The Palani Andavar kovil is found on the outer girivalam path opposite the now derelict Echo mandapam. It is a temple dedicated to Muruga, the second son of Shiva who is the main god of the Tamils. The name Palani is derived from the region of Palani on the western ghats mountains where Muruga is believed to have become enlightened and manifests there as a naked young boy smeared with ashes, Palani Andavar, the Lord of Palani.

The legend of this Palani temple on the girivalam is that Bhringi Maharshi is supposed to have undergone tapas at this spot and Muruga appeared to him there as Palani Andavar and granted him liberation (Mukthi).

Today it is quite a popular shrine for local tamils. A loudspeaker blares bhajans all day long and coloured serial lights glitter at night . The saving grace is the magnificent old Peepul tree beside the temple with lush green foliage and a multitude of birds singing away. One can sit underneath this tree and enjoy the holy energy of this place more than in the temple mandapam which seems to have become an extended living quarters of the resident sadhu priest !

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