Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – The Temple

Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – The Temple

This temple is located at the top of a hillock at an altitude of about 1200 feet. The temple is situated at about 1 km up the steep slope of the hillock, derives its name from the springs in the temple. The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Balipeedam, Dwaja Sthambam and Nandi can be seen in front of the maha mandapam. Nandi is facing towards the sanctum through the window. There is a pillared mandapam to the southern side of the main shrine. The temple can be entered through southern side.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Theerthagireeswarar in the form of the Shiva Lingam. Lord is Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The consort of Lord Shiva, Arulmozhi Vadivambigai is housed in a separate shrine. Shrines of Siddhi Vinayaka, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Agastheeswarar, Akhilandeshwari, Navagrahas, Anjaneya and Shiva Lingams can be seen in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Pavazha Malli.

Theerthams:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2025/01/theerthagireeswarar-temple-theerthamalai-theerthams.html

Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – Theerthams

Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – Theerthams

Theerthams associated with this temple are Rama Theertham, Agni Theertham, Gowri Theertham, Kumara Theertham, Vasishta Theertham, Vayu Theertham, Varuna Theertham, Indira Theertham, Yama Theertham, and Hanuman Theertham. The waters of the Theerthamalai is said to have medicinal values.

Rama Theertham:

The Rama Theertham is a tiny waterfall about 9.1 meters (about 30 feet) high. This waterfall is perennial and is situated behind the sanctum. It is believed that Lord Rama unleashed an arrow onto the rocky slope of the hillock and water gushed out from the rock. Thus, the theertham came to be called as Rama Theertham.

Gowri Theertham:

Gowri Theertham is situated in the temple premises. It is believed that Gowri Theertham was created by goddess Parvathy. She worshiped Lord with this theertha and got his hand in wedding and became Ardhanareeswarar. Devotees worship Lord and Mother with this theertha for wedding boons.

Kumara Theertham:

Kumara Theertham is situated in the temple premises. It is believed that Kumara Theertham was created for Abhisheka to Lord Muruga when he was crowned as the Supreme Commander of the forces of the devas. It is said that taking bath in this theertham will bestow one with knowledge and wisdom.

Agni Theertham:

Agni Theertham is situated in the temple premises. It is believed that Lord Agni got relieved of his sin after taking bath in Agni Theertham. Devotees consume this theertham to get cure from cold attacks, tuberculosis etc.

Agasthya Theertham:

Agasthya Theertham is situated in the temple premises. It is said that the waters of Agastya Theertham has curative powers in treating ulcer problems. Devotees consume this theertha and also use for cooking for relief from gastric problems and stomach pain.

Hanuman Theertham:

Hanuman Theertham is situated about 16 kms from the main temple on the banks of river South Pennar. It is believed that when Hanuman returned with the pot of water from the Ganga, he found that Rama had brought the Ganga water with his arrow. He then threw away the pot in anger. The pot is said to have landed here and became Hanuman Theertham.

Vasishta Theertham:

Vasishta Theertham is situated at the top of the hill. Images of Saptha Matrikas can be seen near this theertham.

Vayu Theertham & Varuna Theertham:

Vayu Theertham and Varuna Theertham are situated to the western side of the hill in Harur.

Indira Theertham:

Indira Theertham is situated to the eastern side of the hill in Andiyur (Mondukuli).

Yama Theertham:

Yama Theertham is situated to the southern side of the hill in Veppampatty.

Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – History

Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – History

The temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE. The temple received extensive patronage from Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara Kingdom. It is said that the Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I used to visit this temple regularly. The mandapam near the sanctum is supposed to be built by Sila Naicken. He is said to have maintained a well-fortified garrison at the top of the hill from where a commanding view of the surroundings can be seen on all sides. Inscriptions dating back to Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga Chola I are recorded from this temple.

An inscription dating back to 1016 CE of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I records the gift of gold for burning perpetual lamp in the temple of Kudal Alvar by Aiyan Virama Deviyar of Pungunram, a queen of Mummudi Chola Perumal. Another inscription dating back to 1017 CE of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I records the gift of gold by an individual named Karipperumal / Panglan of Ittapari in Puramalai Naadu in Thagadur Naadu, a sub division of Nigarilichola Mandalam.

There are two inscriptions dating back to 1041 CE of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola in the western wall of the central shrine. The first inscription records the renovation activities carried out in the temple, construction of mukha mandapam, gift of two lamps to Lord and gift of villages Kurumudai, Avvadi Mangalam and Aliyur by one Karkadai Vairan.

The second inscription records that the construction of the Kshetrapala and Chandesvara shrines. An inscription dating back to the 10^th regnal year of Chola Emperor Kulothunga Chola I records the appointment of a pujari for this temple. There is an inscription dating back to 1104 CE of Kulothunga Chola I can be seen on the southern wall of the mukha mandapam. It records the gift of lamp stand and cows by the native of Muniyar in Thagadur Naadu.

There is an undated inscription found in the same wall. It records the gift of ornaments. Lord Shiva was mentioned as Thirthamalaiyudaiya Mahadevar and the place was called as Theerthamalai in Puramalai Naadu in Thagadur Naadu, a sub division of Nigarilichola Mandalam in the inscriptions. There is an ancient sculpture with an inscription can be found in the temple premises. It mentions Sri Bhagavathi, Kuru Chchuli Kodudaiya.

Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – Legends

Theerthagireeswarar Temple, Theerthamalai – Legends

Rama Theertham & Hanuman Theertham:

As per legend, Lord Rama reached this place while returning to Ayodhya after winning the battle against the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. He was afflicted with brahmahatya dosha for killing Ravana. To get relief from the brahmahatya dosha, he wished to perform Shiva pooja at this temple. In order to perform his pooja, Lord Rama sent Hanuman to fetch water from the river Ganga. Hanuman could not return in time with the water from Ganga.

As the time was running out, Lord Rama unleased an arrow onto the rocky slope of the hill and water sprang from the surface of the hill. This theertham came to be called as Rama Theertham. Lord Rama completed the pooja in time with the water from this theertham. This theertham is a small waterfall of about 30 feet tall. The water in the falls will never become dry even during the summer. The source of this water fall is not identified till date.

Lord Hanuman arrived after the pooja was completed. Knowing the pooja was completed, he threw the vessel containing Ganga water from here. It fell at a distance of about 12 Kms from the hill and formed a spring called Hanuman Theertham. It is customary that people take the first dip in Hanuman Theertham and then at Rama Theertham for relief from sins. Lord Rama performed Shiva Puja at two famous sacred places, the first at Rameswaram and the next at Theertha Malai.

Kumara Theertham:

As per legend, Kumara Theertham was created from the abhishekam to Lord Murugan when he crowned as the commander in chief of the forces of Devas.

Gowri Theertham:

As per legend, goddess Parvati (Gowri) created a theertham, took bath in the theertham, worshipped Lord Shiva and married Lord Shiva here. Thus, the theertham came to be called as Gowri Theertham.

Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri

Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri

Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Shoolagiri Village in Shoolagiri Taluk in Krishnagiri District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal / Udayasthagirinadhar and Mother is called as Perundevi Thayar. The temple is considered as parihara sthalam for sarpa doshas.

Legends

Pandavas visit to Shoolagiri:

In Dvapara Yuga, when Pandavas lost in the gambling to Duryodhana, they were condemned to exile in the forest, as per the terms of the gambling. During the exile period, Pandavas went to several places and came to Shoolagiri as well. In Shoolagiri, Arjuna consecrated Varadaraja Perumal and worshipped him. To commemorate the visit of Pandavas to this place, there are 5 big rocks together in the Shoolagiri hill. There is also a carving of the dice game (gambling) indicating the connection to the Pandavas.  

Shoolagiri:

As the hill resembles trident (Shoolam in Tamil), this place came to be called as Shoolagiri.

Vaikunta of the South:

This temple is referred to as Dakshina Vaikunta Hasthashyla Sree Kshetram (Vaikunta of the South).

Udayasthagirinadhar:

As the rays of the setting sun fall on the feet of Perumal during Uttharayana period, he came to be called as Udayasthagirinadhar.

History

The temple is said to have been built by the Cholas and later expanded by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagara kingdom, Nayaks and Polygars. The maha mandapam was built by Emperor Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Kingdom.

The Temple

The temple is situated on the slopes of Shoolagiri hill. This temple is facing towards west with three tiered rajagopuram. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and pillared maha mandapam. The pillars of the mandapam are intricately carved. Sculptures of Lakshmi Narasimha, Narasimha slaying Hiranyakasipu, Navaneetha Krishnan, warrior riding a horse, various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, etc can be seen in the pillars of the maha mandapam.

The sanctum enshrines an image of Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal / Udayasthagirinadhar. He is facing towards west. He is about seven feet tall and in standing posture. The sun rays will fall on the feet of Lord Varadaraja Perumal during sun set during the Uttharayana period (mid-Jan to mid-July) every year. The main deity has been created in such a way that it seems to be appearing bigger in size when one moves far from the sanctum. There is a separate east facing shrine for goddess Perundevi Thayar.

There is a carving of two snakes trying to swallow Sun and Moon representing eclipses can be seen in front of the goddess shrine. There is a shrine for Lord Hanuman situated in the right side of the maha mandapam. There is a small cave enshrining an idol of Hanuman can be seen behind the temple. Shrines of Garuda, Ganesha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Ramanuja and Nammalvar can be seen in the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

Varadaraja Perumal Jayanthi is celebrated on 21^st May every year with special poojas, homas, Kalyanotsavam to Varadaraja Perumal and Perundevi Thayar. Garuda Seva is performed during Vaikunta Ekadashi in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan). This temple has the biggest Garuda Vahanam, compared to all the temples in the nearby areas.

Contact

Prasanna Varadaraja Perumal Temple,

Shoolagiri, Shoolagiri Taluk,

Krishnagiri District – 635 117

Phone: +91 4344 252 608

Mobile: +91 96776 47992

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Shoolagiri Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Athimugam, 24 Kms from Hosur, 25 Kms from Hosur Railway Station, 29 Kms from Krishnagiri, 62 Kms from Bengaluru and 94 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated Shoolagiri Town on Krishnagiri to Hosur route.

Location

Airavatheswarar Temple, Athimugam – The Temple

Airavatheswarar Temple, Athimugam – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with a mandapam type entrance arch. The temple is situated ten feet below the ground level. Deepa Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the entrance arch facing towards the sanctum. This temple is one of the few temples with two main shrines namely Airavatheswarar Shrine and Azhageswarar Shrine. The Azhageswarar Shrine is the first shrine in the temple followed by the Airavatheswarar Shrine at the back side of it.

The Azhageswarar shrine is the main shrine in this temple complex. The Azhageswarar shrine consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Navagrahas shrine can be seen on right side of the mukha mandapam. Navagrahas are seen in sitting posture. A Vinayaga with a Shiva Linga at the front can be seen at the left side of the entrance of maha mandapam. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Azhageswarar in the form of Shiva Linga.

A nandi can be seen in front of the Shiva Linga. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Idols of Chandran, Indra riding his Airavata, Veerabhadra, Bikshadana, Nagas, Suryan with his consort Usha & Pratyusha and Chandikeswarar can be seen on platform in the inner prakaram. There is a sixteen pillared mandapam situated on southern side of this shrine.

The prakaram around the shrine is completely enclosed within a wall. Mother is called as Akhilandeshwari. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the right side of the Azhageswarar shrine. Nandi can be found facing towards her shrine. She is about five foot tall and is four armed. The Airavatheswarar shrine is the oldest shrine in the temple complex.

The sanctum is situated at about four feet below the ground level of the temple. The sanctum enshrines the Airavatheswarar in the form of Shiva Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested) and is facing towards east. The Lingam has a carving of an elephant in it. The sanctum has the idol of goddess Kamakshi in standing posture behind the Lingam. Idols of Appar and Thirugnana Sambandar can be seen in the ardha mandapam.

Nandi is seen slightly away from the Airavatheswarar to allow the sun rays to fall on the Lord during the first week of Thai month (Jan-Feb). There are five Lingams (Pancha Lingams) in separate shrines can be seen on the right side of the temple complex. These shrines share a common mandapa and Nandi can be seen in front of each shrine in this mandapam. There is a north facing shrine for Vinayaga in the outer prakaram. He holds an akshara mala in his hand.

There is a shrine for Lord with his consorts Valli & Devasena in the outer prakaram. It is unique to note that the peacock vahana is seen facing the left side of the Lord Murugan. There is an ancient anthill in the southwest corner of this temple. It is said that the anthill is believed to be as old as the temple. Sthala Vriksham is Vilva tree.  Theertham associated with this temple is Indra Theertham.

Airavatheswarar Temple, Athimugam – Legends

Airavatheswarar Temple, Athimugam – Legends

As per legend, an asura named Viruthasura was harassing the devas and sages. The devas and sages appealed to Lord Indra to protect them from the asura. Indra mounted on his white elephant (Airavata) fought with the demon and killed him. Indra and Airavata was afflicted with brahma hatya dosha for killing the Viruthasura. To get relief from the dosha, Indra and Airavata were praying to Lord Shiva and suddenly a divine voice from the sky instructed them to locate a Swayambhu Linga on the banks of Agastya river.

The divine voice further instructed them to worship the Lingam for 48 days for relief from the brahma hatya dosha. As advised, they went in search of the Swayambhu Lingam and found it in the banks of Agastya river. Both of them offered their worship sincerely to the Lingam for 48 days. Lord Shiva appeared before Indra and Airavata on the 48^th day and relieved both of them from their brahma hatya dosha.

As Lord Shiva was impressed by the devotion of Airavata and to honour the devotion of Airavata,  Lord Shiva informed that the Swayambhu Lingam worshipped by Airavata will have the carving of the face of the elephant and the Lingam will be worshipped as the Airavatheswarar. As elephant (Airavata) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the place came to be called as Hastimukam (Hasti means elephant in Sanskrit) and later got corrupted to Athimugam.

Airavatheswarar Temple, Athimugam, Krishnagiri