Idumban Temple

Idumban Temple is a very popular temple in Palani and one of the best places to visit. According to history books, the Temple has been an important site since the time of Sage Agastya. It is in the Idumban Hills. 

People who visit this Temple should first offer their prayers to Idumban, which is to the left of the Palani hills. They should only offer their prayers to Lord Murugan in the Palani hills. The 13-foot-tall statue of Idumban carrying the "Kavadi" in this Temple is an idol. By the grace of Lord Murugan, the Mandir was built for Idumban across from the main Lord Murugan temple. It was dedicated in 2002. 

What is the story of Idumban?

Legend has it that the sage told his helper Idumban to bring the two rocks, Sivagiri and Shaktigiri, to his home in India. Not many devils lived through the war between the Suras and the Asuras, but Idumban was one of them. 

When the war ended, Idumban turned to Lord Murugan as his god. It got its name from Idumban, both the Temple and the hill where it stands. The Panguni Uthiram, Thai Poosam, and Tirukarthikai are some of the most important events held at the Temple. It is a belief that people who go to Palani should honour Idumban for their prayers to Lord Murugan.

Idumban asked him to stay at the entrance to Murugan's shrine forever. Idumban was duly made an official gatekeeper at Murugan's Temple. Murugan told everyone who worshipped him with a Kavadi first to respect Idumban.

How many steps are there in the Idumban Murugan Temple?

There are 540 and 570 steps to the Temple in Palani, Tamil Nadu, India. Some say the steps are straight, and some have great views. However, the Temple is a must-visit during the Palani tour package.