Nestled at the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tamil Nadu, the Arunachalesvara Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, stands as one of the most spiritually powerful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the ancient town of Tiruvannamalai, this majestic temple is not just an architectural marvel but a deep wellspring of Shaivite devotion, yogic energy, and Vedic tradition.
Known for its Karthigai Deepam Festival, Giri Pradakshina, and association with saints like Ramana Maharshi, the temple draws millions of pilgrims from around the world every year.
| Temple Name | Arunachalesvara Temple / Annamalaiyar Temple |
| Location | Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva (as Arunachalesvara / Annamalaiyar) |
| Element Represented | Agni (Fire) – One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams |
| Sacred Hill | Arunachala Hill |
| Architectural Style | Dravidian architecture |
| Built By | Chola dynasty, with later additions from Vijayanagara kings |
| Temple Area | Approx. 25 acres |
| Key Features | Tallest Rajagopuram (66 m), Thousand-pillared hall, Sthala Vriksha (trees) |
| Major Festival | Karthigai Deepam (giant flame lit on Arunachala Hill) |
| Spiritual Practice | Giri Pradakshina (14 km circumambulation around Arunachala Hill) |
| Famous Saints | Sri Ramana Maharshi, Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar, Manikkavachakar |
| Temple Timings | 5:30 AM – 12 PM & 5 PM – 9:30 PM (varies on special days) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Tiruvannamalai Railway Station |
| Nearest Airports | Chennai (195 km), Bengaluru (200 km) |
| Nearby Attractions | Sri Ramana Ashram, Virupaksha Cave, Skandasramam, Sathanur Dam |
| Spiritual Importance | Symbolizes destruction of ego, light of enlightenment |
Spiritual Significance
Arunachalesvara Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams — the five temples representing the five elements of nature. Specifically, this temple represents Agni (fire). According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared as a massive column of fire on this very hill to demonstrate his supremacy to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
This fire form is celebrated annually during Karthigai Deepam, when a giant lamp is lit atop the Arunachala Hill, visible for miles around — symbolizing the eternal flame of knowledge and enlightenment.
History and Origins
The temple’s origin dates back thousands of years, with references in ancient scriptures and Tamil Saiva texts. The current structure, however, was primarily built during the Chola dynasty (9th to 13th centuries), with additions from the Vijayanagara Empire.
Famous saints like Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar, and Manikkavachakar have sung praises of Arunachalesvara in the Tevaram hymns. The temple’s spiritual importance grew further in the 20th century due to the presence of Sri Ramana Maharshi, who spent his life meditating at Arunachala.
Temple Architecture
The Arunachalesvara Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India, spreading across 25 acres. Its architecture is a prime example of Dravidian grandeur:
Four Rajagopurams (temple towers), with the eastern tower (Raja Gopuram) being the tallest at 66 meters (217 feet)
Nine lofty gopurams, intricately carved with mythological figures and deities
Thousand-pillared halls, temple tanks, and shrines for deities such as Parvati (Unnamulai Amman), Ganapati, Murugan, and Nataraja
Sacred trees (sthala vriksha), including the Magizham tree, considered highly auspicious
The inner sanctum houses Shiva as Arunachalesvara in the form of a lingam, constantly radiating the power of fire and transformation.
Karthigai Deepam Festival
One of the temple’s most famous events is the Karthigai Deepam festival, celebrated during November-December. On the day of the full moon in the Karthigai month:
A huge cauldron of ghee and camphor is placed atop Arunachala Hill
The flame is lit as the temple bells ring and chants echo across the town
Devotees light thousands of earthen lamps across homes and streets
This flame symbolizes the light of Lord Shiva, dispelling darkness, ego, and ignorance. It is believed that even seeing this flame can cleanse lifetimes of karma.
Giri Pradakshina (Circumambulation)
Another unique spiritual practice is the Giri Pradakshina or Girivalam, where devotees walk 14 km around Arunachala Hill barefoot, often during full moon nights.
The path includes eight lingams (Ashta Lingams), each representing directions and cosmic energies.
Devotees stop to worship at each of these shrines, believing it brings blessings for health, prosperity, and moksha (liberation).
This act of devotion is more than a ritual — it’s a walking meditation guided by the magnetic spiritual force of the Arunachala Hill.
Temple Timings
| Ritual/Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Morning Opening | 5:30 AM |
| Morning Pujas | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Evening Pujas | 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Special Abhishekams | On Pradosham, Full Moon, and Shivaratri days |
Devotees are advised to visit early morning or late evening for a peaceful darshan and to avoid the crowds.
Getting There
By Road: Tiruvannamalai is well connected by buses and private vehicles from Chennai (195 km), Bengaluru (200 km), and Pondicherry (110 km).
By Train: The Tiruvannamalai Railway Station connects major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru.
By Air: Nearest airports are Chennai International Airport and Bengaluru International Airport.
Once in the town, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses help you reach the temple.
Nearby Attractions
Sri Ramana Ashram – Spiritual center of sage Ramana Maharshi.
Virupaksha Cave – A meditative cave on Arunachala hill used by saints.
Skandasramam – Another spiritual retreat near the temple.
Sathanur Dam – A scenic spot for nature lovers, about 30 km away.
Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram – Sacred place dedicated to the “Beggar Saint.”
Modern Relevance and Global Attraction
Arunachalesvara Temple is not just a pilgrimage site but a global spiritual beacon. Seekers, yogis, and tourists from around the world come to Tiruvannamalai for meditation, yoga, and spiritual clarity.
The temple has also gained prominence through international spiritual literature and documentaries that highlight its mystical energy, historic significance, and the powerful presence of Arunachala Hill.
