Hanuman carried part of Sanjeevi hill back to Lanka and it fell here, creating the Parvathamalai hill. At its summit stands a temple believed to cure all diseases; additionally there are also many siddhars who reside here.
The Veerabhadrar Temple Trust provides free food for trekkers and pilgrims visiting this sacred area, as well as water sources.
1. Spiritual Significance
Parvathamalai Hill in Tamil Nadu’s Jawadhu hill range of the Eastern Ghats is revered for its spiritual significance. Villagers claim to hear bells ringing out at midnight when sardars perform puja for its temple on this hill – their homes being kept secret from others! According to legend, Siddhars and yogis reside here and keep this hill their secret home – although local residents claim otherwise. Villagers report hearing siddhars performing puja for its deity on this hill during these mysterious midnight sessions!
Satyarup believed that this mountain contained herbs capable of curing even the deadliest diseases, with its herbal breeze thought to provide relief for respiratory problems such as asthma. He even removed his asthma inhaler while visiting this hill as a testament to its curative power!
Temple on top is also unique because you can enter its sanctum bare-chested. Trekkers appreciate this experience because it fills them with positive energy that helps move them forward in their lives.
2. Challenging Trek
Trekking to Parvathamalai Maliga arjunar can be one of the most exciting and thrilling experiences you will encounter. The path consists of various elements including plains, steps, uphill rocky path, crowbar path(Kadaparai padhai), ladder steps(Yeni padhai) and track steps(Agaya padhai). It is about 15 kilometers round trip and takes around 3-5 hours each way, depending on the individual’s fitness level.
Journey begins from Thenmathimangalam village by bus and once there, you will be able to spot its towering peak from a distance. When in this village, several buses would transport you directly to Parvathamalai Hill’s entrance.
Trekking starts off with a short climb of just a few meters before beginning its real work – ascending uphill. Once underway, Idukku Paarai provides a vertical path connecting two hills where you must carefully and steadily walk up uneven and narrow steps until crossing over into another section and eventually the top of a hill.
3. Ancient Temple
At the top of Parvathamalai Hill stands a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva once stepped upon these hills while returning from Himalayas back to Arunachala and thus this spot is called Annamalaiyar Padam (Step of Lord Shiva). Climb up the steps and recite “Om Namaha Shivaya” mantra for abundance of bliss and power!
At the peak of this hill stands a powerful Temple where Siddhars (people with special spiritual powers) often meditate. Rumor has it that these Siddhars keep their presence hidden until it comes time for devotional services at midnight in this Temple dedicated to deities residing there.
One unique aspect of this Hill is that anyone can enter the inner sanctum of its Temple to conduct personal abhishekams or other forms of puja. People from a 30-kilometre radius visit it each month in search of spiritual enlightenment and peace.
4. Night Treks
Parvathamalai is one of the Eastern Ghats’ premier trekking trails, drawing hikers of all skill levels for its challenging terrain and sacred shrine that worshippers visit to ask Lord Shiva’s blessing. Night treks are popular among visitors, as many prefer to reach the temple by early morning to witness the sunrise and participate in the early morning rituals.
The trek begins at Shri Pachaiyamman Temple and ascends gradually through dense foliage, offering you ample opportunity to view unique flora and fauna species such as Orange-breasted Green Pigeon and Bar Headed Goose birds if you keep an ear open!
Once at the summit, you will come upon an ancient stone mantap thought to have been built during Chola period. Next is Idukku Paarai which consists of narrow steps cut out of rocks that only allow one person at a time through it; from here you can also spot Veerabhadrar temple which provides free food and water to trekkers.
5. Scenic Views
One can enjoy the natural beauty of the hill as its surface is blanketed by dense forests. Along its route are scenic spots and there are multiple scenic spots along its peak – where Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is said to reside and bestow prayers of his devotees to help attain greater knowledge and thus salvation – through meditation on steep mountains where Siddhars would meditate and reach Siddhi.
On this trail one can also find a shrine dedicated to Lord Bhairavar and Jeeva Samadhis of Siddhars. However, trekking on it may prove challenging due to steep sections on its route up. Furthermore, summer weather conditions could quickly dehydrate you; therefore it is advised not to trek during this season.
One can board buses from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai and then local buses to reach Thenmathimangalam for their trek. You may even stay at an ashram at the foot of the hill if they notify them beforehand, though essentials like water bottles and snacks should be carried as there are no stores on this mountaintop.
The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including lush forests, valleys, and distant mountains.
6. Diverse Flora and Fauna
The Parvathamalai trek is one of the most thrilling and sacred trails in Southern India, known for its challenging terrain and panoramic views in the Eastern Ghats. The trek’s starting point lies near Thenmathimangalam village in Tiruvannamalai district; at its summit lies a 2000-year-old temple where Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Brammarambigai reside; according to legend, Hanuman was believed to have transported pieces from Sanjeevi hill before dropping them here; also said to heal all diseases by its breeze, many Siddhars practice their yoga here as part of daily regiment. The region is rich in biodiversity, with various species of plants, birds, and animals. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and those interested in ecological studies.
Trekking up this hill begins from Thenmahadevamangalam village, about 20 kms north of Polur. Here, one can witness Parvathamalai towering in the distance. Along this route are numerous unique flora and fauna species including rare plants like Anisomeles malabarica, Ocimum sanctum and Phyllanthus reticulatus; you may also spot various birds, reptiles, or mammals along your journey.
7. Cultural Experience
Trekking through Parvathamalai Maliga arjunar hills is an unforgettable way to experience Tamil Nadu culture. At its center is an impressive shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and locals believe its power will bestow them with spiritual enlightenment. Additionally, Siddhars used this hill as a place of meditation before they reached spiritual enlightenment themselves.
Journeys to the summit will provide trekkers and pilgrims alike with an amazing experience, witnessing many unique plants and flowers as they climb steep hills. Additionally, it allows one to observe customs and culture of Tamil Nadu rural villages – especially their friendly residents and picturesque mango farms which will leave one speechless.
Trekking along this trail can be extremely taxing. From multiple types of steps to rocks and boulders that will test your strength, one of the toughest parts is Idukku Paarai which can only accommodate one person at once.
8. Historical Legends
These hills are known to contain medicinal herbs capable of curing even the deadliest diseases, according to legend, because when Lord Hanuman carried Sanjeevini hill during Ramayan to revive Lakshmana during their fight with Ravana, some piece of that mountain fell here and thus these hills have come to be revered as holy spots by Siddhars seeking wisdom and spiritual powers.
Temple of Lord Mallikarajuna Iswara on its summit is believed to have been constructed over two millennia ago, making this one of the most exciting treks in Tamilnadu. With multiple steps leading up to it and steps with which you can scale its steep incline, making for one of the more adventurous treks!
The trek begins in Thenmathimangalam village and can be easily reached using buses from Polur, Aarni, Thiruvannamalai, and other nearby towns. Although accessible all year-round and can be completed quickly with ample enjoyment in one day if planned well in advance with an emergency kit on board, lighting strikes pose the biggest danger during these treks and it should always be completed with great caution and planning ahead.
This holy temple is believed to bring knowledge and salvation. Legend has it that Siddhars constructed it around 2000 years ago; many Siddhars reside here today and practice meditation here.
The trek begins in Thenmathimangalam village and involves traversing plains, uphill rocky paths, Kadaparai padhais (crowbar paths), ladder steps and track steps before finally reaching its summit.
9. Meditation and Yoga
Yoga and meditation centers in the Parvathamalai hills offer lessons in breathing exercises and stretching exercises designed to give devotees energy for trekking up the mountain, as well as soothing music to calm climbers’ minds and herbal gardens that restore mental wellbeing and increase physical strength for trekkers.
Parvathamalai’s trekking trail spans 5.5 km and includes various types of steps and boulders for exploration. It can be considered an exciting, adventurous trek since it challenges both physical and mental strength to the limit. Trekkers should bring along shoes that will assist in traversing rock sections as well as forest areas; additionally they should bring plenty of water in order to prevent dehydration during their trek.
People who visit this hill regularly with devotion and faith believe that Lord Shiva and the Siddhars will help alleviate their problems, guide them along their spiritual path, and bring success in life. People perform Girivalam ceremonies on full moon days to gain more positive energy for success in life and increase energy flow to gain even more positive outcomes from visiting this mountain range. Many herbal plants found here can treat various conditions while in addition, nightly flower blooming of herbal flowers bloom in Parvathamalai Mountains.
10. Accessibility
Parvathamalai trek puts your physical strength through an intensive test. With steep terrain and multiple types of steps to help reach its summit, Parvathamalai demands all your strength if you hope to conquer its beauty. Therefore, bring plenty of water and snacks with you so as to reduce waste on the trail and help make it greener!
The base of the hill is accessible by road from various nearby towns and cities, with the nearest major city being Chennai, approximately 190 kilometers away.
Trekking along the Eastern Ghats is an arduous yet rewarding journey, where many devotees travel to worship at Lord Shiva temple. Along your journey you’ll experience Tamil Nadu’s vibrant culture and natural splendour first-hand!
Visit this stunning hill between September and February; however, as monsoon season brings slippery conditions on its trail it is essential that extra precautions be taken.
An easy way to reach the starting point of this trek is taking a bus from Tiruvannamalai to Thenmathimangalam and then switching buses at Thenmathimangalam for local service to Parvathamalai Hill; local buses run frequently enough that finding one shouldn’t be an issue. If that seems cumbersome, alternatively you could book a taxi directly from Tiruvannamalai; though the fare will likely be slightly more than with public transit.
About lord siva in Parvathamalai hills
Parvathamalai Hill in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu is revered as an auspicious site due to its 2000-year-old temple perched atop it. Locals believe visiting this sacred spot will help relieve them of all their worries while leading them down a path toward spiritual enlightenment.
The hilltop features various shrines and temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Goddess Brahmarambika. There is also an herb park located here as well as Agaya Gangai water tank which is believed to have curative powers for various ailments.
Another highlight of the trek is crossing Idukku Paarai, a narrow passage that can only fit one person at once. After passing this obstacle, you will be treated to stunning views of Eastern Ghats.
At first, trekking may seem challenging for novice trekkers; however, the experience makes the effort worthwhile. Trekking up this sacred hill provides incredible adventure that should not be missed during their stay in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, offering prayers at Lord Shiva’s footmarks on the hilltop can give devotees positive energy while keeping away evil spirits; additionally the mountain is home to diverse species of flora and fauna which makes trekking up this sacred mountain an unmissable activity!
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