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Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple

Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple

🛕About Temple

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple is a major Shiva temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, at the foot of the sacred Arunachala hill. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar, also known as Annamalaiyar. The temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam and one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element Fire, Agni.

ℹ️Temple Information

🛕 Presiding Deity
Arunachaleswarar
👸 Goddess
Unnamulai Amman
⭐ Temple Classification
Shiva Temple | Paadal Petra Sthalam | Pancha Bhoota Sthalam
📍 District
Thiruvannamalai
📅 Built Period
Documented from the early medieval period, with major later additions during the Vijayanagara period.
🏛 Dynasty
Chola; Vijayanagara
🙏 Sampradaya
Shaivism

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⭐Temple Significance

The temple is significant as the Agni Sthalam among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, where Shiva is worshipped in association with the fire element. It is also a Paadal Petra Sthalam praised in Tamil Shaiva devotional hymns. The temple is especially renowned for Karthigai Deepam and for Girivalam, the circumambulation of Arunachala hill.

📜History

The temple is celebrated in the Tamil Shaiva Tevaram hymns, making it one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams. The present large temple complex developed over several centuries and preserves historical associations with medieval South Indian patronage, including Chola-period inscriptions and later Vijayanagara-period additions. No single founder is documented for the entire temple complex.

🕉️Mythology

In the temple's sacred tradition, Lord Shiva manifested as an endless column of fire to humble Brahma and Vishnu, who were unable to find its beginning or end. Arunachala hill is revered in this tradition as the form of Shiva connected with that fiery manifestation. The Karthigai Deepam festival, when a great lamp is lit on Arunachala hill, is associated with this sacred fire symbolism.

🏛Architecture

The temple is a large Dravidian-style complex with monumental gopurams, concentric precincts, mandapams, shrines, and temple tanks. The eastern Rajagopuram is a prominent tower of the complex. The temple stands at the base of Arunachala hill, which is central to its sacred layout and pilgrimage practice.

🌳 Sacred Features

🌳 Temple Tree
Magizha tree
Recognised as the temple's sacred tree in the temple tradition.
💧 Temple Tank
Sivaganga Theertham
A temple tank within the Arunachaleswarar Temple complex.

✨ Temple Highlights

✨ Pancha Bhoota Agni Sthalam
Arunachaleswarar Temple represents the fire element among the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams dedicated to Lord Shiva.
✨ Arunachala Hill
The sacred Arunachala hill is central to the temple's worship, mythology, and Girivalam pilgrimage.
✨ Karthigai Deepam
The temple is renowned for the Karthigai Deepam festival, when the Maha Deepam is lit on Arunachala hill.
✨ Girivalam Pilgrimage
Devotees perform Girivalam by circumambulating Arunachala hill as an act of worship.

🎉 Major Festivals

🎉 Karthigai Deepam
The major festival of the temple, associated with the lighting of the Maha Deepam on Arunachala hill.
🎉 Maha Shivaratri
A major Shaiva festival observed at the temple in worship of Lord Shiva.
🎉 Chitra Pournami
A full-moon day strongly associated with Girivalam around Arunachala hill.

🪔 Special Poojas

🪔 Bharani Deepam
A ritual associated with the Karthigai Deepam festival at the temple.
🪔 Maha Deepam
The ceremonial lighting of the great lamp on Arunachala hill during Karthigai Deepam.

🚗 How to Reach

🛣️ By Road
Thiruvannamalai is accessible by road from major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu, and buses operate to the town.
🚆 By Rail
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station serves the town.
✈️ By Air
Chennai International Airport is one of the commonly used major airports for reaching Thiruvannamalai.

🔗 Related Temples

Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
 •  Pancha Bhoota Sthalam representing the earth element.
View Details
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
 •  Pancha Bhoota Sthalam representing the water element.
View Details
Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
 •  Pancha Bhoota Sthalam representing the space element.
View Details
Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, Srikalahasti
 •  Pancha Bhoota Sthalam representing the air element.
View Details

💡 Visitor Tips

Girivalam is performed around Arunachala hill and is especially associated with full-moon days.
Karthigai Deepam and full-moon Girivalam days attract very large crowds.
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple

Visit Information

🕒 Temple Timings
5:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM - 9:30 PM
🍃 Best Time to Visit
Karthigai Deepam is the most important festival period at the temple. Full-moon days are important for Girivalam and usually draw large numbers of devotees.

⭐ Why Choose Karthi Travels for Temple Tours?

🛕 Expertly Planned Temple Pilgrimages
We specialize in temple tours across Tamil Nadu, helping you visit famous temples as well as hidden spiritual destinations with carefully planned itineraries.
🚗 Private Cab Throughout Your Journey
Travel in a dedicated chauffeur-driven vehicle with complete comfort, flexibility, and privacy throughout your pilgrimage.
🕉️ Well-Planned Darshan Experience
Our itineraries are designed around temple timings and darshan schedules, helping you make the most of your spiritual journey.
🏨 Comfortable & Verified Accommodation
We arrange clean, well-rated hotels near major temple destinations to ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay.
🍽️ Hassle-Free Travel Arrangements
From accommodation and sightseeing to route planning, parking, tolls, fuel, and driver allowances, we take care of every detail.
🌄 Temple Circuits & Nearby Attractions
Visit nearby temples and important spiritual attractions in a single trip with well-optimized travel routes.
👨‍✈️ Experienced Local Chauffeurs
Our courteous drivers are familiar with temple routes, local customs, and important pilgrimage destinations across Tamil Nadu.
💰 Transparent Pricing
Enjoy clear pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring complete peace of mind while planning your temple tour.
🏆 40+ Years of Trusted Travel Experience
Since 1986, Karthi Travels has been helping pilgrims and families explore Tamil Nadu with reliable service and personalized travel solutions.
❤️ Dedicated Customer Support
Our travel experts are always available before and during your journey to assist with any travel-related requirements.

Planning a Pilgrimage?

Our travel experts can help you with transportation, darshan timings, nearby sightseeing and complete temple tour planning.

💬 WhatsApp Chat Now 📞 Call 96555 02002
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Disclaimer

We strive to provide accurate and authentic information based on well-established historical, cultural, religious, and publicly available sources. However, temple timings, entry fees, rituals, festivals, special poojas, facilities, and other visitor information may change without prior notice.

While every effort is made to keep this information current and accurate, visitors are advised to verify the latest details directly with the official temple authorities before planning their visit.

Image Disclaimer: The images displayed on this website are digitally generated or AI-enhanced representations created for illustrative purposes. They are intended to reflect the appearance and atmosphere of the destination but may not exactly represent the current real-world condition, colours, surroundings, or architectural details of the temple or location.