The Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, situated atop a scenic hill in Palani, Tamil Nadu, is one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Muruga. While the temple is famous for its breathtaking views of the Kodaikanal hills and lush plains, it is equally renowned for its unique "Panchamirtham" prasadam. This "mouth-watering" offering is so popular that pilgrims rarely leave without several kilograms for friends and family.
A Historic Milestone Palani Panchamirtham holds the distinction of being the first temple prasadam from Tamil Nadu to be granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition, confirmed by the Deputy Registrar of Geographical Indications, ensures that no other producer can misuse the name. Under the WTO’s TRIPS agreement, a GI tag is reserved for products with a specific quality or reputation attributable to their geographical origin—in this case, Palani town in the Dindigul district.
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| Palani Panchamirtham.thequint.com |
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| Palani Panchamirtham prasadam .thehindu.com |
Ingredients and Preparation The name "Panchamirtham" refers to the five natural substances used in its preparation: banana, jaggery (country sugar), cow ghee, forest honey, and cardamom. To maintain its unique flavor and semi-solid consistency, not a single drop of water is added. Furthermore, it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
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| Palani Panchamirtham dtnext.in |
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| Location map. .Palani,Tamil Nadu. city.com |
Quality and Hygiene To secure the GI status, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysore monitored the production process. Today, the preparation is entirely automated to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and shelf-life. The Joint Commissioner of the temple administration oversees the production, and the prasadam is sold at both the hill temple and official stalls at Adivaram (the base of the hill).
Significance For the pious, consuming this "abhisheka prasadam" provides a sense of hope and spiritual fulfillment. Much like the Tirupati Laddu, the Palani Panchamirtham has become synonymous with its temple. The GI tag not only protects the heritage of this divine offering but also safeguards the producers and maintains the premium quality that devotees have cherished for decades. Along with other Indian specialties like Mizoram’s Tawl Lohan, this tag establishes Palani's prasadam as an exclusive global treasure.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palani_Panchamirtham
https://www.thehindu.ctag/article29089343.ece
(Revised)
