Bharatnatyam : Story of Pazhani malai temple.

This snippet is from Nruthyalya's 10th anniversary celebration : Skanda.
Skanda is a thematic presentation of all 6 abodes (aaru padai veedu) of Muruga in Bharatanatyam.

Pazhani Malai (Palani Hills) is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Dhandayuthapani Swamy. The temple at Palani is one of the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Murugan and is associated with a rich tapestry of myths and legends. Here is a detailed story related to Palani:

The Myth of the Fruit
Background:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had two sons, Ganesha and Murugan. One day, Narada Muni visited Kailash and offered a divine fruit (a mango) to Shiva and Parvati, stating that it was a special fruit of wisdom and knowledge and should not be cut but eaten whole.

The Contest:
To decide who should get the fruit, Shiva proposed a challenge: whichever son circled the world three times and returned first would receive the fruit. Murugan, with his peacock mount, immediately took off to fly around the world. Ganesha, on the other hand, with his large physique and mouse as his mount, decided to take a different approach. He circled his parents, Shiva and Parvati, three times, stating that they were his world. Impressed by his wisdom, Shiva and Parvati gave the fruit to Ganesha.

Murugan's Departure:
When Murugan returned and learned that Ganesha had been given the fruit, he felt disappointed and upset. In his frustration, he left Kailash and came to the Palani Hills in South India, where he decided to stay as a hermit. It is believed that Murugan chose Palani for its serene beauty and spiritual atmosphere.