Name: Papanasam Falls
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Papanasam Falls, Tirunelveli Overview

A twin brother to the Banateertham Falls, Papanasam Fall is an immaculate sheet of white water that flows enchantingly in the rainforests of the Western Ghats mesmerizing one and all with its sheer volume, beauty and height. The Papanasam Falls, with a drop of 120 meters is highly revered by the locals both for their immense beauty and religious significance.

It is believed that a dip in its waters can absolve one of all their sins. It is, therefore, also called Papanasam Falls; Papanasam in local language means the removal of all sins. It is also said that these pleasant force waterfalls possess unique herbal and medicinal properties and that the waters are so nourishing it feels like a soothing oil massage.

Legend of Papanasam Falls

The Agasthiyar waterfall holds major religious importance in the region. The name Agasthiyar is said to have derived from a saint named Agasthya who, according to a Hindu legend, prayed to get a glimpse of the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva, pleased by Agasthya's devotion, appeared along with his wife Parvati at Papansanathar, which he made his abode and the waterfall nearby was named Agasthiyar Falls.
Another legend states, Indra, the king of all deities, slaughtered a demon named Dwastha when he was seeking superior power. Dwastha was the son of the Guru of Asuras, Shukracharya and he was seeking supremacy to destroy the Devas. It is said that Indra had to incur a dosha called the Brahmatti Dosha, which is a sin attained for killing a Brahmin. To pay the penalty for this sin, Indra roamed around a lot, but in vain. It was only after Brihaspati’s advice that Indra landed at Papanasam where his sin was forgiven. The place was since then known as Papanasam.

As per another legend, Sage Urosamar set afloat some flowers in the river and the place where the first flower reached the shore was chosen as the location for a Shiva temple in Papanasanathar.

Geography

The waters from Papanasam falls flow towards the river to Papanasam Hydro Electric Project on the Western Ghats of India. It further reaches the Papanasam Dam catchment area. The falls are located very close to the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve; hence a lot of animals are frequently spotted in the area. Rainfalls play a very important role. Majority of the waters are received from October to December, during the North-east monsoon and from May to September each year during South-west monsoon. Also, it is located close to a dam, so the Agasthiyar falls never go dry and flow throughout the year.

Cultural Rituals at Papanasam Falls

1. The Chittirai Vishnu Festival is celebrated every year on the Tamil New Year day during the Tamil months of Chittirai (April to May).
2. The waterfalls are visited frequently by pilgrims on their way to the Papanasanathar Temple to take a dip before visiting the temple.
3. Tourists also visit the falls during their trip to Sabarimala to take a cleansing dip for religious purposes from November to December.

Best Time To Visit Papanasam Falls

The best time to enjoy a visit to Papanasam Falls is during the winters, i.e. the months of November till January as humidity levels are low which makes the temperature very pleasant and the entry to the waterfalls is not closed due to flooding.

Sightseeing Around Papanasam Falls

Sri Ramalingaswami Temple and Srinivasa Perumal Temple are some of the places you can visit while in the area.

Activities At Papanasam Falls

Boating and Trekking can be enjoyed at and around the falls.

Shopping At Papanasam Falls

Papanassam in Tirunelveli is famous for its range of hand woven textiles, ceramic pottery and inventive jewelry made out of shells etc. which can be found at the city's various shopping complexes.