Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleshwarar Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvannamalai Bus Station, the Arunachaleswara Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine situated at Thiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu. It is one of the prominent Shiva temples in South India and among the must-include places in Tiruvannamalai tour packages. The Arunachaleshwara Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, holds great importance for the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the pancha bhoota sthalams, symbolizing the 5 elements of nature - land, water, air, sky, and fire. The temple's presiding deity is highly revered and is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, authored by the nayanars, a group of Tamil saint poets. This sacred site is also classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This temple is considered the eighth-largest Hindu temple globally and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu.

History of Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleshwar Temple

The Arunachaleshwara Temple possesses a rich and intriguing history that extends over several centuries. The inscriptions found show that the temple is believed to be built by Chola Kings in the 9th century. The temple underwent renovations by the Vijayanagara rulers of the Sangama dynasty (1336-1485 CE), the Saluva dynasty, and the Tuluva dynasty (1491-1570 CE). Currently, the temple is overseen by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Acknowledging its historical value, the Archaeological Survey of India designated the temple as a national heritage monument in 2002 and took on the responsibility of its preservation. However, following extensive protests and legal challenges involving the Supreme Court of India, the Archaeological Survey ultimately returned the temple to the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board.

Mythology of Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleshwar Temple

According to myth, the temple's establishment is connected to a divine quarrel between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu regarding their supremacy. In response, Lord Shiva manifested as a colossal column of fire, embodying the essence of creation and destruction, and challenged them to ascertain his origin. Brahma transformed into a swan and soared into the heavens in an effort to reach the pinnacle of the flame, while Vishnu changed into a boar and burrowed deep into the earth. Both endeavors proved futile, leading them to acknowledge Shiva's superiority and requested him to adopt a less formidable form for the sake of humanity. In response to their pleas, the fiery column descended to Earth, taking the shape of Shiva lingam at the base of Arunachal Hill, where the current Arulmigu Annamalaiyar Temple stands.

In another narrative, it is said that Goddess Parvathi, in a playful act, closed Lord Shiva's eyes, casting the world into profound darkness. Upon realizing the consequences of her actions, she made a Shiva lingam from sand and began to worship it in Kanchipuram. Subsequently, Lord Shiva instructed her to proceed to Thiruvannamalai and engage in penance to receive half of his body. While she was immersed in her devotion, a demon named Makidasuran attempted to disrupt her meditation. In response, Goddess Parvathi transformed into Goddess Durga and vanquished the demon on the full moon of the Tamil month of Karthigai. Following this, Lord Shiva revealed himself as sacred fire atop Arunachala Hill and united with Parvati to become Ardhanarishwara.

Architecture of Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleshwar Temple

Arunachaleswarar Temple, covering an expansive area of 25 acres, is a remarkable edifice exemplifying the traditional Dravidian architectural style. The temple comprises five distinct precincts, each featuring a large Nandi, the sacred bull associated with Shiva. It boasts four gopurams, or gateway towers, richly embellished with intricate carvings and pillars. Notably, the eastern tower, reaching a height of 66 meters and consisting of 11 stories, ranks among the tallest temple towers in India.

The principal shrine of Arunachaleswara is oriented towards the east and enshrines the main deity, Arunachaleswarar, also known as Annamalaiyar, represented in the form of a Shiva lingam referred to as Agni lingam. Additionally, there are representations of Nandi and Surya. Behind the sanctum's walls lies an image of Venugopalaswamy, an avatar of Vishnu. Surrounding the sanctum are depictions of Somaskandar, Durga, Chandikeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Arumugaswami, Dakshinamoorthy, Swarnabairavar, Nataraja, and Lingodbhavar, the latter illustrating Shiva emerging from the lingam. The shrine dedicated to his consort, Annamalai Amman, is located in the second precinct.

The temple complex features numerous halls, with the most prominent being the thousand-pillared hall, constructed during the Vijayanagara period. In addition to this hall, there exists a small shrine for Subramaya and a significant water tank known as Shiv Ganga tank. The shrine of Sivagangai Vinayagar is situated on the northern bank of the Shivanganga tank. Furthermore, the temple houses an underground lingam, Pathala Lingam, which is believed to be the site where Ramana Maharshi engaged in his penance.

Festivals of Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleshwar Temple

Brahmotsavam is a prominent festival observed during the Tamil month of Karthikai, which holds a great importance. This celebration occurs between November and December and is characterized by the illumination of a large beacon atop the hill, symbolizing the union of the Shiva lingam of fire with the sky, visible from great distances. Furthermore, Tiruvoodal, another notable festival celebrated in mid-January annually, along with Maha Shivaratri in February, are celebrated with immense enthusiasm.

Arunachaleshwar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Visitors to the Arunachaleshwar Temple are expected to adhere to a conservative dress code, ensuring that their legs and shoulders are adequately covered. Men may opt for dhotis or long trousers paired with shirts, while women are encouraged to wear Sarees, Salwar Kameez, or other traditional attire that adequately covers their shoulders and legs. Western attire such as jeans, shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops should be avoided.

Although non-Hindus are generally permitted to visit the Arunachalam Temple to admire its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere, they are usually restricted from entering the sanctum sanctorum to conduct pujas, as the temple is regarded as a sacred space for Hindu worship.

Arunachaleswar Temple Timings

Monday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9 PM

Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleswar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 50
Fast Track Darshan for Rs. 100
VIP Darshan for Rs. 200

Best Time to Visit Arunachaleswar Temple

The period from October to March is considered the most favorable time to visit Arunachalam Temple, as the weather is pleasant, ensuring a comfortable journey. Additionally, this timeframe hosts several significant festivals, including the splendid Karthigai Deepam and Maha Shivaratri, providing a unique opportunity to witness the temple adorned with lights and celebrations. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, it is advisable to visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings.

How to Reach Annamalaiyar Temple / Arunachaleswar Temple

The closest airport to Thiruvannamalai is Chennai International Airport, located approximately 175 km away, with regular flights from various cities across India. Thiruvannamalai has its own railway station with good connectivity to Chennai, Tirupati, Vellore, Puducherry, and Madurai. The town is well-connected by road to cities like Madurai, Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kanchi, Salem, Vellore, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, and Trichy. One can reach Arunachaleshwar Temple by taking bus or hiring an auto-rikshaw from all parts of the town.