Parvathamalai, Tiruvannamalai - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 36 km from Thiruvannamalai, Parvathamalai is a mystical mountain situated at Thenmathimangalam village in the Tiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the top pilgrimage places near Chennai, and among the best places to visit near Madurai.

Parvathamalai holds great spiritual significance and is known for its natural beauty. The name Parvathamalai means Mountain of the Goddess in Tamil, highlighting its connection to Hindu mythology and spirituality. At the peak of Parvathamalai stands the Parvatha Malaiyappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, believed to have been established by Siddhars, individuals with extraordinary spiritual abilities known as siddhi. The temple has no door and remains open at all times, showcasing the divine powers of the deity.

Legend has it that the hill is a fragment of the Sanjeevani Mountain carried by Lord Hanuman to revive Lakshmana, Lord Rama's brother, containing potent herbs capable of curing deadly diseases. Wise saints decided to construct a temple atop the hill for meditation purposes. Parvathamalai is considered a place of hidden supreme powers where miraculous events occur. Locals and pilgrims alike believe that Siddhars reside in and around the hill, engaging in meditation and occasionally granting darshan to fortunate visitors.

Devotees embark on a challenging trek to reach the temple, traversing rough terrain and dense forests. Along the way, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Vinayagar, Pachai Amman, as well as 7 Muniswarar and Vana Durga goddesses. At the base of the hill, there is a temple devoted to Lord Vinayagar, the first son of Shiva and Parvathi. Prior to reaching the hilltop, there is a dilapidated fort constructed by King Nannan around 300 A.D., who ruled over Cheyar and served as the chieftain of Chengam.

Parvathamalai not only holds spiritual significance but also serves as a magnet for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers nationwide. The trekking path, which spans around 5.5 km, leads to a hilltop approximately 4500 ft above sea level. There are two routes to reach the temple at the summit, with both merging halfway up. The Thenmadimangalam route is commonly used by pilgrims, while the Kadaladi route is preferred by trekkers due to its higher level of difficulty. A section of the hill features a path with rods known as Kadaparai, aiding climbers in ascending the steep terrain, hence earning the name Kadaparai Padai.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free