The sacred Hindu temple Annamalaiyar is in Thiruvannamalai, at the base of the Annamalai Hills Tamil Nadu. The temple represents the five elements of Lord Shiva, and in this shrine, Shiva is described as Arunachaleswarar (phallic form of Lingam).
As Shiva’s symbol is fire, the element of fire is especially respected. Shiva and Parvati are part of the temple. The deity is mentioned in the holy texts of Tevaram which were written by the saint poets called Nayanars.
As the site is very religious, many literary works are illustrated by the poets. The temple is a famous pilgrimage and tourist destination, where millions come here to pay respect to Lord Shiva.
Temple History and Significance of Arunachalam Temple
Constructed In- 1509 A.D–1529 A.D.
The Vijayanagara dynasty’s Sri Krishna Devaraya constructed the old temple. The eastern gateway of the temple, Vallala Gopuram was named after the King Ballala of Hoysala.
When King Ballala was the head of state, he made Thiruvannamalai his capital city. Each of the five panoramas of the temple was built in different periods.
The first and second prakarams’ construction dates are unknown while the third prakaram dates to the 12th century, and the fourth and fifth, to the 16th.
The Hoysala and Vijayanagara cultures may be seen in the temple’s architecture, carvings, and paintings. As the temple had to be renovated to keep it strong, the Kings of Nayak contributed to the renovation of the temple.
Significance: Arunachalam Temple
The temple is said t to be Lord Shiva’s Pancha Bhoota Stalams (five elements). Each element is an expression that represents the natural component, fire, water, land, air, and sky.
Lord Shiva appeared as Fire (Agni). When one follows the temple’s lingam, which are different aspects of human nature, they can attain self-liberation. Another name for the temple is Manipooraga Stalam, signifying the liberation from all sins.
Arunachalam Temple Timings
The temple is open from Monday to Sunday.
Opening time – 9 AM, Closing time – 5:00 PM
- Monday- 9 am to 5 pm
- Tuesday- 9 am to 5 pm
- Wednesday- 9 am to 5 pm
- Thursday- 9 am to 5 pm
- Friday- 9 am to 5 pm
- Saturday- 9 am to 5 pm
- Sunday- 9 am to 5 pm
Worshipping Timings
- Morning- 5:00am- 12:30pm
- Evening- 3:30 pm- 9:30 pm
- Gomatha Pooja- 5:30am- 6:00am
- Afternoon Pooja- 11:00am- 11:30am
- Arthajama Pooja- 9:00 pm- 9:30 pm
Daily Poojas
- Gomatha Pooja- 5:30 am- 6:30 am
- Ushakala Pooja- 6 am- 6:30 am
- Early Sathi Pooja- 8:30 am- 9 am
- Noon Pooja- 11 am- 11:30 am
- Sayaratchai Pooja- 6 pm- 6:30 pm
- 2nd Kalam Pooja- 7:30 pm- 8:00 pm
- Arthajama Pooja- 9 pm- 9:30 pm
Best Time to Visit Arunachalam Temple
Best time to visit – December to February
The best time to visit Arunachalam Temple is in the winter. The period of December to February is ideal. The temperature is low and you can easily explore the area as much as you want.
Services Of Tiruvannamalai Temple
- Ruthrabishegam- 5000.00
- Milk Abiseham- 1000.00
- Swami Amman Special Abishekam- 2500.00
- Vinayagar, Swami, Amman Special Abishekam- 3000.00
- Panchamoorthigal Abishekam- 4500.00
- Parivara Moorthi Sannathi Milk Abishekam (Each Sannadhi)- 1000.00
- Thirukkalyana Utsavam Special Abishekam Pooja- 8500.00
- 1008 Sangu Pooja Special Abishekam- 10000.00
- Annandhanam (Food throughout the day)- 105000.00
Architecture Of The Thiruvannamalai (Arunachalam) Temple
Being one of the biggest temples in the world, its architecture reflects the traditional Dravidian style. There are numerous halls, the most well-known of which was built in the Vijayanagara dynasty and features a thousand pillars.
The temple’s design and intricate details make it stunning to visitors. The gateways and towers of the temple aren’t just for decoration, rather they are a symbol. These gates lead people from the material world to the spiritual world.
Places to Visit around Arunachalam Temple
- Sri Lakshmi Narayan Golden Temple
- Shri Nirudhi Lingam
- Varuna Lingam
- Vellore Fort
- Indira Lingam
- Talakona Waterfall
- Jalakandeswarar Temple
- Gingee Fort
- Sri Ramanasrama
- Ammani Amman Gopuram
- Virupakasha Caves
- Thirunallar Temple
How to Reach Arunachalam Temple
If you live near Chennai, you can go towards Villupuram. From Villupuram, you can go towards Tiruvannamalai. There are several trains whose route is towards Tiruvannamalai from Chennai.
You can also choose road transportation and start from Chennai and it will take three hours to reach Tiruvannamalai. You can choose whichever you prefer – taxi, bus, or minibus.
Air – from Chennai International Airport you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
Train – the nearest station is the Tirvunnamalai railway station, the city is connected to major cities, and from there you can take a taxi or bus.
Road – many major cities of Tamil Nadu are connected here and you can either drive or take a bus from Bangalore, Chennai, or Pondicherry.
Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina Full Details
- You will have difficulty completing the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina if you’re not used to walking long distances, that is why do this only if you are fit and strong.
- Start your Giri Pradakshina early in the morning so you can get ahead of others and avoid rush hour.
- Some Lingam temples open after 5 am so plan your journey accordingly.
- The Hanuman temple is a 150-year-old sanyasi meditation for your benefit.
- It is considered auspicious to chant the Shiva mantra while gazing at the mountains, especially on full moon days.
- Many people choose to walk barefoot for a better connection with spirituality.
- Before you start the Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina, tour the area to understand it.
- Interact with the sadhus as you walk.
- The complete walk will take you four hours to complete.
Festivals: Arunachalam Temple
- Tai Poosam – This festival occurs in Tai, from January to February.
Tai Poosam is celebrated from January 15 to February 15 annually.
- Arudra Darisanam – in the month of Margazhi the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva is celebrated.
This festival is celebrated annually from December 15 to January 15.
- Tiruvoodal – a play depicting the dispute between Annamalaiyaar and Unnamulai Amman is performed on Tiruvoodal Street.
- Karthigai Deepam – this festival is called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated in
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Srilanka
It occurs during the month of Kartika, according to the Calendar of Tamil Nadu.
Arunachalam Temple – Facts
- The temple is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents him as the supreme authority of Pancha Bootham.
- There are many legends there was a fight between Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma to see who is stronger.
- The temple celebrates Shivratri with glory and the temple walls echo with ‘Om Nama Shivaya’.
- The temple is a space for eternal knowledge and one who wishes to find the ultimate truth about life should come to the temple.
- Giri Pradakshana around the Annamalai is said to be very holy, and by doing so the individual can be freed from all sins. Their wishes will be fulfilled and they can end the cycle of birth and death.
- Another legend about the temple is that Lord Shiva’s wife closed his eyes when they were happy leading the whole world into darkness.
- The temple has faced the wrath of many battles between the Hindu and Muslim rulers who wanted to take control of the temple.
Tiruvannamalai Temple Contact Details
Address – Sannathi Stree, Pavazhakundur, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601
Phone Number– 04175 252 438
