Swayambu lingam of periya avudayar kovil – next destination in palani

The Periya Avudayar Temple is one of the most visited temple near Palani. It is located near the river banks of Shanmugha Nadi Four kilometers from the Palani Bus Stand in the Old Dharmapuram Road.

Temple opens at 8. 00 a. m. & 6. 00 p. m every day.

What makes the temple Special!

One thing that every devotee who reaches the temple would love is the unpolluted mild cool breeze which flows over the Shanmugha Nadi. The fresh air along with sounds of birds from the nearby trees gives that blissful feeling that every devotee craves for. Kavadi bearers usually take dips in Shanmugha Nadi before visiting the temple; it is believed that a person’s sins will be removed.

The deity here is the Swayambhu Lingam meaning naturally formed so, local belief is that it existed even before Bhogar (who is a Tamil Siddhar). Only male gods are found in the temple. A majestic figure of Dakshinam?rti, a rare Rudran and other gracious images in stone, and also the 16 old inscriptions can be noticed inside the temple.

One specialty you can find is that the stage of Lord is square in shape against the conventional round one.

Many devotees come here every year and it is believed that lord here is merciful and would solve any problem if full faith is confided. People pray for a job suiting their qualifications, for developing self-confidence, for happy wedding and child boon, for relief from the curses and anger of ancestors, relief from the threats of enemies, peace of mind, longevity and health.

The Story Behind the Temple

Once after the Lord Muruga left the mount Kailash following the Mango Competition, Mother Parvathi was very depressed. Seeing this, Lord Shiva decides to bring back his son and leaves mount Kailash along with Goddess Parvathi to the place. Being pleased with the beauty of this place both decides to stay there itself. Mother being concerned about her son decides to leave for Palani half hesitantly as she had to leave the Lord alone. Lord too had a similar mind. As both were unwilling to separate from each other, they were named Piriya Nayaki and Piriya Vidayar representing their unwillingness.

Festival Season

Aadi Perukku is the is 18th day of Tamil month ‘Aadi’ (July-Aug) is considered as an auspicious day for women on which the Piriya Nayaki visits the temple. Some other days which are celebrated here include:

Aadi Amavasaya in the same month, Maha Shivrathri in February-March, Tamil New Year day, Jeshtabishek in Aani-June-July, Karthikai annual abhishek in November-December, Abisheks with conches, Margazhi pujas in December-January, New Moon day in Tamil month ‘Thai’.

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