Paali Tirtham

This is a tirtham, or sacred water tank. It was dug by the people of the Palli caste, now known as the Vanniyars. Like most tirthams, it is predominantly square in shape. The sides are reinforced and sealed with stones. Broad steps give pilgrims easy access to the water. This tirtham is called ‘Manakkula’, which means ‘marriage tank’. Newly married couples come here for blessings. Tirthams are used for bathing by sadhus and pilgrims so that they can be cleansed of all impurities, since they are considered to have sacred properties. People who did Giripradakshina in ancient times would often immerse themselves in tirthams such as this and proceed with Giripradakshina in wet, dirty clothes. This was supposed to enhance the blessings received. For a blessing, you can sprinkle a few drops of water from the tirtham on your head. Normally you would see people bathing in this and many other tirthams around Arunachala, but public access to tirthams in recent years has been restricted, so you may not be able to touch the water. Pay attention to fences and signs prohibiting access. Tirthams are part of the system of man-made water catchments to store water during the dry months.