Parvathamalai Temple

Parvathamalai is a place dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most visited places. Spiritual people and Siddhas come here to progress in their journey and attain enlightenment. It is a hillock near the Kadaladi and the Thenmadimangalam villages in the Jawadhu hill range, Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu. There are many names for this place, Parvathamalai, such as Thenkailayam, Kanthamalai, Mallikarjunamalai, etc.

The Legends of Parvathamalai Temple

The Parvathamalai Temple was built around 2000 years back by the Siddhars, who came to attain supreme powers and salvation by performing penance to Lord Shiva. As per legend, it is said that when Lord Hanuman brought Sanjeevani Paravat to revive Lakshmana during the battle with Ravana in Ramayan, a part of the mountain fell. The mountain that Hanuman carried is said to have many herbs that could cure the deadliest diseases. The same kind of herbs is also found in the Himalayan ranges. It is said that the air here is salubrious as it touches the herbs and is good for mental and physical health. It is also said that the Siddhars sit here for penance as the herbal air helps in enlightenment and attaining spiritual liberation.

There is another legend regarding the Paravathamalai, Annamalaiyar Padam. Annamalaiyar Padam means the marks of the feet of Lord Shiva. Hence, these marks are significant as they are believed to be left by the Lord himself. Lord Shiva left these footsteps when he returned from the Himalayas back to Arunachala.

One needs to step up to the hill while chanting the Shiva Mantra, as it gives them the power to reach and keeps them from giving up. Chanting also provides peace of mind to the devotees.

The Architecture of Parvathamalai Temple

The Temple is said to be built during the time of the rulers of Thondai Nadu. To reach the Temple, one has to trek to the top of the hill. It is built for the Mallikarjuna, a form of Lord Shiva, and Parvatha Rani Parvathammal, a form of Shakti. The Temple is always open, and the doors are never closed at any time.

Many other temples exist while climbing the hill. Here presiding deities are Vinayagar, Hanuman, Durga, and Pachai Amman. There is also a Valli Deivanai and Subramaniyar Temple and a Jeeva Samadhi of a Siddhar. The Sannidhis are dedicated to Bhairavar, Agastiyar, Jeeva samadhis, etc.

Here no priest performs the pooja, and the devotees are free to worship on their own. They can also make offerings to the Lord. Make sure that you carry the essentials as there are no shops once you reach the hill.

Festivals of Parvathamalai Temple

The Chitra Poornima, Adipooram Palabishekam, 1st Day of Purattasi, Karthikai Deepam, the first Day of Margazhi, Mahashivaratri, and Panguni Uthiram are some of the festivals that are famous in this Temple.

Divine powers are believed to visit here to worship the Lord on full moons and other special occasions mentioned above. This is a unique Temple in Tamil Nadu where devotees climb the hill and perform the puja by themselves. This way, you give puja to the Lord yourself and worship his footsteps with your own hands.

Benefits of Worshipping at Parvathamalai Temple

This is a miraculous place with many hidden powers and is well-known for its mystery. It is believed that those who get to meditate here are one of the luckiest souls on this plane. Devotees visit this Temple believing that the Lord will relieve all their sorrows. Those with issues related to love, money, family, and studies visit here and pray to the Lord and seek relief.

Trekking to the Paravthamalai Temple and offering pooja are said to give numerous rewards for the visit. It is also said that visiting this Temple equals visiting all the Shiva temples worldwide.

This herbal hill contains many medicinal properties that relieve you from mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and other physical diseases.

One can also climb the hill without shoes to reap the maximum benefits. However, you should be capable of doing it; do not do it if you have health issues or are not comfortable climbing without shoes. Here you meet a lot of Siddhas who also bless you to have a successful life ahead.