Palani

Palani is the most visited of the six and, for many, the one that defines the tradition. The hill temple is reached by steps, a winch railway or a rope car.

The story behind it: Narada brought a mango, the fruit of wisdom, and it was to be given to whichever of Shiva's sons first circled the world. Murugan set off on his peacock; Ganesha simply circled his parents and claimed it. Murugan, in anger, renounced everything and came to this hill. He stands here as Dandayudhapani — stripped of ornament, holding only a staff. The name is read as "pazham nee" — you are the fruit.

The idol is said to be made of navapashanam, a combination of nine materials, which is why abhishekam offerings here are treated differently from other temples. Thaipusam at Palani is among the largest gatherings in Tamil Nadu.