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.
