Theerthamalai, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu India

Situated in the Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu near Harur, Theerthamalai is a very famous pilgrim centre. Moreover, there are many who come to this place for picnic. There are five springs that come from a steep slope of a hillock. The name of the temple is originated from one of these springs. Lord Shiva is the preceding deity worshipped here. He is known as Lord Theerthagirishwarar. It is believed among the locals that the place is very sacred as anyone who takes a bath in the holy waters of the spring gets out of the sins committed by him. According to the ancient Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama after killing thousands of demons in the battle field of Lanka worshipped Lord Shiva as he was suffering from sin. 

Theerthamalai is an important Sacred place in Harur taluk of Dharmapuri district. Theerthamalai is situated about 16Km north-east of Harur in Dharmapuri district. Theerthagirishwarar temple is located at the top of a hillock. The temple situated about one k.m up the steep slope of a hillock derives its name from the five springs in the temple. Lord Theerthagireeswar (Lord Shiva) is the worshipping deity. 

According to the legend, it was here that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of having killed several demons in the war against Ravana. Hence there is a belief that holy dip in the water of this spring will wipe out the sins committed by the people.

In order to worship to Lord Shiva, Rama sent Hanuman to fetch water from the River Ganga, but when Hanuman did not return at the appointed time for pooja, Rama unleashed an arrow onto the rocky slope of the hillock and water sprang forth, which today is called Rama Theertham. The tiny waterfall drops from a height of about 30 feet is perennial and during the summer as well as the rainy season the water falls on the bathing ghat behind the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The other Theertham, all of which have their origin in different parts of the rocky surface, are the Agasthya Theertham, AgniTheertham. Kumara Theertham and the Gowri Theertham. Besides these four Theerthams, the Hanuman Theertham is situated about 16km from the main temple on the banks of river South Pennar.