Importance
Papanasam is called the Kasi of South India.
The river Thamiraparani flowing from the Western Ghats reaches the plains at Papanasam.
While flowing down the rocky bed it forms into many falls. The Agasthiyar falls
being the popular one.
This waterfall is believed to absolve all sins from people who bathe in it. This
has made Papanasam (papa+vinasam, meaning absolution of sins) an important pilgrim
centre. 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.
The Papanasar Temple here is famous for it failth. People believe that taking bath
at the falls and then worshiping the Lord Shiva here, will remove all their sins.
It is one of the most important temples in Tirunelveli. Most of the marriages in
and around Papanasam are held at this temple.
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