Sri Agasthiyar Lopamudra Temple situated at Kalyana Theertham
above the Agasthiyar Falls, Papanasam, Tirunelveli, India. Sri
Agasthiyar (also transliterated as Agathiyar, Agathiar,
Agasthiar, Agastyar, Agasti, Agastiar) is a legendary Vedic
Rishi (sage). It is believed that sage Agasthiyar was
instrumental in spreading the Vedic religion in southern India.
Agastya is also recognized as one of Seven Great Sages
(Saptarishis). Sage Agasthiyar has also contributed immensely to
the four Vedas. These mantras were revealed to Sage Agasthiyar
by the Brahman (Supreme Being) itself.Agasthiyar is also the
leader of all Siddhas. He is also called Kurumuni, meaning short
(kuru) saint (muni). His contributions are manily in the fields
of Medicine (Siddha) and Astrology - especially Nadi Jodhidam
(Jos(i)yam or Jothisyam). He is said to have lived for over 5000
years.
Legend has it that when Shiva married Parvati, he was worried
that the influx of people from the South attending the wedding
in the North would cause the North to sink, so he dispatched
Agasthiyar to the South (to this waterfall, naturally) in order
to balance the world. To commemorate the visit of the divine
couple, The Agasthya temple was built there. This is located
half way to the Panatheertham which is at a distance of 4 km
from Papanasam Siva Temple. One can reach these Agasthiyar Falls
and temple by trekking a distance of 3 km. Sri Agathiyar Rishi
received the Darshan of Lord Shiva & Parvathi on this location
hence it is called as "Kalayana Theertham".
Agasthiyar Falls, the only falls in which the water comes all
the years. The water that supply the Falls flow through forests
filled with medicinal herbs, past Agasthiyars pure abode, and
feed the verdant fields below, contributing to the belief that
the water at Agasthiyar Falls have healing powers. The water
drops from a height of 100m over a wall of rock, covered both
sides by forested hills of the Western Ghats. So that the Water
contains Herbal water and here is believed by Hindu Devotees to
wash away all sins. In this region various religion and caste
people are residing peacefully here.
