Down south Kawadi

Idumban is said to have prayed that whoever carried on his shoulders the kavadi — signifying the two hills — and visited the temple on a vow should be blessed and that he (Idumban) should be given the privilege of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill.

Hence, an Idumban shrine is halfway up the hill, where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandâyudhapani. Since then, pilgrims to Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a kavadi aattam. The custom has spread from Palani to all Murugan shrines worldwide.