History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Festivals, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Theerthamalai Temple, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India
Theerthamalai Temple or Theerthagiriswarar Temple is located in small village Theerthamalai, just 16 km from Harur in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The name Theerthamalai in Tamil means hill with sacred water. The temple is situated about one km up the steep slope of the hillock, derives its name from the five springs in the temple. This temple was built during 7th Century when the Cholas and the Pandya’s were ruling this dynasty. Rajendra Cholan used to visit regularly this temple and the inscriptions can be found in this temple. Along with this temple there are other four Theertham in various part of rocky land, Agni Teertham, Agastya Teertham, Kumara Teertham and Gauri Teertham. Also there is sacred Hanuman Teertham at 16 km from main temple.
As per legend, Lord Shri Rama after winning the war against Ravana and returning to Ayodhya, wanted to perform Shiv Puja in the temple. As the Hanuman could not return in time with holy Ganga River and flowers from Kasi. Rama shot an arrow on rock creating the Ramatheertha and completed the Puja. The Rama Theertham is a tiny waterfall about 30 feet high.
This temple is visited by devotees and visitors during the festival Maha Shivratri as the temple is decorated with flowers. According to legends it is said that bathing here or at least spilling the drops blesses the devotee with knowledge and wisdom. People here perform Abhishek with honey, sandal, oil, milk, curd, rose water, fruit juices, green coconut etc. All the festivals are celebrated here in temple with great zeal and devotion. 10 days Brahmotsav festival in month of February – March, New year day in April, Navratri, Girivalam etc. festivals holds high importance.
How to reach Theerthamalai Temple, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India
Even Theerthamalai is small village in Dharmapuri District but the pilgrimage centre of South India and home to Theerthagirishwarar temple and other sacred Theertham. It is very well connected with all major cities of Tamil Nadu and India via Road, Air and Rail network. Theerthamalai is situated at a distance of 15 km from Harur, 57 km from Dharmapuri, 70 km from Tiruvannamalai, 50 km from Tirupathur, 75 km from Vaniyambadi, 100 km from Hogenakkal, 221 km from Chennai, 225 km from Thanjavur, 275 km from Nagapattinam, 210 km from Trichy, 177 km from Pondicherry, 305 km from Madurai, 260 km from Tirutapi, 229 km from Kumbakonam. Morappur railway station is just 25 km from Theerthamalai which is connected with all major cities of South India. Nearest airport from Theerthamalai are in Pondicherry and Tiruchirappalli.
