Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Theerthamalai is one of the famous Temples of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva – Theertha Giriswarar and Arulmozhi Vadivambikai. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga. Theerthamalai is a popular pigrim centre and it is 16 k.m. from Harur in Dharmapuri District. This Hill temple located 500 ft high from the ground level. It is one of the temples built in 7th century and many contributions were made by the Vijayanagara Emperors, Chola and Pandya Kings.
The legend has that, Lord Rama arrived this holy land after the war with the Demon King Ravana. After the fierce battle with Rama and Ravana and consecutive bloodshed, Lord Rama wanted to get rid of the sin ‘Brahma Hathya’. He arrived at this place to perform Abhishekam to Lord Shiva. As per the advice of Sage Agastya, He invited all the deities, Maruth Ganas, Rishis etc… for attending the sacrifice. Lord Rama wanted holy water from Ganga to perform the Abishekam to Lord Shiva. He appointed Lord Anjaneya to bring water from the Ganges. Lord Anjaneya arrived at Ganga to serve His Lord Rama. Alas! At his deep disappointment, he found some women bathing in the holy river. He had to keep himself away for quite some time and was interrupted by this act. He had to wait for some time and let the women finishes their bath. It is believed that, Lord Shiva himself created the hindrances to Lord Anjaneya at His own will in order to get this land of Theerthamalai blessed with the holy water by Lord Rama. All the Deities, Rishis and Ganas were present at the prescribed time. The assembled were impatiently waiting for Lord Anjaneya’s arrival with the holy water. Time was running out, Lord Rama who was strict follower of his words and deeds could not bear this delay. He shoots his arrow on the hill and the water started to flow uninterruptedly. Thus, Lord Rama performed Abishekam to Lord Shiva. Hence, the Theertham known by the name Rama Theertham in later years. It is believed that there are many ‘Theerthams’ are available from the foot hill to the Hill top. There are five Theerthams which are treated as the most scared. They are: Gauri Theertha’ , Rama Theertham, Agni Theertham, Kumara Theertham and Agastya Theertham. Taking dip in the holy Theerthas are treated as auspicious. It has the capacity to cure all the diseases and get relieved out of the sins committed. There is Hanuman Theertham also present at the hill 16 km away from the main Shrine, it is believed that Lord Anjaneya while bringing the holy water from Ganga a few drops fell on this ground known as ‘Hanuman Theertham’. This hill temple is surrounded by lush green herbal plants, which has lot of medicinal values. Just spending few hours in this Hill temple would add freshness to mind and body.
Sri Aruna Girinathar describes the Shrine as ‘Theerthagiriswarar Perumaley’ in one of his compositions. There is also situated Vashista Theertham on the top most place of the hill.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
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