The Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu brings the most enchanting Theerthamalai Temple, dedicated to the most excellent Lord Shiva. Situated at the top of the hill, the meaning of the temple is a hill with holy water. The Theerthamalai Temple is an attraction for its renowned natural spring, the Siddha Kundam. The water coming from this Kundam possesses the most potent healing qualities and beliefs that having this water will remove the sorrows of life. The vibe and surroundings of the Theerthamalai Temple bring calmness, devotion, and spiritualness to the pilgrim’s soul. The place also serves as a rejuvenation place for devotees. People worldwide come and clean their conscience under the shadow of Lord Shiva.
All About The Theerthamalai Temple
Built in the 7th Century, the Theerthamalai Temple was crafted in the Dravidian style. It gives a traditional look to medieval carvings sculptures from Hindu mythology. The Theerthamalai Temple has huge courtyards that are vibrant in festivities during the Maha Shivaratri and Panguni Uthiram. The South Indian temple stands for its significance of culture, tradition, and religious devotion. The faith in this temple is such that people visiting the Theerthamalai Temple take a holy dip in the spring to worship, heal, and prosper in life.
The holy shrine of Lord Shiva is worshipped in the lingam form.
Along with the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are shrines of Goddess Parvati, their son Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga (Kartikeya). The temple visit involves climbing a steep stairway of around half Youb; you can enjoy the lush green forests, beautiful scenic views, and monkeys wandering during the climb around. The temple stories have asserted that while returning to Ayodhya and after killing the Raavan, Lord Ram visited the Theerthamalai Temple to pay his homage to Lord Ram. Other temple stories say that this temple is a dedication to the Lord Theerthagireeswar, an incarnation of Lord Ram.
Timings: 6 am- 11 am, 4 pm-8 pm.
Entry fee of Theerthamalai Temple: Free.
The best months to visit are October to February and during Maha Shivaratri.
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Things To Do At Theerthamalai Temple
Visiting the Theerthamalai Temple is bliss for spiritual blessings and soul clearance. The temple can also be enjoyed for its rich and diverse culture. Here are a few things to be enjoyed while visiting the temple.
Charming scenes: Located on a hilltop, the Theerthamalai Temple gives the impression of a rocky cave while walking up to it. All the photogenic people will fall in love with the vibe and scenery of the place.
Festivals for the Pilgrims: The Theerthamalai Temple becomes a hub during the festive season. People from various places come to celebrate Maha Shivaratri or Panguni Uthiram. The temple is famous for cultural performances, colourful processions, and sagas.
Traveling the Local Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage is filled with traditions and soulfulness. The place is filled with many ancient temples, giving it a substantial nostalgic appeal. During the visit to the Theerthamalai Temple, people can enjoy shopping and local foods in the Dharmapuri district.
Shopping: While visiting the Temple in the Dharmapuri district, you can try shopping from the Main Bazar, New Bus Stand area, and The Gandhi Road. These markets have the best South Indian traditional wear, textiles, and local foods.
Places To Visit Around The Theerthamalai Temple
Along with visiting the Dharmapuri district to worship the Theerthamalai Temple, there are many other places that you can enjoy with your family and friends. A few of them are as follows:
1. Hogenakkal Falls
Image Credit: Mithun Kundu for wikimedia commons
The first one is the Hogenakkal Falls, located around 40-45 km from the temple district. These falls are known as the Niagara Falls of India and give a lovely boating experience. It can be on your list if you love water and boating activity. Timings are 8 am-6 pm. There is no entry fee, but boating has a fee.
Entry Fee: Free Entry and for boating 750 per boat of 4 people
Timing: 7 AM to 6 PM.
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2. Thally Hills
The Thally Hills are also at a distance from the Theerthamalai Temple. The trek lovers and suckers of skyline views it’s a must-place for you. The times for this place are also 8 am-6 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: NA
3. Krishnagiri and Mettur Dams
The Krishnagiri and Mettu Dams are around 30 and 50 km from the Theerthamalai Temple, respectively. They are ideal spaces for a family picnic and Sunday fun with friends. Boating is available at both destinations. They are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry Fee: Rs. 5 per person
Timing:9 AM to 6 PM.
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4. Silk Farms
The Silk Farms in the Dharmapuri District near the Theerthamalai Temple is a place to enjoy seeing the process of silkworms giving us silk, which is then woven into a fabric. The place is ideal for shopping for handmade silk clothes. Additional tips to visit the place are to wear comfortable clothes and carry your water and snacks as there is less availability inside the farm.
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
5. Chenraya Perumal Temple And Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple
The nest on the list are two famous temples near the Theerthamalai Temple that you can visit to seek the blessings of. The Chenraya Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishu and is 60 km from the district, while the Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple is of Goddess Mariamman and is in the district itself. For both the temples, there is no entry fee.
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 8 am–6 pm
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How To Reach The Theerthamalai Temple
The Theerthamalai Temple is near Harur in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. It can be reached by road, rail, or plane.
By Road: If you are travelling by road, you can directly reach the Dharmapuri district by taxi, and the same cab can take you to the Theerthamalai Temple, which is around 25 km from the central district.
By Train: If you are travelling via train, the nearest railway station is the Dharmapuri Railway Station. From here, you can hire a taxi to the Temple.
By Air: If you choose the air travel option, there are two options. First, you can reach Salem Airport, which is 80 km from the Dharmapuri district, or you can reach Bengaluru International Airport, which is 200 km from the Theerthamalai Temple; you will have to hire a taxi to reach the temple from both places.
Accommodations Near The Temple
Many pocket-friendly and quickly available stay options are available during your visit to the Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu.
A few hotels to stay at during your visit to Theerthamalai Temple are Hotel Grand Dharmapuri, Hotel Sakthi Grand, Hotel VNR, Hotel Ganesh, and Sri Sai Residency, with prices. Prices range from 2000 INR. These hotels are closer to the temple, making your stay and travel more accessible.
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The Theerthamalai Temple is in the forests of the Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. The place is the perfect combination to give you peace, sanity, and devotion for a lifetime. Coming to the temple will provide you with a full-time experience of a spiritual journey on the hilltop and clean your soul with divine and virtue. Along with visiting the temple, there are various other options like the Hogenakkal Falls, the silk farms, and the tally hills to rejoice in your experience. If you are a faithful follower of Lord Shiv and want to seek his blessings, do not miss the opportunity to plan a trip to Tamil Nadu today.
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Cover Image Credit : Vinoth88 for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Theerthamalai Temple
What is the unique thing about the Theerthamalai Temple?
The Siddha Kundam, or the natural spring, is holy water to solve all your medical and life problems.
Which months are to be avoided when visiting the Theerthamalai Temple?
Try to avoid the summer months from April to June.
What is the one thing to take care of while visiting the Theerthamalai Temple?
Try to be in traditional; try to wear cloths that covering your shoulders and knees.
Are there any nearby markets to explore near the Theerthamalai Temple?
Yes, there are markets in the New Bus Stand Area where you can Gandhi Road to try shopood and shopping.
Is it compulsory to donate while visiting the Theerthamalai Temple?
Not at all, it is the wish of the devotee.
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