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Papanasam is a small village located near
Tirunelveli, where the river Thamirabarani
flowing from the Western Ghats reaches its plains and drops to form a
small waterfall. It is believed that people who bathe in this waterfall
are relieved of all sins as Papanasam means absolution of sins.
The Legend Associated With The Temple
There is an interesting story behind Papanasam. Once upon a time the
Pandyan kings who converted to Buddhism wanted other people in their
kingdom to convert themselves and follow Buddhism. He started harassing
others, a family of a father and two children who were ardent devotees of
Lord Shiva; unable to face this harassment left their state and went to a
neighbouring state.
The family got caught up in a civil and the children were separated from
each other. Many years later after wandering through many states they
arrived in Benares. By chance they met each other, fell in love and got
married without realising that they were siblings.
Later on when they came to know about it they started searching ways of
absolving their sin. They were advised to wear black and to bathe in all
the sacred waters in India and when their black clothe turned white it was
an indication that they were absolved of their sin.
According to the advice given to them they clothed themselves in black
and went from place to place in search of redemption. Finally they arrived
at Papanasam and when they bathed in the river their clothes turned white
thus indicating the absolution of their sin. Hence the deity in this
temple is called 'Papavinaseswarar' (the redeemer of sins).
The river runs on a rocky bed and fishes are found in abundance in the
water. They are quite harmless and approach the bathers in large numbers.
The devotees believe that these fishes are redeemed souls and harming them
would bring retribution
Air: The nearest airport is at
Madurai.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Tirunelveli.
Road: There are regular buses from Tirunelveli
to the temple.
Accommodation is available at the economy class hotels and lodges in Tirunelveli.
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