Periyanayaki Amman Temple is one of the most important Devi shrines in Palani town, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. Periyanayaki Amman Temple is located in the heart of Palani town, about 2 kilometres from Adivaram (the foothill of Palani Hill). While Palani is world-famous for Lord Murugan on the hill, this temple represents the compassionate motherly presence of Goddess Parvati in the town below. The temple is administered by the Devasthanam of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple.
The temple was built approximately 400 years ago during the Nayak period. It was later expanded and maintained by local chieftains and devotees. Over centuries, it has become an important Shakti worship center in Palani.
The presiding deity is Sri Periyanayaki Amman, a powerful and compassionate form of Goddess Parvati. The name “Periyanayaki” means “Supreme Mother” or “Great Leader.”
The Goddess stands gracefully in the sanctum with a calm and benevolent expression. She is worshipped as the guardian mother of Palani town. Devotees pray to her for marriage, childbirth, family peace, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.
The temple also houses shrines for Lord Kailasanathar (Shiva) and Lord Muthukumaraswamy (Murugan), reflecting the sacred Somaskanda concept of the divine family.
The temple is built in traditional Nayak-era South Indian style. It features a spacious Navaranga Mandapam supported by beautifully carved granite pillars.
The inner halls display fine stone craftsmanship and elegant sculptures. The temple does not have a very tall rajagopuram, but its mandapams and artistic pillars are architecturally impressive. Festival vahanas used for processions are also preserved within the temple.
Periyanayaki Amman Temple developed as the “Town Temple” of Palani. When Lord Murugan chose Palani Hill as his abode in the form of Dhandayuthapani, the Divine Mother is believed to have manifested in the town to bless devotees who could not climb the hill. The temple gained spiritual prominence as a place of maternal grace and protection.
The Sthalapurana of the temple is closely connected with the sacred tradition of Palani.
After the well-known event in which Lord Murugan renounced worldly attachments and came to Palani Hill, Goddess Parvati desired to remain near her son and devotees. She manifested in the town below as Periyanayaki Amman.
While Murugan on the hill represents renunciation, discipline, and spiritual wisdom, Periyanayaki Amman represents compassion, nurturing love, and protection in daily life. She chose to reside in the town so that elderly people, women, and children who could not climb the hill could still receive divine blessings.
The temple reflects the Somaskanda form — Shiva, Parvati, and Murugan together — symbolizing family unity and cosmic harmony. Devotees believe worship here brings peace between parents and children and resolves family misunderstandings.
One of the unique traditions of this temple occurs during Vijayadasami. On this day, the sacred Vel (spear) associated with Lord Murugan is ceremonially brought from the hill temple to this shrine. The ritual symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and the victory of good over negativity. Devotees believe witnessing this ceremony removes obstacles and grants success in new beginnings.
The temple reflects the Somaskanda form — Shiva, Parvati, and Murugan together — symbolizing family unity and cosmic harmony. Devotees believe worship here brings peace between parents and children and resolves family misunderstandings.
One of the unique traditions of this temple occurs during Vijayadasami. On this day, the sacred Vel (spear) associated with Lord Murugan is ceremonially brought from the hill temple to this shrine. The ritual symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and the victory of good over negativity. Devotees believe witnessing this ceremony removes obstacles and grants success in new beginnings.
Navaratri is celebrated grandly with special decorations and daily alankarams for nine days.
Vijayadasami features the sacred Vel ritual symbolizing divine victory.
Aadi Fridays and Aadi Laksharchana are very important for Devi worship.
Major Murugan festivals such as Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, and Kandha Shasti are also observed with connected celebrations.
