Injimedu Periyamalai Shiva Temple

Periyamalai Shiva Temple is located Injimedu is a village in Vandavasi taluk, Tiruvannamalai District -Tamil Nadu.This is the only temple in which the special pooja is performed for Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva.

This ancient temple is considered to be more than 2500 Years old as per the available historical accounts. Mythologicaly it is associated with krithayuga. Lord Shiva is in the form of lingam and is named as Thirumani Cherai Udayar (highly decorative and attractive Shiva). The Goddess Parvati is named Thirumani Nayaki (pleasant and blissful). This Shivalinga is 5 feet 6 inches tall atop the hill. Shivalinga is very elegant, attractive and vibrant. From any account, this is the tallest Shivalinga atop a Hill in India. This Temple is regarded as an abode of eternity (Mukthi) (Moksha) & also southern Kailash.

Legends
1.Once there was an ego battle between Brahma and Vishnu, they set off to reach the top and bottom of Shiva as a competition. During that time Thazampoo (Lavender tree flower) gave a false witness to Shiva that Brahma had reached the top of Shiva. Knowing this, Shiva cursed Thazampoo that it should not be used in any Shiva pooja. In order to get rid of the curse, it stands here as the Sthala Vriksham. Nandhi’s footsteps are seen here.

2.Mythology has it that the wedding of Lord Shiva with Parvathi was performed at Mount Kailash, the eternal and ethereal abode of Lord Shiva. All the Devas, Rishis, Saints, along with Lord Vishnu, Brahma and their consorts assembled to witness the marriage. The northern part Himalayan Mountain, sunk in whereas the Southern part has gone up. So to make it balance, As desired by Lord Shiva, Agastya Rishi stood on top of the Mount and hence the Mount sub-merged into the earth. Rishi Agastya witnessed the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvathi from the top of this Mount. Therefore the prayers of the devotees for their marriages are getting fulfilled.

3.NANDI, became ‘Vaahana’ of Shiva :
Nandi, son of Rishi Shilada performed penance seeking blessings and acceptance of Lord Shiva. It is from this Holy Hill Periyamalai that Lord Shiva blessed Nandi to be his Vehicle, for the first time. Since then, this Hill is venerated and worshipped by the Rishis and Devatas as a sacred place.

Worshipping Lord Nandishwara of this temple is regarded as very sacred as he grants the prayers. The village was called “Nandipuravinnagaram”(Sky high village, Nandipuram) as Periyamalai was very tall once upon a time.

4.Amavasya Tithi
Rishi Shilada performed penance. Lord Shiva appeared before the Rishi and asked him what boon he wants. Rishi requested Lord to attain Mukti along with the mortal body (sthoola sharira) Lord granted his prayer. Joyfully when Rishi was traversing in the sky, Rishi Narada intercepted and enlightened the Rishi that he cannot enter the heaven with his mortal body. There is a inner secret of his birth. He has to return to earth to commence the Amavasya Tithi to redeem the bondaged soul from their sins. Thus the Rishi started the Amavasya (offering prayers to departed souls) by wearing the holy Grass Minji. This word Minji has become Inji and now it is the name of the village itself i.e. Injimedu.

5.Anointment of Herbal Shivalinga
Rishi Devadootha prayed Lord Shiva for many years. Lord appeared before him and granted his prayer. Hence Rishi Devadootha anointed the Shivalinga in ancient times on top of the Mountain. The Linga was made out of herbal plants.

Lord Shiva created a Holy Ganga on top of the mountain as the Rishis prayed for water for their use. This Holy spring is perennial and is very sweet and cures many diseases.

Many people visit this place for the relief from their problems related to health, education, property and money.