27′00″N 77°30′58″E / 10.450000°N 77.516100°E / 10.450000; 77.516100
Country India
StateTamil Nadu
RegionKongu Nadu[1]
DistrictDindigul
Government
 • TypeSelection-Grade Municipality
Elevation
341 m (1,119 ft)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total
70,467
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
624 601
Telephone code04545
Vehicle registrationTN 94
Websitepalanimurugantemple.org
View of Palani Town

Palani or Pazhani(Tamil: [paɻani]), is a town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu state in India. It is located about 54 kilometres (34 mi) west of Dindigul, 106 kilometres (66 mi) south-east of Coimbatore, 122 kilometres (76 mi) north-west of Madurai, 67 kilometres (42 mi) from Kodaikanal. The Palani Murugan Temple or Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple (Thiru Avinankudi), dedicated to Murugan is situated on a hill overlooking the town. The temple is visited by more than 7 million pilgrims each year. As of 2011, the town had a population of 70,467 and the Taluk had a population of 292,301[3] which makes it the second largest town in the district after Dindigul.[4]

Etymology

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The town derives its name from the compounding of two Tamil words palam meaning fruit and nee meaning you, a reference to poet Avvaiyar's song praisingMuruga which forms part of the legend of the Palani Murugan temple. But the actual correct word is பழம்நீர் which means place surrounded by fruit with water(Coconut and Palm)trees. The word கழனி which is similar in name, both gives agricultural meanings, here கழனி means வயல் (field).

History

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Tamil Inscriptions at Pazhani Temple

References to the place exist in ancient Tamil devotional texts. According to Hindu mythology, "Sage Narada once visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to Him a fruit, the jnana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom. Upon Shiva expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, Ganesha and Murugan, the sage counselled against cutting it. He decided to award it to whoever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Murugan started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them".[5] Pleased with their son's discernment, Shiva awarded the fruit to Ganesha. When Murugan returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts had been in vain. He left Kailash and took up his abode in Palani hills in South India. It is believed that Murugan felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit and discarded all his robes and ornaments. He went into meditation to know about himself.[citation needed]

Palani and most of Dindigul district were part of the Kongu Nadu[6] region of the Tamil country. The northern part of the Palani and Oddanchatram taluks is held to have been part of the Anda Nadu sub-region, whereas the rest of the area constituted the Vaikapuri Nadu. The area was under the influence of the rulers of Coimbatore and Madurai, at various points of time. In the 18th century, Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan ruled over the place before being annexed the British after the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

Temples

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Main article: Palani Murugan temple
Thiru Avinan Kudi Temple

Palani is home to one of the most sacred shrines of the Murugan, as worshiped in the Hindu sect of Kaumaram. The Thandayudhapani Temple dedicated to Murugan "Palani Andavar", and regarded one of his Arupadai Veedu (Six Battle Camps), is situated here.[7] The temple is situated atop a hill known as Sivagiri. The Garbagriham is surmounted by a gold gopuram and the walls of the Garbagriham have numerous stone inscriptions describing offerings made by devotees to the temple. Steps are hewn into the rock, besides a wide path meant for the ascent of elephants, up the hill. In addition, a winch pulled railway with three tracks and a rope way are operational. A temple is dedicated to Murugan near the foot of the hill by the name of Thiru Avinan kudi which actually forms a part of the six abodes of Murugan (Arupadaiveedu). It is also called as Kulandai Velayudhaswami Thirukkovil.[8]

Besides this, right at the foot of the Sivagiri is a small shrine dedicated to the god Ganapathi, where he goes by the name Pada Vinayakar. It is customary amongst the pilgrims to pay their obeisances at this shrine before commencing their ascent of the hill.

Halfway up the hill, there is the Idumban shrine where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandayudhapani. The practice of Pilgrims to Palani bringing their offerings on their shoulders in a kavadi is associated with the legend of Idumban.

Within the town is another temple dedicated to the Goddess Parvathi as Periyanayaki Amman. Near the Periya Nayaki Amman temple are two others – the Mariyamman Temple and the Perumal Temple. The former is particularly resorted to in times of epidemics, the goddess there being regarded as the protector against illnesses.

A short distance from the town is a temple dedicated to Shiva as Periya Avudaiyar.

The Kannadi Perumal Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is a small temple situated on a hillock 9 km south of Palani, a short distance from the highway to Kodaikanal.

Gold plated Gopuram

Geography

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Main article: Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

The backdrop to the town is formed by an offshoot of the Western Ghats, the Palani Hills, whereon lies the hill-station of Kodaikanal. The view within the town is dominated by the two hills, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on the former of which lies the temple. At the foot of the hills lie several lakes which drain to the Shanmuganathi river, a tributary of the Amaravathi River (itself a tributary of the Kaveri River), which takes its source on the slopes of the Palani Hills.
The nearest towns are Oddanchatram, Dharapuram, Udumalaipettai, Kodaikanal.

Varadhamanadhi Dam

Demographics

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According to 2011 census, Palani had a population of 292,301 with a sex-ratio of 1,023 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.[9] A total of 6,467 were under the age of six, constituting 3,283 males and 3,184 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 16.57% and 0.23% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 78.95%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[9] The town had a total of 19,015 households. There were a total of 27,150 workers, comprising 372 cultivators, 1,277 main agricultural labourers, 763 in house hold industries, 23,478 other workers, 1,260 marginal workers, 40 marginal cultivators, 68 marginal agricultural labourers, 107 marginal workers in household industries and 1,045 other marginal workers.[2] As per the religious census of 2011, Palani had 90.58% Hindus, 7.63% Muslims, 1.44% Christians, 0.01% Sikhs, 0.01% Buddhists, 0.42% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.[10]

Religious census
Religion Percent(%)
Hindu
 
 90.58%
Muslim
 
 7.63%
Christian
 
 1.44%
Other
 
 0.46%

Transportation

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Roadway

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Image of V.O.C Central Bus Stand, Palani

National Highway NH 83 connects Coimbatore to Nagapattinam via Palani Tiruchirappalli Thanjavur. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited TNSTC buses connect the town to other parts of the state. KSRTC buses connecting places like Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Guruvayur, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and kottarakara are available at particular interval of time from Palani bus stand. 24 hours buses are available on all three main roads (via Dharapuram, Oddanchatram and Udumalaipettai)

Railway

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Main article: Palani railway station

Station Code :PLNI, Palani is a part of the Coimbatore-Rameswaram BG line prior to the commencing of gauge conversion. On 20 November 2012, the Dindigul-Palani section of the line was completed, and the local railway station opened to railway traffic again. Currently there are passenger trains are crossing from Madurai, Thiruchendur to Coimbatore, Palakkad. And a daily express train available between Palani to Chennai. Recently Amritha express running from Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram via Dindigul, Palani, Pollachi, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kollam.

Airway

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The nearest major airports are Coimbatore International Airport located 100 kilometres (62 mi) from Palani and Madurai International Airport located at 130 kilometres (81 mi) from Palani. Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the next nearest, 164 km from Palani.

References

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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Palani.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Palani.
  1. ^ "Kongu Nadu". coimbatore.com. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Palani". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  3. ^ "Palani Population (2021/2022), Taluk Village List in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu".
  4. ^ "Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani | Dindigul District | India". Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  5. ^ "Dhandapani Murugan Kovil". tamilnadu.com. General Interactive, LLC. Archived from the original on 7 March 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Kongu Nadu Areas". Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  7. ^ "Dhandapani Murugan Kovil". Tamilnadu.com. 5 March 2013. Archived from the original on 7 March 2013.
  8. ^ Cōmale. Palani: The Hill Temple of Muruga. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, 1975. p. 23.
  9. ^ a b "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  10. ^ "Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu" (XLS). Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2015.

See also

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