How a staunch devotee brought Palani to Kodambakkam

The Vadapalani temple was built in late 19th century. The story goes that once, Annasamy Naicker, a staunch devotee of Lord Muruga had been wandering to temples far and wide in search for a solution to his health issues. A Sadhu appeared in Annasamy Naicker’s dreams and said when Murugan is right in your house why do you go in search of him all over? This moved him deeply. As a part of his prayer to the Lord, he had sacrificed his own tongue.

One day when he was descending the steps of the Pazhani temple after his Darshan of the Dandayuthapani, a beautiful picture of lord Murugan grabbed his eyes. He was mesmerized by it. He considered it a priceless possession and brought it home to Chennai. He placed it in his home and put a thatched roof over it. He asked his family to shift elsewhere and considered it the very sacred abode, the Palani. He became known for his “Arul Vaakku” in his trance during pooja. He is also known as Pavadam since he offered his tongue to Lord Muruga and took the Pavadam.

This picture can still be seen in the temple today. And the main idol of Lord Muruga in this temple is designed based on this picture.

He was followed by Rathinasamy thambiran and his diciple Bagyalinga Thambiran in his service to Lord Muruga. The Samadis of all three Sitthars who worked towards building the sacred temple is situated in Nerkundram. The Siddarkal Alayamn is constructed to enable devotees to visit the Samadhis of all three Siddars at the same time. There are special Poojas conducted every Pournami. The Guru Pooja is also a specialty here.

It is strongly believed that those who are unable to lead a pilgrimage to the Palani can very well visit the Vadapalni temple. Devotees, senior citizens who are unable to visit Palani can visit the Vadapalani temple here in Chennai and give their offerings that they had prayed for the Palani Murugan.