Sage (maharishi) Vasisht is known as the Brhmarishi to the Hindus. But before he became a Brahmarishi first he got the title of Rajarishi from non other than the Lord Siva. On the basis of this title he was appointed as the 'Kula Guru' (family teacher) of their families by Manu, Dasarath and Sriram. Sage Vasisht did penance to please the Lord Siva at a place called 'Thittakudi' near a village town by name Thozhudur which is about 120 km on the Trichy - Chennai road. From Thozhudur, Thittakudi might be around 15 km deviation the Trichy - Chennai route.
Pleased with Sage Vasisht's penance Lord Siva appeared in front of him and gave the title 'Rajarishi'. As the Guru of Sriram, Vasisht gave a collection of advises which was written down and codified as the 'Jnana Vasishtam'. This is like the Geetha advises to Arjuna by Lord Krishna.
The place where the lord gave darsan to Vasisht has 7 ghats (saptha thurai in Tamil), in the river Swetha, considered as sacred for bathing. Since the rivers of this area are only seasonal rivers, water may be present only durig the rainy season. There is a Siva temple with his consort Asanambigai in separate shrine on to the right side of the shrine of the Lord. As per the legend the Saptharishees came to this place took bath in all the 7 ghats to rid of their guilt for having participated in the yaga conducted by Daksha, father - in - law of Lord Siva to insult his son - in - Siva. It is also believed that Sage Vasisht came here with his mother Saraswathi and wife Arundhati to offer worship to the Lord and goddess. It is also believed that Lord Natarajar, and aspect of Lord Siva came here and danced. A Nirtha Mandap is built in the place of dance by Natarajar with beautifully carved pillars.
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