The present invention relates to a process for preparing purified terephthalic acid [PTA,], comprising the steps: dissolving crude terephthalic acid [CTA] in an aqueous medium in a reactor; hydrogenating CTA at a temperature of about 260-320° C. and a pressure of about 1100-1300 psig using a hydrogenation catalyst; crystallizing terephthalic acid in the reactor by lowering the temperature of the solution to about 160° C. without evaporation cooling; transferring the content of the reactor to a filtration unit; filtrating the content at a temperature of about 140-160° C. and a pressure of about 40-100 psig, preferably 80-100 psig to obtain a filter cake, washing the filter cake obtained with water having a temperature of about 140-160° C. in the filtration unit; and drying the filter cake.