Arulmigu Arunachaleshwarar Temple, fondly known as Thiruvannamalai temple by local people is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams (5 basic elements), representing fire. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Fire (Agni). Lakhs of devotees visit this temple in Poornima (full moon) day of each month. This place also has the pride of being one of the holy places giving salvation (moksha) in this birth. Spread over 10 hectares, Thiruvannamalai temple consists of 4 huge Gopurams and thousand pillared hall.
Girivalam In Tiruvannamalai
Arunachaleshwarar temple is quite famous for Girivalam (Giri means hill, valam means coming around) wherein thousands of devotees walk round the hill during full moon day of the month, covering a distance of 14 KM. One can gain both physical and mental fitness by going around the hill one time. The temple consists of Ashtalingam (8 Lingams) namely Indralingam, Agnilingam, Varunalingam, Yamalingam, Niruthilingam, Kuberalingam, Vayulingam and Eesanyalingam. These lingams also signify 8 different directions indicating 8 stages of life from birth to death. People going Girivalam during full moon nights strongly believe they will achieve the desired goal by going round the hill.
Several government buses and private vans run from Chennai to Annamalaiyar Temple on full moon days (Girivalam) starting in the morning till next day night.
History
Annamalaiyar Temple is constructed during early Chola period in 9th century and further expanded by Hoysala dynasty and Vijayanagar Empire. This sacred temple stands as an example of Dravidian architecture holding inscriptions to state Chola Kings patronized this temple for over 400 years giving hectares of land, cow, sheep and oil for celebrating their victories. Various saints like Appar, Sambandar have written epic poems on the main deity known as Thevaram.
Arunachaleswarar Temple Darshan Timings
- Morning – 5.00 am to 12.30 pm
- Evening – 3.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Festivals
Annual Brammotsavams is conducted for 10 days each year in the month of November-December. Thousands of devotees visit this place for the famous Karthigai Deepam (Mahadeepam) a day in which huge lamp elites the top of hill in the evening.
Arudra Darisanam festival falls in the month of Dec – Jan which depicts the divine dance of Lord Shiva.
Mahashivarathri festival is celebrated in the month of February each year.
| 1008 Sangu Abhisekam | 10000 |
|---|---|
| Abhisekam for shrines | 1000 |
| Golden chariot | 1500 |
| Milk Abhisekam | 1000 |
| Rudrabhisekam | 5000 |
| Swami/Amman Abhisekam | 2500 |
Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Details
Free darshan is available for devotees all through the year. However if you wish to avoid long queues you can choose to have darshan using special darshan ticket (Rs.50) sold at the temple counter. The cost may vary on special occasions and festival days.
Online booking can also be done at the official website of the temple.
Sevas
There are several Abhisekam (divine bath) of the deity some of which are given below for the benefit of tourists.
Annadhanam
Free Annaprasadam is provided every day in this temple from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Donation
Devotees who are willing to donate for Annadhanam can pay at the temple counter for which receipt is issued. Online donations are accepted through their website portal @ www.annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in
Pilgrims who wish to take part in poojas and other Abhisekham can also make advance booking in this website and bring the printout of the receipt along with valid ID proof.
Accommodation
No government accommodation is available as per the web portal of this temple. However number of private hotels is available at budget rates near to this temple. Hotel Tamilnadu (offered by Government of TN) is located at Thiruvannamalai with both Ac and non Ac rooms.
How To Reach? – Arunachaleswarar Temple
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By Air
Chennai International airport is about 180 KM from this temple. You can book a cab from airport.
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By Train
Villupuram is about 70 KM and plenty of trains pass through Villupuram. From there you can get into bus or taxi to reach Arunachaleshwarar temple.
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By Road
Several buses run from Chennai and other parts of TamilNadu to Thiruvannamalai. You can get into both government and private bus to reach this temple by road.
Contact Number
04175 252 438 is the landline number and authorities are available during the working hours of the temple.
Address
Arulmigu Arunachaleshwarar Temple, Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai PIN 606 601