The presiding deity, Lord Dandayudhapani Swami, is the son of Lord Siva and son-in-law of Vishnu. Hence the name Palani is a popular syncopation of the two words mentioned. They said, ' Pazham Nee' ('You are the Fruit'). Lord Siva and Parvati came to pacify Him. In anger, He renounced His family and came to this spot to settle forever.

On return, Lord Subrahmanya found that He was cheated. Lord Vinayakar circumambulated around His parents, symbolising the world, and got the fruit. Lord Subrahmanya mounted His peacock to go around the world. Whoever completes one round of the globe first will be given the fruit. As there was only one fruit and it should not be cut, they announced a contest and said that the winner would be given the fruit. As a loving mother, she wanted to give the fruit to her children. As a loving husband, Lord Siva gave it to Parvati and requested her to eat. Narada gave the fruit to Lord Siva and implored Him to eat since it was a rare, miraculous JГ±anapalam, the fruit of wisdom. Narada Muni, a sage, brought a golden mango to the divine court of Lord Siva when Lord Siva was seated with his consort Parvati and His children Lord Vinayakar and Lord Subrahmanya. There is a legend how Lord Murugan came to this sacred spot. The Legendary, Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Hill Temple Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances ( navabashana). He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'.

He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. Palani ( Tiru Avinankudi) is the third Padai Veedu. Lord Murugan is the deity of the Tamil Land.

Palni murugan