Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwarar Temple: History, Legend & Travel Guide

Published by Orugallu Andhalu

 

Tiruvannamalai is one of the holiest spiritual destinations in Tamil Nadu. Every Full Moon night, millions of devotees walk around the sacred Arunachala Hill seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the Agni (Fire) form.

The Glorious Arunachaleshwarar Temple

Spread across 24 acres, the Annamalaiyar Temple (Arunachaleshwarar Temple) stands as a monumental masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
It was originally built by the Cholas between 850–1280 CE, and later expanded by Pandyas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Nayak rulers.
The temple features over 1000 sculptures and 450 stone inscriptions.

Saint poets of Shaivism like Thirugnana Sambandar, Sundarar, Appar, and Manikkavacakar have praised the divine glory of this temple in their sacred hymns.

The Legend of the Eternal Fire

A famous legend narrates how Brahma and Vishnu debated who was supreme.
Lord Shiva appeared as a towering column of fire and challenged them to find his head and feet.

• Vishnu took the form of a boar and burrowed deep into the earth but failed
• Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upward yet failed to find Shiva’s head

Brahma lied that he found the top, so Shiva cursed him.
This is why Brahma has very few temples in India.
Vishnu, humbled by the truth, was blessed and placed in Shiva’s heart.

The divine message: Only when ego burns, enlightenment rises.

 One of the Five Elements Temples — Tejo Lingam

Tiruvannamalai is one of the sacred Pancha Bhootha Sthalas, representing Fire, with Arunachala Hill itself revered as a physical form of Shiva.

Element	Temple
Air	Sri Kalahasti
Water	Thiruvanaikaval
Fire	Tiruvannamalai
Earth	Thiruvarur
Space	Chidambaram

For Full Story please watch our video :

అరుణాచలం పవిత్రక్షేత్రం. ఇక్కడ గిరిప్రదక్షిణ చేస్తే కోరికలు నెరవేరుతాయనే నమ్మకం శాశ్వతం. ఈ వీడియోలో ఆ రహస్యాన్ని పూర్తిగా వివరించాం.

 The Spiritual Mountain of Saints

Arunachala Hill has been an eternal source of spiritual awakening.
Here:

• Manikkavacakar composed Thiruvenpavai
• Arunagirinathar began his Tiruppugazh hymns
• Sri Ramana Maharshi attained enlightenment and established his ashram here

The Pathala Lingam Shrine where Ramana Maharshi meditated is a deeply revered spot for seekers.

 Architectural Grandeur

• 9 Gopurams (towers)
• 7 Prakarams (enclosures)

The Raja Gopuram is the iconic highlight:

• 217 feet tall
• 11 storeys
• Second tallest gopuram in South India

Its scale and elegance symbolize the boundless majesty of Shiva.

 Major Festivals

Full Moon Girivalam

The 13 km circumambulation of Arunachala Hill is performed by lakhs of devotees every month, believed to cleanse lifetimes of karma.

Karthigai Deepam

During this world-famous festival, a massive beacon of fire is lit atop the hill, visible for miles.
Crores of devotees gather to witness this unforgettable spiritual spectacle.

It signifies the victory of divine light over ignorance.

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 Travel Guide to Tiruvannamalai

 Location

Tiruvannamalai is located in northern Tamil Nadu, about 185 km from Chennai and 210 km from Bengaluru.

How to Reach

By Air
Nearest airports:
• Chennai International Airport – 185 km
• Bengaluru International Airport – 230 km

By Train
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station connects well to:
• Chennai
• Katpadi (Vellore)
• Tirupati
• Madurai
Tip: Book tickets early during Pournami & Deepam season.

By Road
Frequent buses available from:
• Chennai (5 hrs)
• Bengaluru (5 hrs)
• Vellore (2 hrs)
• Pondicherry (2 hrs)

Taxis and self-drive cars are common options for hill round (Girivalam).

Temple Timings

Ritual	Time
Morning Darshan	5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening Darshan	3:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Note: Timings may vary during special festivals.

 Girivalam Tips (Full Moon Walk)

• Total Distance: 13 km
• Best start times: Evening after 6 PM or early morning before sunrise
• Wear comfortable footwear
• Carry water and a small towel
• Expect large crowds on Pournami

Devotees believe Girivalam washes away past karma and brings spiritual clarity.

Best Time to Visit

Season	Info
October to March	Best weather for Girivalam
November/December	Karthigai Deepam Festival (Peak crowd)
Full Moon Days	Spiritually charged atmosphere

Avoid peak summer afternoons since it gets very hot around the hill.

Where to Stay

Plenty of options near the temple:
• Budget Lodges
• Dharamshalas
• Ashrams
• Mid-range Hotels

Sri Ramana Ashram also offers accommodation (prior booking required).

 Must-Visit Spiritual Spots

• Arunachaleshwarar Temple
• Girivalam Path Temples
• Ramana Maharshi Ashram
• Pathala Lingam Shrine
• Skandashram & Virupaksha Caves

Short treks to the caves give stunning views of the temple and town.

 Final Note

Tiruvannamalai is not just a travel destination.
It is a living spiritual force waiting to ignite inner transformation.

May the flame of Arunachala burn within you forever 🔥

 Conclusion

Tiruvannamalai is not just a pilgrimage destination.
It is a living flame of devotion that ignites spiritual transformation.
One visit is enough for Shiva’s presence to be deeply felt in the heart.

Arunachaleshwaraya Namah 🔥

❓ Do wishes really get fulfilled immediately at Arunachalam?

Yes. It is believed for thousands of years that sincere prayers and doing Girivalam (circumambulation) around Arunachala hill fulfills one’s desires. The reason is the Agni-Linga (Fire Element) energy and divine union of Shiva-Shakti present here.

❓ Why is Giripradakshina (Girivalam) important?

Arunachalam is considered the living form of Lord Shiva. Doing Girivalam means circumambulating Lord Shiva Himself. It grants removal of sins, fulfillment of desires, spiritual peace, and liberation.

❓ When should we perform Girivalam?

The most powerful times are:

Full Moon days (Pournami)

Karthika month

Night-time circumambulation

Scriptures say these times bring maximum spiritual merit.

❓ What is the distance of Girivalam?

The total distance around Arunachala Hill is about 14 kilometers, and it usually takes 3–5 hours to complete the sacred walk.

❓ Which deity is worshipped at Arunachalam?

Arunachalam is the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Here, Shiva manifests as the Agni-Linga (Fire Lingam).

Related Posts:

 Mahanandi Temple

Bathukamma History

Bhagyalaxmi Temple

Disclaimer:
Information in this article is based on local history, folklore, temple records, and publicly available sources. Details such as timings may vary; visitors are advised to verify with temple authorities during special occasions.

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