Arunachalam Temple, Everything to Know for Your Tiruvannamalai Pilgrimage

Arunachalam Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is a historic Hindu temple renowned for its spiritual significance, exquisite architecture, and vibrant rituals. Located amidst serene surroundings, it attracts thousands of devotees and tourists each year. Known for its sacred traditions, the temple blends spirituality, culture, and architectural brilliance, making it a key pilgrimage site for Lord Shiva devotees worldwide.

Your Spiritual Journey to the Annamalaiyar Temple

Greetings, Seeker! Arunachalam Temple, as we fondly call it, is the ultimate destination where God meets Man. 

Welcome to the Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the most venerated temples of Lord Shiva in the world, and the ancient pilgrimage city of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. 

It is a God-realizing Pancha Bhoota Sthalam temple that offers a serene experience to the Arunachala devotees from around the world. Let us explore the attractions and history of this sacred temple.

Arunachalam Temple History

The temple traces its origins back to ancient times, with legends connecting it to revered saints and local dynasties. Over centuries, Arunachalam Temple has been maintained and expanded, preserving its traditional rituals and architectural heritage. Its history reflects the religious devotion and cultural richness of the region.

Arunachalam Temple God Name

One of the special things about this temple is it is a part of the famous 108 Pancha Bhoota Stalam of Lord Shiva, which symbolizes the five elements of nature. This shrine represents Agni or fire, with the Arunachala Hill itself being a materialization of Lord Shiva.

• The presiding deity of Arunachalam Temple is popularly known as Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar Temple.

• The Arunachala Hill is one of the 108 Pancha Bhoota Sthalams in India, representing the element of Agni (Fire).

• He is worshipped in His form of Agni Lingam which represents the formless Lord Shiva or cosmic fire that appeared to resolve the arguments between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu over supremacy.

Planning Your Visit: "Arunachalam Temple Timings"

Arunachalam Temple Location

Arunachalam Temple, also known as Arunachaleswarar Temple, is located in the ancient pilgrimage city of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is situated at the base of the sacred Arunachala Hill, which is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself.

• Arunachalam Temple Address: Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India

• Arunachalam Temple Nearest Railway Station: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM)

• Arunachalam Temple Nearest Major Railway Junction: Katpadi Junction (KPD), ~90 km away

• Arunachalam Temple Nearest Airports: Chennai International Airport (MAA) ~170 km, Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) ~200 km

• Arunachalam Temple Accessibility: Well-connected by road, rail, and air with frequent buses, taxis, and local transport from nearby cities.

The temple’s central location in Tiruvannamalai makes it easily accessible for devotees visiting from across India and abroad.

Arunachalam Temple Timings and Planning Your Visit to Lord Shiva's Shrine

For a calm and peaceful darshan, you need to have the correct Arunachalam Temple Timings. The Temple Darshan timings follow the daily puja schedule of the Arunachaleswarar Temple at fixed intervals, with entry for darshan to and fro only.

Please note that these Temple Timings are notional and subject to change based on the major festivals of the temple, with the temple open for longer hours during the grand Karthigai Deepam festival of Arunachalam Temple.

Arunachalam Temple Best Time to Visit

• Opening Hours: Typically 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays for peaceful visits

• Peak Seasons: During Navratri, Mahashivaratri, and temple annual festivals

Planning your visit during these times allows you to experience the temple’s full spiritual and cultural vibrancy.

Arunachalam Temple, Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam)

The most important puja during a visit to Tiruvannamalai is the circumambulation of the Arunachala hill known as the Giri Pradakshina or Girivalam route.

The Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam) is a holy act of barefoot circumambulation around the Arunachala Hill.

• Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam) distance: The Giri Pradakshina route forms a circle of around 14 kilometers around the Arunachala Hill.
• The Practice: The devotees take the circular trail barefoot, and pray at the eight Lingams or Asta Lingams in front of the eight main directions like Indra, Agni, Yama, etc., around the Arunachala Hill.
• The most popular time to visit the Girivalam route is on Pournami or Full Moon days. For best experience, take the walk in the late evening or early morning, before the sun comes out and heat up.

This religious walk is believed to purify the souls of the pilgrims, while also is a form of deep meditation on Lord Shiva.

Arunachalam Temple Nearest Railway Station (How to reach Arunachalam)

How to reach Arunachalam is the first question in the minds of most pilgrims planning a visit. Tiruvannamalai is accessible from all major transport networks, making your spiritual sojourn a cakewalk.

Arunachalam Temple Nearest Railway Location

The small town has a railway station of its own, the Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM).

The nearest railway junction with better connectivity and train options is Katpadi Junction (KPD) around 90 km from Tiruvannamalai.

The local taxi and bus services from Katpadi to the Arunachaleswarar Temple are quite affordable and easily available.

Arunachalam Temple By Air and Road

By Air: The nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA) which is located around 170 km from Thiruvannamalai. The Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) is around 200 km away.

By Road: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses and private buses ply quite frequently from Chennai, Bengaluru, Pondicherry, and other major cities of South India directly to Tiruvannamalai.

Arunachalam Temple Online Booking, Darshan and Facilities

The official website of Arunachaleswarar Temple has several services you can book online for your visit.

• Arunachalam Temple Online Booking: You can visit the official HRCE website of the Arunachaleswarar Temple (managed by the Tamil Nadu government) to view and book paid special darshan tickets, abhishekam (ritual), and other services.
• General Temple Darshan: Entry for darshan at the Arunachalam Temple is open to all pilgrims free of cost, while the paid options are to avail of faster entry or specific services.

It is always advisable to cross-check with the official source before you leave for the temple for the most accurate and latest information, and avoid any last-minute trouble.

Other Sacred Places Around Arunachalam Temple : Ramana Maharshi Ashram

Ramana Maharshi Ashram: During your pilgrimage to Tiruvannamalai, a visit to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram should not be missed.

• Situated at the foot of Arunachala Hill, this ashram is dedicated to the memory of 20th-century sage Ramana Maharshi who achieved enlightenment at this location.
• The atmosphere and energies are conducive for meditation and introspection, making it a place you should not miss.
• It is a prominent spiritual center that continues to attract visitors from across the globe.

Arunachalam Temple Karthigai Deepam: The Grand Festival

Karthigai Deepam: The grandest and most spectacular festival celebrated at Arunachalam Temple is the Karthigai Deepam festival.

• It is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December).
• A huge beacon of light is lit atop the Arunachala Hill, to represent Lord Shiva manifested as a pillar of flame.
• The flame on the top of the Arunachala Hill is visible up to many kilometers from a distance, and is a sight to behold.

Lakhs of pilgrims gather for the Giri Pradakshina on the day of the Karthigai Deepam festival.

The visit to Tiruvannamalai takes you face-to-face with the manifestation of the eternal fire of Lord Shiva. May you find all answers on this pilgrimage to the Arunachala Pancha Bhoota Sthalam!

Arunachalam Temple Architecture and Design

Arunachalam Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian temple architecture, featuring intricately carved gopurams (temple towers), stone pillars, and sculpted deities. The sanctum sanctorum houses the main deity, adorned with gold and traditional ornamentation. The spacious courtyards and pillared halls create a peaceful ambiance for prayer and meditation.

Arunachalam Temple Conclusion

Arunachalam Temple in Tiruvannamalai remains one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations. With its ancient architecture, sacred Agni Lingam, and serene surroundings, the temple offers devotees a deep spiritual experience that blends faith, meditation, and culture.

In 2025, the temple is attracting even more visitors due to:

1. Grand Karthigai Deepam Celebrations: The spectacular fire atop Arunachala Hill draws thousands of devotees and tourists each year.

2. Full Moon Girivalam Experience: Devotees are increasingly visiting to perform the 14 km circumambulation barefoot, a spiritually purifying ritual.

3. Spiritual Tourism Boom: With better connectivity, online darshan bookings, and guided tours, Tiruvannamalai has become a key destination for spiritual travelers worldwide.

4. Ramana Maharshi Ashram: Nearby meditation centers and ashrams provide a holistic spiritual journey for seekers.

5. Cultural and Heritage Significance: The temple is part of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam and offers a unique blend of architecture, rituals, and history that fascinates visitors.

Whether you are seeking divine blessings, meditation, or cultural exploration, Arunachalam Temple in 2025 promises an unforgettable spiritual journey, making it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.

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