Parvatha Malai

There are many temples, which are built on the cliff of the mountain & hill. One such hill temples is ''Mallikarjuna Temple'' in Parvatha Malai. Parvathamalai is part of the Javadhi hills. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Shiva or Mallikarjuna.  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, which is about 20 kms off Polur. Polur is some 35 kms north of Thiruvannamalai dist. In Tamilnadu. Mallikarjuna means 'White Jasmine'.  Reaching the top of the mountain is very tedious job. It is 4560ft high vertical mountain that has iron rod steps, track steps, ladder steps, and sky steps or agayapadi (suspended bridge?), which is very rare and not found in any other mountain. 

The place attracts trekking enthusiasts from all over the country. It is also a sacred place and devotees of different age group visit this place. It has an interesting story behind this mountain. 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. There is also another story associated with this temple. When Lord Shiva returned from Himalayas to the south, he kept his first-step in this very Parvathamalai.  There is a popular belief that the breeze from the hill, heels all the incurable diseases. Many Siddhars have made this hill as their home and also practice yoga. A lot of people from different worlds like devas, nagas, siddhars etc are said to come here every night to worship Lord Shiva. A lot of people have reported seeing many paranormal activities. People also say that many siddhars show up to a very few devotees. You can have the Jyoti Dharishanam at night. You can smell fragrance of flowers all around the temple. The goddess idol has a very dazzling beauty which can be never seen anywhere else. A divine light can be seen on cheeks of the goddess.

 This is a place vested with a lot of spiritual power. Kanchi Sri Sankaracharya saw the hill in the shape of Shiva lingam. He saw the hill as God and doesn't want to keep his foot on the hill and just went around the hill worshiping it. Ramana Maharishi said there is no need for Guru for people in and around 30 Kms of Tiruvannamalai and he will guide them as Guru. So people interested in spirituality can come here every month and attain bliss and enlightenment. One f the specialty of this temple is anyone can enter the sacred sanctum sanctorum and do abhishekam or any other form of pooja to lord Shiva here. As there are no stores on top of the mountain, it is very important that devotees carry water, viboothi and other pooja samagris. There is no restriction here that only priest are allowed inside sacred sanctum sanctorum. This hill attracts a lot of devotees on Full moon day, no moon day and new moon-day.  Every day, annadanam/prasadam is given from the temple side and from the devotees. Many siddhars are living and practicing their skills around Parvathamalai and they have given darshan to many visitors. This place is very auspicious and has powerful vibrations from the religious point of view. 

Besides trekking experience, this place serves as a spiritual centre. So if you're around Thirvanamalai do visit this place. May lord shiva bless us all! 

Ps: This is a compilation of many online sources on Parvathamalai. If you have more info or any personal experience please share it here :)