The main deity is called Dandayudhapani. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. This icon of Lord Muruga at Palani is a unique one. This temple is refered to in the Tamil work Thirumurugatruppadai of Nakeerar of the Sangam age (pre Christian era). Arunagirinaathar , the saint poet  has composed 95 verses on Palani in his Thirupugazh. The Palani malai hill temple and the Thiruvavinankudi temple at the foot hills form a composite unit. The Thiruvavinankudi temple is refered to as Kuzhandhaivelayudar temple and the Saravanpoigai tank is located near it. The early morning worship starts at 6 am. and the temple is open all day until the last worship is conducted at 8 pm.