whats the problem in having Siva linga in Palani temple ? The temple is dedicated to Murugan ( similar to how Tirupathi was a Murugan temple ). The linga is a later day add ons.
by brahmanists. Originally, the deity was created by Tamil siddhar Bhogar and theres no mention of him creating or installing a linga in Palani.
BTW linga worshiped is condemned in the Vedas as asuric since its origins are in Tamil culture. Sivan, Vishnu etc are Tamil gods, they are elaboratel mention in Tamil scriptures, where as in Vedas they have scanty references.
One more point, the original priest in Palani were non Brahmins Tamils, the Nayaks rulers replaced them with imported brahmin from North. This happened to other temples too
Created by Bhogar, it was maintained after him by sage Pulippani and his descendants almost as their personal and private temple.
During the time of Tirumalai Nayak, his general Ramappayyan handed over the puja rights to newly brought Brahmin priests. The descendants of Pulippani were compensated for the loss of this right by being given: Certain duties of superintendence Right to some annual presents Right to shoot off, at the Dasara Festival, the arrow which symbolises Subramanya's victory over asuras. Right to be buried at the foot of the steps leading to the hill, if some of them so chose.
http://palanitemples.com/english/muruga_bhogar.htm