Nadu Palani Dhandayuthapani Murugan Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Nadu Palani, Perukkaranai,

Kanchipuram District,Tamil Nadu 603313

Mobile: +91 – 96003 90366 / 9655331004

Moolavar

Dhandayuthapani Murugan

Amman

Valli and Deivanai

Introduction

The Dhandayuthapani Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is located in Nadu Palani, a serene village in the Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. Situated on a small hillock surrounded by a beautiful landscape and about ten giant banyan trees, the temple offers a tranquil spiritual experience. It is easily accessible via the Chennai-Thindivanam route, 2 km before Achirupakkam, with a marked arch on the highway leading to the temple. A 6.5-km drive from the arch brings you to the temple in Perukkarani (Perunkarunai) village.

Puranic Significance

The temple holds significant historical and spiritual importance:

Origin of Nadu Palani:
The revered Kanchi Periyavar visited this place and suggested naming it Nadu Palani. The temple was established by Sri Muthuswamy Pillai, who, inspired by a dream in which Lord Murugan appeared, began its construction with a simple installation of a Vel (spear). Over the years, the temple grew in size and prominence.
Construction and Legacy:
The hill shrine, consisting of 120 steps with a landing mandapam midway, was built by Muthuswamy Pillai. Following his Jeeva Samadhi, the temple has been managed by the Maragatha Thandayuthapani Dhatthathreya Trust.
Unique Deity:
The main deity, Dhandayuthapani, is a 3-foot-tall idol made of Maragatha (emerald) stone that glistens during the Aarti. The deity is reminiscent of the Dhandayuthapani at Palani, Tamil Nadu.

Temple Features

The temple features several shrines and unique elements, making it a significant spiritual destination:

Shrines Along the Steps:
While climbing the 120 steps, devotees encounter:
- Anjaneyar Shrine and Idumban Shrine
- Siddhi Vinayagar Shrine
- Raja Rajeswari Shrine with a Mahameru Gopuram and Navagraha idols
- Naga Prathishtai under a unique Arasu-Vembu combo tree
Other Highlights:
- Saravanapoihai Fountain: An artificial fountain adding to the temple’s charm.
- Samadhi of Sri Muthuswamy Pillai: A place of reverence for devotees.
- Main Shrine:
  - The temple on the hilltop houses only Lord Murugan’s shrine, with the deity facing east.
  - A new Maragatha Dhandayuthapani idol was installed in February 2008, replacing the older, damaged one.
  - The temple also has Urchavar Deities, including Kalyana Urchavar with Valli and Deivanai and Arumugar on a peacock.
Special Sculptures:
- Naga Dattareyar: A unique depiction of Dattatreya (Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwara) on a serpent bed, with Anaga Amman (Lakshmi).

Beliefs and Significance

The temple is renowned for fulfilling devotees’ prayers, especially in overcoming obstacles to marriage when prayers are offered with devotion.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several festivals with grandeur, attracting tens of thousands of devotees:

Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, and Iyppasi Month:
These occasions witness Patha Yatras and Rudraksha Kavadi offerings by devotees from Chennai and nearby regions.
Panguni Uthiram Utsavam:
The most prominent festival, attended by 2-3 lakh devotees, featuring grand celebrations and Annadhanam (community meals).
Guru Pooja of Muthuswamy Pillai:
Observed annually on the day before Thirukartikai.
Milk Abhishegam:
Performed every Tuesday and on Krithigai at 8 AM to the Maragatha Dhandayuthapani.