Theerthamalai Sri Theertha Giriswarar Temple, Dharmapuri

Address

Theerthamalai Sri Theertha Giriswarar Temple, Theerthamalai-636 906 Dharmapuri district Phone: +91- 4346 -253599

Diety

Theerthagirishwarar Amman: Arulmozhi vadivambaigai

Introduction

The Sri Theerthagirishwarar Temple in Theerthamalai, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient temple with a rich history and significance.

Location: The temple is located in Theerthamalai, which is a village situated about 16 km north-east of Harur, in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, India. The name Theerthamalai means “Hill with Holy Water” in Tamil.

Presiding Deity: The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Theerthagireeswarar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds great religious importance.

History and Legends:

The temple was originally built during the 7th century and has received contributions and renovations from Chola and Vijayanagara kings.
Several inscriptions can be found within the temple premises, and they relate to the Vijayanagar and Chola rulers.
Legend has it that Lord Rama, wanting to worship Lord Shiva, sent Hanuman to fetch water from the River Ganga. When Hanuman didn’t return in time, Lord Rama struck an arrow into a rocky slope, and water sprang forth. This water source is known as Rama Theertham, which is perennial and falls from a height of about 30 feet. The temple is associated with multiple sacred springs known as Theerthams.

Theerthams:

There are several Theerthams within the temple complex, each with its own significance and properties. Some of the Theerthams include Agasthya Theertham, Rama Theertham, Agni Theertham, Gowri Theertham, Kumara Theertham, Vasishta Theertham, and more.
These Theerthams are known for their medicinal and curative properties, and devotees believe that bathing in or using the waters of these Theerthams can provide relief from various ailments.

Festivals and Practices:

The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, with the 10-day Masi Brahmotsavam in February-March being one of the most significant. This festival includes a grand procession of the presiding Lord, a car festival, a wedding festival, and more.
Other important festivals celebrated at the temple include Navaratri in September-October and Aadi in July-August.
Devotees engage in various forms of worship, such as tonsuring, ear-boring, and offering abishek (ritual bathing) to the deity using various offerings like milk, curd, honey, fruit juices, sandalwood paste, and more.
The temple also practices annadhanam, where food is offered to the devotees.

Importance and Beliefs:

People visit this temple seeking mental peace, relief from diseases, blessings for childbearing, family prosperity, and relief from debt burdens.
Some unique practices at the temple include tying cradles for child boon, tying threads around anthills to mitigate the adverse effects of serpent planets, and tying threads around Pavalamalli trees for wedding blessings.
The Theerthamalai area has reserves of magnetite iron ore that can be used for the Salem Steel Plant.

The Sri Theerthagirishwarar Temple in Theerthamalai is a place of great historical and religious significance. Its association with various Theerthams and the legends surrounding Lord Rama and Hanuman make it a unique and revered pilgrimage site. The temple’s festivals and practices are an integral part of the cultural and spiritual life of the region.