Parvathamalai Sri Mallikarjunaswamy Temple
Sri Mallikarjunaswamy Temple is on Parvathamalai in Tiruvannamalai district in Tamilnadu.
Parvathamalai is part of the Javadhi hills. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Shiva or Mallikarjuna and Goddess is Sri Bhramarambika. The temple is 2000 years old and people are worshiping this temple for more than 500 years according to the Temple priest. This temple is located on the cliff of the mountain-”Parvathamalai.” Parvathamalai is located at ”Thenmahadevamangalam ” village.
It is believed that when Lord Hanumar carried Sanjeevini hill to revive Laxman a piece of Sanjeevenimalai fell here. Hence, this place is also known for various herbs and shrubs that can cure the deadliest diseases.
According to belief, that Lord Shiva placed his feet first on this Parvathamalai when he came to South from his Kailash Abode. This is the only hill where devotees experience the light and guidance of the Lord even on dark new moon days. Some experience the darshan of Siddhas residing on the hill. The other significance is that the devotees can perform the abhishek and light the lamps themselves as followed in North Indian temples.
According to Sthalapuranam, It is said that this hill is a piece that fell here when Sri Anjaneya was carrying the Sanjeevini mount to Lanka. The 3000 feet tall hill has seven types of steps with herbal breeze blowing forever. They cure serious and prolonged diseases. Hundreds of Siddhas are living in the caves in the hill. Fragrant smell of flowers in the sanctum sanctorum, the indescribable beauty of the Mother, flowing bright rays from her cheeks during the nights, Her tall stature and looking as if coming towards the devotee and many miracle views are the facts contributing to the reputation of the Parvathamalai temple. As the Siddhas are believed to be flying round in the form of eagles in Tirukazhukundram, the devotees can notice three eagles flying round this hill also.
Hundreds of devotees throng the place during the Chitra Poornima festival. According to the Yoga Shastras, the human body takes the Kundalini to the Sahasrara in the head after crossing the six Aadhara Nadis below and enjoy the supreme bliss of Sadashiva. Similarly, the devotee reaches the top of the hill after passing through Kadaladi, Methagamalai, Kumarinettu malai, Kadaparai malai, Kanakachi Odai malai, Puttru malai, Kovil malai to worship Shiva-Parvathi and achieve wisdom. It is said that the devotee will reap the benefit of a Kailash darshan if he/she visits this temple for 48 poornimas and Amavasya continuously and will be relieved of diseases however severe it may be.
A one day pooja performed by the devotee in the temple is considered equal to the pujas he/she would be performing all the 365 days in a year.The devotee reaps the benefit of visiting all the Shiva temples on earth, once they visits this Parvathamalai temple.