Theerthamalai Temple

Introduction to Theerthamalai Temple

Every district of Tamilnadu is home to many Shiva temples. Ancient or modern, these temples showcase exquisite architecture, which bears testimony to our wealth of culture, craftsmanship, and history. Theerthamalai Temple is a famous temple located in Hogenakkal town, Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is Theerthagireeswar. Devotees can reach the temple by climbing the steep slope of the hillock for a distance of 1 km.

Legend of Theerthamalai Temple

The temple's interesting legend says that Rama was returning to Ayodhya after killing Ravana in battle. He wanted to perform Shiva Pooja there. As Hanuman could not reach the place with the holy Ganga water and flowers from Kashi, Rama shot his arrow at a rock from which water burst forth. He completed his Pooja using that water. The Rama Theertham, created by Rama, is a small waterfall about 30 feet in height. Hanuman, in anger, threw away the vessel with the Ganga water. The vessel fell on the riverbank.

The Architecture of Theerthamalai Temple

This historical temple was built during the reign of the Chola and Pandya dynasties in the 7th century. The temple's inscriptions reveal that Rajendra Cholan often visited the Theerthamalai Temple. There are four Theerthams along with this temple - Agni Theertham, Agastya Theertham, Kumara Theertham, and Gauri Theertham. Devotees can worship the sacred Hanuman Theertham also, which is 16 km from the main temple, i.e., on the way from Aroor to Oothangarai. Vayu Theertham, Varuna TheerthaM, Indra Theertham, Yama Theertham, and Vasishtar Theertham are other sacred Theerthams around the hill.

Theerthamalai waters contain rare medicinal properties. It is believed that devotees and pilgrims should visit Hanuman Theertham first before visiting the main Theerthamalai to receive the complete blessings of Theerthagireeswar.

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has been protecting the Theerthamalai Temple as a monument. This square temple stands with a single tower. The Dravidian style of architecture embellishes the temple. A fortification wall protects the Theerthamalai Temple from outer disturbances. Devotees can view a gate tower and a Gopuram on the east and west sides of the wall. A three-tiered granite roof gives the temple a rich look.

A hall (mandapa) with a porch occupies the front area of the temple. Twelve strong pillars support the hall. Images of deities are beautifully carved in the pillars. The Theerthamalai Temple's inner sanctum houses Swayambhu Murthy. A Siddhi Vinayagar sanctum is also present here. Devotees can have the main deity's darshan through the porch. Even the temple walls are carved with precise images of deities, so it is famous for its sculptures. Scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are depicted as sculptures on the temple's walls.

Visitors and devotees can see many inscriptions in the Theerthamalai Temple, most of which are related to Chola rulers.

Festivals in Theerthamalai Temple

The 10-day Masi Brahmotsavam falls in February-March, with the procession of the main deity, Therottam, on the 7th day, the wedding on the 5th day, and the Sathaparana festival (Theerthagireeswar in reclining posture) on the 10th day. Chithirai New Year with 365 liters of Milk Abhisekam, Navaratri, Aadi, and Pradosham, followed by Girivalam, are the other festivals at Theerthamalai Temple. During the weekend, devotees arrive here with their families for a spiritual retreat.

Benefits of Worshipping in Theerthamalai Temple

It is believed that a dip in the Theertham here can help humans eliminate sins. Worshiping Theerthagireeswar will bless devotees with peace of mind. Many people pray to the deity for good health, longevity, progeny, and wealth. Prayers are offered here, especially for debt resolution.

Childless couples tie cradles here, seeking progeny blessings. People tie a yellow rope to the palm tree to remove obstacles in a marriage.