Papanasam Falls (also known as Agastiyar Falls) are located in the
town of Papanasam. It is a small town, yet popular tourist destination
situated in the Ambasamudram taluk of the Tirunelveli (Nellai) district
of Tamilnadu. The nearest towns are Ambasamudram, Vickramasingapuram
(Vikramasingapuram), Kadayam. The place is also styled as Papavinasam.
Papanasam Falls drop down from a 120 meter high place, conjoined with
the rocky walls of Pothigai Hills. The river Tambaraparani
(Tamirabarani), which flows from the Western Ghats of the Pothigai
Hills, reaches the plains at Papanasam. You can find a shrine of
Agastiyar Munivar at the foot of the falls and every year his idol is
brought out as a procession to the Papavinaseshwara Swami temple to
witness the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi.
The name "Papanasam" or "Papavinasam" means "clemency of all sins". The
water of the falls is believed to have healing powers and get rid of
sins of the people, who take a drench in it.
Agastiyar Munivar Temple:
Close to the waterfall, you can also find the temple of Agastiyar
Munivar. The temple is situated above the waterfalls; attached to the
rocky walls of the mountain. An idol of Saint Agastiyar Munivar is
installed here. This is the place where Agastiyar Munivar had meditated,
during the wedding of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi, to balance the
world on the south. Later, Lord Shiva appeared to him and blessed him.
Kalyanitheertham:
It is a sacred pool from where Papanasam Falls get the water. The
pool is situated at an elevation of 125 feet over the head of the falls.
A temple of Lord Shiva can be found near the pool.
