Arunachaleswarar Temple is also known as Annamalaiyar Temple. It is dedicated to the supreme Lord Shiva. This temple is located in the Annamalai Hills. Annamalai Hills is situated in Thiruvannamalai which is a small town in Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Arunachaleswara or Annamalaiyar in this temple. Arunachaleswarar is the most famous Lord Shiva temple in South India. It is even mentioned in the Incredible India campaign. This specific temple is related to Agni or element of fire. The lingam is also known as Agni lingam and Goddess Parvathi is known as the Unnamulai Amman.
It is one of the largest temples in India. The entire temple is spread across 10 hectares. There are four different gopurams or gateway towers in this temple. The tallest gopuram is over 217 ft in height and contains 11 stories.
The temple is not limited to only Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. You will also find shrines of many other gods in this temple. There is a thousand-pillared hall in this temple which was built in the Vijayanagar era.
The temple has a marvelous architecture that dates back to the 9th century. You will find many inscriptions in this structure that were made by the Chola Kings. There are many inscriptions in this structure that indicates that this place was ruled by the Pallava Kings in the 8th century.
How to reach Arunachala Temple?
Address:
Arunachaleswarar Temple is situated in Thiruvannamalai which is a small town in South India. It is well connected by road.
Chennai to Thiruvannamalai distance – 194 km
Bangalore to Thiruvannamalai distance – 204 km
Hyderabad to Thiruvannamalai distance – 690 km
If you are in Chennai, then you can directly find a bus or train to Villapumar (159kms). From Villapumar you can directly find a bus till Thiruvannamalai.
The town is well connected from Chennai and frequent bus services are available, one through Chengleput, Madurantakam, Tindivanam and Gingee, and the other through Sri Perumbudur, Kancheepuram, Vellore and Polur.
The town is about 90 kms from Vellore, 60 kms from Tindivanam, 60 kms from Villupuram and 100 kms from Krishnagiri.
You can also find direct buses from Madurai and Bangalore.
The nearest airport is in Vellore airport which is 90km away from Thiruvannamalai. You can find both domestic and international flights in Chennai. From Chennai, you can directly hire a taxi to Thiruvannamalai.
The nearest railway station is in Thiruvannamalai. Railway station is just at 2 Kms distance to the temple.
History – The Amazing Legends of Arunachaleswarar Temple
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvathi once asked Lord Shiva to close his eyes. Lord Shiva closed his eyes for a few seconds only. However, the entire universe experienced darkness during this time period. The earth also experienced darkness for many years. Goddess Parvathi soon realized the mistake that she made. Goddess Parvathi and other Lord Shiva devotees performed a special penance for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva finally appeared as fire on the top of the Annamalai Hills. Thus, there was finally light in our universe. The Annamalai hills are the background of this temple and many people consider it is as a sacred place. Most people consider it as the representation of Lord Shiva himself.
There is another very famous legend related to the Arunachaleswarar Temple. According to this legend, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were contesting for superiority. Lord Shiva suddenly appeared in front of them in the form of a flame and asked them to find the source of this fire. Lord Brahma ordered his swan to fly up so he can see the top of this flame and Lord Vishnu took his boar to find the base of this flame. However, both of them were unsuccessful in their mission. Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat but Lord Brahma lied. He said that he had already found the top of this flame. This angered Lord Shiva and he cursed Lord Brahma saying that no one will construct Brahma temple in the earth. Thus, you will never find Lord Brahma temple in India.
Pooja Timings
| Pooja | Time |
| Ukshakala | 05:30 A.M |
| Kala santhi | 08:00 A.M |
| Uchikala | 11:30 A.M |
| Sayaratchai | 05:30 P.M |
| Irandam Kala | 07:30 P.M |
| Arthajama | 09:00 P.M |
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Places around Arunachaleswarar Temple
- Adi Annamalai Temple
This is the oldest temple in the Thiruvannamalai city. The temple was built at least 2-3 centuries before the Arunchalesware temple and is considered as one of the oldest temples in India. This temple is at least 2000 years old. Initially, this temple only had a simple structure made out of wood. However, the wooden structure was removed and the temple was rebuilt by using stone and bricks. The current structure of the temple is 1200 years old. “Adi” also means first in the local language. Thus, it is a perfect name for this temple. The temple is actually very small when compared to the Arunachaleswarar Temple. It has an area of only 0.5 acres. According to Hindu Mythology, the lingam present in this temple was built by Lord Brahma.
- Sathanur Dam
This dam was built back in 1958 and is considered as one of the most important dams in South India. Sathanur Dam ensures that Thiruvannamalai and surrounding towns are getting enough water. The dam is almost 30 km in length and it is well connected by roads. If you are visiting Thiruvannamalai, then you must check out this dam. You will also find a very famous park in this region. This park is maintained by the authorities and is a very popular picnic spot. South Indian movie industry has used this park for shooting many famous songs.
- Ramana Ashram
Ramana Ashram or Ramanasraman is the home of Ramana Maharishi. He is one of the most famous modern philosophers who lived in this town from 1922-1950. This ashram is situated on the west side of the Thiruvannamalai town.
Ramana Maharishi died in 1950 but still many of his followers visit this ashram. You will find a shrine dedicated to the Ramana Maharishi in this ashram. Every year thousands of his followers come to this Ashram.
- Virupaksha Cave
This cave was initially popular due to Virupaksha Deva who was a very famous saint in the 14th century. However, this cave has become even more important after Sri Ramana Maharishi spend 16 years in this cave. He stayed in this cave from 1899 to 1916. This cave has become like a shrine for Sri Ramana Maharishi followers. If you want to meditate, then this is the perfect spot for you. You can meditate in this cave without any disturbance. This cave is also at a walking distance from the Arunachaleswarar Temple. Many devotees first visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple and then walk to this cave. They pay their respect to the great saint.
Popular festivals celebrated at Arunachaleswarar Temple
- Karthigai Deepam
This is the most important festival celebrated at the Arunachaleswarar Temple. The festival starts after the hoisting of the flag or Dwajarohanam. Various Vedic mantras are chanted by priests during the Dwajarohanam. The Karthigai festival starts in the month of Karthigai or Karthik and is also known as Karthigai Brahmotsavam. Millions of devotees visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple during this festival.
You can enjoy both Bharani Deepam and Maha Deepam festival on the same day. The Bharani Deepam is lit in the morning and the Maha Deepam is lit in the evening at a height of over 2600 feet. This is the most important ceremony of the Karthigai Deepam festival. Lord Arunachaleswarar is a symbol of Agni or Fire. You can attend the chariot procession of Lord Arunachaleswarar on the 6th day of this festival. The Maha chariot mostly occurs on the 7th day of this festival. This is considered as the best time for praying to Lord Arunachaleswarar. If you are planning a visit to the Arunachaleswarar temple, then this is the best time.
- Girivalam
This festival is celebrated on every full moon. Thousands of devotees gather on the full moon and worship Lord Arunachaleswarar by circumambulating the Hill. They walk about 14 km and this circumambulation is actually known as Girivalam. According to mythology, this walk will help you in removing all your sins. Also, this will help you in fulfilling all your desires. You can achieve moksha or liberation by performing Girivalam.
- Tiruvoodal
This is another very famous festival celebrated in Arunachaleswarar Temple. Tiruvoodal starts in the mid-January of every month. The weather is very nice during this time period. Thus, it is also a perfect time for visiting this temple. Nandi is decorated with garlands on 15th and 16th January. Unnamamulai Amman and Lord Arunachaleswarar are taken out to Tiruoodal Street for performing the oodal ritual.
Best Time to Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple
You can visit this temple throughout the year. Every day this temple is filled with Lord Shiva devotees. These devotees come from every part of the country. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the October-December period. Karthigai Deepam is the most important festival celebrated in Arunachaleswarar Temple. You can easily complete the Girivalam which is a 14 km walk during this time period because the climate will be moderate. If you want to have a once in a lifetime experience, then you must visit this temple during the Maha Karthigai deepam festival which is celebrated between November-December.
Conclusion
Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar Temple is one of the largest temples in India. It is a perfect place for Lord Shiva devotees. The temple is situated in the Annamalai Hills. It is also considered as one of the oldest temples in South India. If you are planning to visit Thiruvannamalai, then you should definitely check this temple. You should also check Adi Annamalai Temple as it is considered as the first temple in the Thiruvannamalai region.
