There is a famous Shiva Temple situated in Kolli Malai, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, and it is known as Sri Arapaleeswarar temple, which means the Temple of justice and righteousness. This temple was praised by the Nayanar Saints in their Tamil Holy Text, Tevaram, and they have sung wonderful songs on Lord Arapaleeswarar.
In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Arapaleeswarar, and Ma Shakti Devi is worshipped as Aram Valartha Nayaki, the goddesses of righteousness. As per ancient legend, once when Shiva devotees started cooking food by catching the fishes from the temple pond, the fishes were brought back to life through the grace of Lord Shiva, and they have jumped into the water, and since Lord Shiva has saved the fishes, he is called as Arapaleeswarar. There is a famous water source, popularly known as Agaya Gangai, and it is found nearby this temple, and nearby this holy Agaya Gangai, the caves of Korakka Siddhar and Kalanginatha Siddhar are found.
Arapaleeswarar was worshipped by some of the ancient kings who have ruled their kingdom in a righteousness manner. Kolli Malai is a wonderful mountain, which is covered with full of natural greenery and it is located in a wonderful location. Various types of Ayurveda medicinal herbs are also found in this mountain, which would cure even the dreaded diseases like cancer, lung diseases and Tuberculosis. Lord Shiva was also worshipped as Lord Kollivananathar during ancient times, since before few centuries ago, this place was a dense forest, and wild animals like lion and tiger would freely move, but they would never cause any harm to the people who had lived in this area.
The great Rishi Agastiya is believed to visit this auspicious mountain during every full moon (Pournami) and no moon (Amavasya) days, along with his holy consort Ma Lopamudra, in order to offer their blessings to the devotees and to the Siddhar Saints who used to meditate at this sacred place.
Whenever we find sufficient time, let’s try to visit this nice place along with our family/friends and relatives, since this place gives a good positive vibration to the visitors!
“OM SRI ARAPALEESWARAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR