Temple Overview & Shrine Details
| Mulavar (Presiding Deity) | Arunachaleswar, Annamalaiyar |
|---|---|
| Ambal (Consort) | Abithakujambal, Unnamulai Amman |
| Theertham | Brama Theertham, Agni Theertham |
| Sthala Vruksham | Makizham Vruksham |
| Paadiyavar | Appar, Gyanasambandar |
| Travel Base | Thiruvannamalai |
| Nearest Railway Station | Thiruvannamalai |
| Continent / Region | Nadu |
| Circle / Taluk | Thiruvannamalai |
| District | Thiruvannamalai |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
Location & Accessibility
Tiruvannamalai is a well-connected town, easily accessible by both road and rail. Frequent bus services operate from Chennai via Chengalpattu – Madurantakam – Tindivanam – Gingee, and also through Sriperumbudur – Kanchipuram – Vellore – Polur. The town is located 90 km from Vellore, 60 km from Tindivanam, 60 km from Villupuram, and 100 km from Krishnagiri. Tiruvannamalai is also connected by rail from Chennai and other major towns in Tamil Nadu. The Tiruvannamalai Railway Station lies on the Villupuram–Katpadi section of the Southern Railway.
Architecture
The 11 tiered East Rajagopuram towers to a height of 217 feet, while the fortified walls pierced with 4 gopura entrances offer a formidable look to this vast temple complex. The Pei Gopuram, Thirumanjana Gopuram and Ammanaiammal gopuram are the other three. The 1000 pillared hall and the temple tank were built by Krishna Deva Rayarar of Vijayanagar. Each of the prakarams has a huge Nandi and several towers such as the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram and Kili Gopuram. Giri Valam is one of the famous on every full moon comprising of 9 linga around this temple.
History & Sacred Legend
Thiruvannamalai is one of the famous Saivite Shrines in India. It is also one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam. Here the Lord is in form of Fire. This sprawling 25 acre temple campus having 7 praharams draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every full moon. The hill here is considered to be a manifestation of Shiva. Manikkavacakar composed his Thiruvempavai here. The Paatala Linga shrine is connected with the spritual savant Ramana Maharishi. Arunagiri Nathar began composing his Thiruppukazh here at this temple.
Festivals & Celebrations
Karthigai Deepam, Aadi Pooram, Chitirai Vasantha Vizha and Panguni Utiram are some of the famous festival days in this temple.