Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
PALANI, INDIA, October 6, 2009: Unlike Madurai and Rameswaram temples, which are a regular feature in the itinerary of North Indians, the Palani Murugan temple in Tamil Nadu is yet to catch the attention of people across the country. Yet, Palani Andavar temple is the highest money grosser in the state.
The temple income has been steadily increasing and in the last five years, it has seen more than a 50% increase in overall revenue. In the 2008-09 accounting period the temples income was over US$16 million.
Located in Dindigul district, the uniqueness of this 9th century temple, which is one among the six hill abodes of Lord Muruga, is the main deity, Dhandayuthapani Swamy. The murti is made of navapashnam (nine different herbs), a rare phenomenon across the world.
Already pilgrims from the South throng this temple and on an average 30,000 people turn up for darshan per day. “During the festive seasons in January and March, a minimum of 500,000 people visit the temple per day,” chairman of the temple trust S. V. Balasubramaniam said. He also said that nearly 45% pilgrims are from the three neighbouring states, 10% foreigners and 45% from Tamil Nadu.
In order to draw pilgrims especially from North India, the temple trust has prepared a master plan. The trust is developing the infrastructure as well as civil and electrical works. The temple has seen developments in the form of widening of the pilgrims entry, air-conditioning, laying of wooden planks for easier darshan of the Lord, video surveillance round-the-clock, new office room, landscaping around the hills and reverse osmosis water plant. Other works including a Palani Temple Theme Park, extended annadhanam (free food) hall and a huge rest place above the extended hall are in progress. Building information centers, guest houses, medical facility atop the hills are the other works in progress.