Being one of the padi veedu for Lord Muruga, Palani is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus. Puranas have a story that Lord Muruga disappointed for Gnanapazham came here to stay alone. Lord Shiva & Goddess Uma Devi convinced him by saying that he itself is the fruit of knowledge (Gnanapazham) and called him as Pazham Nee. Thus the town got its name "Pazhani". Palani has also a legend associated with Sage Agasthiyar and his disciple Idumban from which Kavadi worship begins.

The temple is opened for 16 hrs a day and can be reached through steps (about 650) or through winches. The vimanam of this temple is a gold-plated one. The Navaranga mandapam supported by 12 pillars is beautiful. On the way from the foot of the Palani Hills to the temple above, there are shrines for Meeenakshi Sundareswarar, Padivinayakar, Murugan with Idumban under the Kura tree.

Boghar is a siddhar believed to be lived in Kali Yuga. The idol in Dandayuthapani Swamy temple is made by him. Boghar shrine is on the southwestern corridor of the temple. It is said there is a secret underground passage from this shrine to the shrine of the deity. The Maragatha Lingam (made of Emerald) worshipped by Boghar is found here.

On the foot of the Pazhani hills is the Kuzhanthai Velayuthaswamy temple and the spot is known as Thiru Avinangudi. As the name specifies, Lord Muruga here appears as a child in his peacock vehicle. There is a shrine for Arunagirinadhar in this temple and there is a tank which is considered sacred. One can witness amla tree(Nelli) and nagalinga tree here.

Situated at the centre of the town this temple is at a distance of 2 kms from Palani malai adivaram. This temple is also known Town Temple and the Deity here is Periya Nayaki Amman. Here the shrine for Lord Muruga is in between the shrines of Periya Nayaki Amman in south and Kailasanathar in north. This seating arrangement of the three gods is known by the name Somaskandar.

Shanmuga Nathi is at a distance of about 3 kms from the Palani Malai Adivaram and can be reached easily via town buses. There is a belief that taking a bath in this river on a new moon day(Amavasyai), will absolve our sins. Devotees who take Kavadi to Palani Murugan take a bath here before going to the temple atop in the hills.There are many shrines situated on the banks of this river.

The deity here is a Swayambu Lingam known as Periya Avudaiyar or Brahadeeswar. The grand sculpture of Dakshinamurthi is amazing. The image of "Rudran", a form of Lord Shiva which is said to be rare is found here.