Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is one of the most sacred temples in South India and a major pilgrimage center for Lord Shiva devotees. Situated at the foothills of the holy Annamalai Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, this temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a spiritual hub that attracts millions of pilgrims every year, especially during the grand Karthigai Deepam festival.
About the Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is one of the largest and most ancient temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at the foothills of the sacred Annamalai hills in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing the element of Fire (Agni).
Description
The temple covers 25 acres of land with towering gopurams, intricately carved halls, and vast courtyards.
The Raja Gopuram (East Tower) stands at 66 meters (217 ft), making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Annamalaiyar (Arunachaleswarar) in the form of a Lingam. His consort Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Unnamalai Amman.
The temple is famous for Karthigai Deepam Festival, where a giant lamp is lit atop the Annamalai Hill, symbolizing the eternal light of Shiva.
The Raja Gopuram (East Tower) stands at 66 meters (217 ft), making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Annamalaiyar (Arunachaleswarar) in the form of a Lingam. His consort Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Unnamalai Amman.
The temple is famous for Karthigai Deepam Festival, where a giant lamp is lit atop the Annamalai Hill, symbolizing the eternal light of Shiva.
Temple Speciality
It is the Agni Lingam (Fire Lingam) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
The sacred practice of Girivalam (circumambulating Annamalai Hill – 14 km) on full moon days is considered highly auspicious.
The temple has 1,000-pillared halls, beautifully sculpted shrines, and tanks like Brahma Teertham and Siva Ganga Teertham.
Temple Address
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai – 606601, Tamil Nadu, India
Temple Location (Longitude & Latitude)
12.2259° N, 79.0747° E
Temple Timings
Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Temple Sevas
Daily poojas: Ushakkala Pooja, Kalasandhi, Uchikala, Sayaratchai, Irandam Kalam, Ardhajama
Special sevas: Karthigai Deepam, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Girivalam rituals
Abhishekam, Archana, and Deepa Aradhana services available.
Traveling Facilities
Well connected by road, rail, and air.
State-run buses and private cabs available from major cities.
Food Facilities
Prasadam is distributed inside the temple.
Many vegetarian hotels and traditional Tamil Nadu eateries are available near the temple.
Stay Facilities
Pilgrim lodges, guest houses, and dharmashalas near the temple.
Hotels ranging from budget to star-rated available in Tiruvannamalai town.
Nearby Railway Station
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM) – 3 km from the temple.
Nearby Airport
Puducherry Airport – 88 km
Chennai International Airport – 185 km
Nearby Bus Station
Tiruvannamalai Central Bus Stand – 2 km
Bus Routes to Temple
Direct buses available from Chennai, Vellore, Bengaluru, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.
Train Routes to Temple
Connected via Villupuram–Katpadi line.
Trains available from Chennai, Villupuram, Katpadi, Bengaluru, and Tirupati.
Airways to Temple
Nearest airports: Puducherry & Chennai.
From airports, taxis and buses available to Tiruvannamalai.
Nearby Cities to Temple
Nearby Visiting Temples and Places
Virupaksha Cave
Ramanashram (Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram)
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram
Sathanur Dam
Javadi Hills
Preferable Visiting Season
October to March (pleasant weather).
Karthigai Deepam (November–December) is the most important festival season.
Shopping Famous For
Spiritual items, Rudraksha beads, Brass & Copper puja items, Religious books, Local handicrafts, Traditional sweets like Tiruvannamalai halwa.
It is the Agni Lingam (Fire Lingam) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
The sacred practice of Girivalam (circumambulating Annamalai Hill – 14 km) on full moon days is considered highly auspicious.
The temple has 1,000-pillared halls, beautifully sculpted shrines, and tanks like Brahma Teertham and Siva Ganga Teertham. Temple Address
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai – 606601, Tamil Nadu, India Temple Location (Longitude & Latitude)
12.2259° N, 79.0747° E Temple Timings
Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM Temple Sevas
Daily poojas: Ushakkala Pooja, Kalasandhi, Uchikala, Sayaratchai, Irandam Kalam, Ardhajama
Special sevas: Karthigai Deepam, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Girivalam rituals
Abhishekam, Archana, and Deepa Aradhana services available. Traveling Facilities
Well connected by road, rail, and air.
State-run buses and private cabs available from major cities. Food Facilities
Prasadam is distributed inside the temple.
Many vegetarian hotels and traditional Tamil Nadu eateries are available near the temple. Stay Facilities
Pilgrim lodges, guest houses, and dharmashalas near the temple.
Hotels ranging from budget to star-rated available in Tiruvannamalai town. Nearby Railway Station
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM) – 3 km from the temple. Nearby Airport
Puducherry Airport – 88 km
Chennai International Airport – 185 km Nearby Bus Station
Tiruvannamalai Central Bus Stand – 2 km Bus Routes to Temple
Direct buses available from Chennai, Vellore, Bengaluru, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. Train Routes to Temple
Connected via Villupuram–Katpadi line.
Trains available from Chennai, Villupuram, Katpadi, Bengaluru, and Tirupati. Airways to Temple
Nearest airports: Puducherry & Chennai.
From airports, taxis and buses available to Tiruvannamalai. Nearby Cities to Temple
Nearby Visiting Temples and Places
Virupaksha Cave
Ramanashram (Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram)
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram
Sathanur Dam
Javadi Hills Preferable Visiting Season
October to March (pleasant weather).
Karthigai Deepam (November–December) is the most important festival season. Shopping Famous For
Spiritual items, Rudraksha beads, Brass & Copper puja items, Religious books, Local handicrafts, Traditional sweets like Tiruvannamalai halwa.
The Arunachaleswarar Temple of Tiruvannamalai is not only a sacred abode of Lord Shiva but also a spiritual destination that radiates divine energy. With its deep mythological significance, magnificent architecture, vibrant festivals, and the holy practice of Girivalam, the temple continues to inspire devotion among millions. Visiting this temple is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
