There is a legend behind how Lord Murugan came to Palani. Sage Narada once offered a rare, divine fruit of wisdom (Jñanapalam) to Lord Siva. A contest was announced that whoever circled the world first would win the fruit. Lord Subrahmanya set out on His peacock, while Lord Vinayakar circled His parents, symbolizing the world, and won the fruit. Feeling cheated, Lord Subrahmanya renounced His family and came to Palani. Lord Siva and Parvati pacified Him, saying “Pazham Nee” (“You are the fruit”), which later became “Palani.”

The presiding deity, Lord Dandayudhapani Swami, is worshipped by devotees worldwide. The temple was built by Cheaman Perumal in the 7th century AD, with later additions by the Nayaks and Pandiya kings. Pilgrims can reach the temple by five paths, including the unique Theertha Pathai used for carrying holy water for abhishekam.