Om Namah Shivaya!
For me, visiting the Shri Arunachaleshwara Temple in Tamil Nadu was a truly emotional experience. I experienced a strong sense of connection to the spiritual legacy and cultural diversity of the area as I made my way through the center of the temple. I was getting closer to the spiritual presence that has lured devotees and seekers for generations.
About Shri Arunachaleshwara Temple
Situated in the base of Arunachala Hills in the town of Tiruvannamalai is this extremely powerful temple of Lord Shiva. Shri Arunachaleshwara Temple has its own glory and sagas to speak of. The temple has the 3rd tallest Gopuram in the world which stands with pride at 216.5 feet.
The temple is manifested as one among the 5 elements (Pancha Bhoota Sthalam), namely Agni or Fire. As per Arunachala Purana, when Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma argued who among them was superior, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a fire column and advised both Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma to reach the end of the column. It is considered that Lord Shiva took the form of a fire Column at this holy place.
Quick Information
| Nearest Airport Salem (SXV) | Approximately 160 km. Due to fewer flight to Salem, consider Chennai (MAA) |
| Travel Time from Salem | Approximately 3 Hours |
| Travel options from Salem | Uber, Private Taxi, Train, Busses |
| Travel Time from Chennai | Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes covering 175 kms |
| Travel Options from Chennai | Uber/Ola from Chennai Airport or city / Train from Chennai Railway Station / Private Taxi cabs |
| Nearest Railway Station | Thiruvannamalai (Station Code – TNM) – Approximately 2 Kms |
| Travel Options | Taxi, Auto Rikshaw |
| Nearest Bus Station | Thiruvannamalai Bus Station is well connected with all the major cities in Tamil Nadu |
| Dress Code | Traditional dress is advised to be worn |
| Temple Timings | 05:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 03:30 PM to 09:30 PM |
Deity – Shri Arunachaleshwara Temple
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva known here as Arunachaleshwara or Annamalaiyar. His consort Goddess Shri Parvathi is depicted as Unnamalai Amman (Apitakuchambaal).
Eight lingams, or Ashtalingams, can be found in the Arunachaleswarar Temple. They are arranged in different locations and face different directions. Indralingam, Agnilingam, Yamalingam, Niruthilingam, Varunalingam, Vayulingam, Kuberlingam, and Esanyalingam are the names of these lingams. Each lingam symbolizes distinct points of the compass, believed to grant diverse blessings to devotees who engage in Girivalam, a Hindu religious custom.
Architecture beauty at Shri Arunachaleshwara Temple
Shri Arunachaleshwara Temple complex is stretched out in a 25-acre land at the base of Arunachala hills. The grand Raja Gopuram at the Arunachaleswarar Temple welcomes worshippers with its towering stature and elaborate adornments. Its intricate carvings and vivid hues showcase the temple’s architectural legacy, captivating visitors with its beauty. The Raja Gopuram which stands at 216.5 feet has 11 tiers.
One should not miss the 1000 stone pillared hall or mandapam inside the temple complex which is aesthetically designed.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri – Shri Arunachaleshwara Temple being a Lord Shiva temple, Maha Shivaratri is one of the most celebrated. During the time of Maha Shivaratri, the temple is illuminated, and devotees from across visit the temple and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Karthigai Deepam – In the Tamil month of Karthigai, Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated at Arunachaleswarar temple. It is a 10-day festival and is also known as Karthigai Brahmotsavam festival. The footfall of devotees during Karthigai Deepam festival is around 40 lakh each year.
Thaipusam – The Arunachaleswarar Temple’s Thaipusam festival is a colourful event rich in custom and observance. Devotees flood the temple grounds on this auspicious day, praying and engaging in rites dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sounds of drums and chants electrify the atmosphere as worshippers show their respect and ask for blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Timings
The temple is open for devotees from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Accommodation
There are multiple low-budget and medium-budget stays available near the temple. One can check booking platforms like Agoda or MakeMyTrip for options available. Few Ashrams also offer accommodation to devotees at a nominal charge.
Travel
The nearest airport to Arunachaleswarar temple is Chennai which is approximately 190 Kilometres away. The Tiruvannamalai railway station is around 4.5 kilometres away from the temple.
Nearby Places to Visit
Shri Ramana Maharshi Ashram – A must-visit in Tiruvannamalai is Ramana Maharshi Ashram. One can visit the Samadhi Shrine and temple in the Ashram.
Arunachala Hill – ‘Aruna’ means fire like red light and ‘Chala’ means hills. This is why Shri Ramana Maharshi called Arunachala as spiritual heart of the world.
Virupaksa Cave – Considered as a great spot of meditation, people seeking spiritual journey visit the cave.
Gingee Fort – One among the few surviving forts in Tamil Nadu, Gingee Fort is around 40 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai. The great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had addressed this fort as “most impregnable fortress in India”.
Amirthi Zoological Park – The Amirthi Zoological Park lies within the Amirthi Forest Range, nestled in the Vellore Forest Division of Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India. Positioned at the base of the Thellai Reserve Forest region, its founding purpose is to foster habitat restoration and promote education regarding the protection of wildlife.
