Parvatha Malai Temple

The Paravatha Malai Temple is located in the Tiruvannamalai region and is dedicated to God Shiva. The temple is situated atop a hill called the Parvatha Malai, and is situated about 20 kilometers from Polur which is 25 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is believed to be over 2000 years old. To reach the temple, one needs to climb the mountain on foot. Unlike most temples in South India, all devotees are allowed to perform an Abhisekam or a Puja to the Shivlinga in this temple. According to mythology, when God Anjaneya was flying with the Sanjeevani hill, a part of it fell to the ground and this is believed to be that portion of the Sanjeevani. Scaling the hill is considered to be the toughest part of the trek, as the climb is very steep and this stretch is a bit difficult. Punctuated by iron rods that are drilled into the rocks and chains that are placed to assist your climb at a sharp ascent of about 3500 feet, the journey is effectively a form of one-way traffic, one that a person can only climb at a time. You have to be sure on that no one is coming on the other side, for which you have to raise your voice. Once an acknowledgment comes from the other side, it is only then that you can climb. Otherwise, you might find yourself caught in the middle. Legend has it that Paambatti Sithar used to search for poisonous snakes to extract their venom and make anti-venom potions. Once, when he was in Maruthamalai in search of a NagaRathina snake, Sattai Munivar appeared before him and told him to “search for the snake within his body (i.e., the kundalini shakti)” and told him that this was the purpose of his birth, and that searching for snakes in the bushes was a useless activity. The enlightened Pambatti Sithar began a round of meditations and God Muruga appeared before him along with Valli and Deivanai. This temple is one of the AruPadai Veedus of God Murugan. The "Marudha Thirtam" and the "Pambatti Sunai" are springs on these hills with holy water. A dip in them is said to assure one of a cure from a number of diseases, for it is believed that they contain medicinal properties. The Panja Virutcha Vinayagar is seen in the temple. Usually, Vinayaga is found to be below the Arasa maram, but in this place, five trees, namely Arasa, Atthi, Vanni, Korakattai and Vembu are joined together with Vinayagar seated below, and is known by the name Panja Virutcha Vinayagar. Other attractions at the temple include the Suyambu Thaanthondri Vinayagar, Idumban sannathi, Pambatti Sithar Sannathi and the Saptha Kaniyar sannathi.