ABOUT

The Pachaiamman Temple is situated in the north east of the Arunachala Hill and lies to the north of the main town of Tiruvannamalai. It is located in a green, wooded area with Arunachala as backdrop and several water tanks close by. A legend of Pachaiamman (an aspect of Parvati) has it that after completing her penance at Kanchi, the Goddess started off for Arunachala. She travelled with 7 rishis and 7 virgins (Sapta Kanniyars) as part of a protective entourage. Halfway from Kanchi to Arunachala, the entourage stopped and made camp at the village Vazhapanthal. At that place the local king tried to molest the Goddess and the 7 rishis became as munishwaras (guardians) and killed the king.