According to initial reports, in the early hours of today (7th February), a fire broke out in a shop in Palani. On hearing the news, fire tenders rushed to the spot. Firefighting operations are ongoing to bring the fire under control. A video circulating on social media shows a shop engulfed in flames, with firefighters working to douse the fire. However, there are no reports of injuries or casualties so far. Further details are awaited.
It is learnt that the fire broke out in one of the shops located at the base of the hill in Palani town, where preparations for the Thai Poosam festival are underway. Thousands of devotees are coming to visit the temple on foot from their native places to fulfill their vows to Lord Murugan in Palani, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
Today, at the base of the hill near Thiruvavinankudi Koil, opposite Sannadhi Street, there are eateries, pooja article stores, tea shops, among others. According to reports, the fire broke out in one of the shops and spread to other shops. Flames could be seen from a distance, and thick smoke billowed, engulfing the entire area, making the firefighters’ job a little difficult.
பழனி முருகன் கோயில் அடிவாரத்தில் உள்ள திருவாவினன்குடி கோயில் அருகே
பயங்கர தீ விபத்து#Palani | #murugan | #temple | #tamiljanam pic.twitter.com/WbXW1MzUN4— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) February 7, 2025
Later, it was found that the fire originated from a shop selling pooja articles. The fire was eventually brought under control. Officials said that easily inflammable items like camphor, oil, incense sticks, dried articles, and benzoin contributed to the spread of the fire.
Police have registered a case and are trying to find out the cause of the fire. The area is a busy thoroughfare, and luckily, no casualties were reported.
The Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani Temple in Palani is one of the revered Six Abodes of Lord Murugan. Situated in Palani town within Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district, it lies at the foothills of the Palani hills, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of Coimbatore and northwest of Madurai.
The temple’s most significant festival, Thai-Poosam, is celebrated with great fervor on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai (mid-January to mid-February). Devotees observe strict vows of abstinence before embarking on a barefoot pilgrimage from distant towns and villages. Many carry a wooden structure known as a Kāvadi on their shoulders, symbolizing the legendary act of the demon Hidumba, who, as per folklore, transported the two hills of Palani slung over his shoulders. Some devotees also bring pots filled with sanctified water, referred to as theertha-kāvadi, used by priests to perform abhishekam (ritual bathing) on this auspicious day.
Among the pilgrims, the most revered are those from Karaikudi, whose arrival is eagerly awaited. They bring with them the Lord’s diamond-studded vél (javelin) from His temple in Karaikudi, adding to the spiritual grandeur of the festival.
