Arunachalesvara Temple or Annamalaiyar Temple in the town of Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is at the base of Arunachala hill. It is a famous Shiva temple and one of the the Pancha Bhoota Temples representing the element of fire, or Agni.
The towering temple and its huge complex covers 10 hectares – one of the largest in India. The temple was built during the 9th century by the Chola dynasty and later expanded by to Vijayanagara rulers – 1336–1485 CE.
According to mythology, once Parvati playfully closed the eyes of Shiva and the universe and the earth were in darkness for years. To atone for her sin Parvati performed Tapasya (penance). Then Lord Shiva appeared as a column of fire at the top of the Annamalai hills and the world was once again illuminated. Then Shiva and Parvati merged and formed Ardhanarishvara – the half male half female form of Shiva and Devi.
Here Shiva is called Arunachalesvara and Parvati is called Unnamalai Amman.
Timings: 5.30 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 to 9.30 pm
Poojas: Several poojas are performed by the priests and you can get your pooja also done by them.
Major Festivals
Tamil Month – Festival Details
Chithirai (April – May) – Chithirai Vasantha Urchavam 10 days.
Vaikasi (May – June) – Vaikasi Urchavam 1 day.
Aani (June – July) – Aani Bramorchavam 10 days. Aani Thirumanjanam (Lord Nataraja Urchavam 1 day).
Aadi (July – August) – Aadi Pooram Bramorchavam 10 days.
Avani (August – Sept.) – Avani Moolam Urchavam 1 day.
Puratasi (Sept. – Oct.) – Navarathri Urchavam 9 days.
Aippasi (Oct. – Nov.) – Annabishekam Urchavam 1 day. Kanda Sashti urchavam 6 days.
Karthigai (Nov. – Dec.) – Karthigai Deepa Bramorchavam 17 days.
Margazhi (Dec. – Jan.) – Vaikunda Ekadasi Urchavam 1 day. Arudra Darisanam (Lord Nataraja Urchavam) 1 day.
Thai (Jan. – Feb.) – Vaikasi Urchavam 1 day. Uttarayana Punyakalam Bramorchavam 10 days. Thiruvoodal Urchavam 1 day. Manalurpettai Theerthavari Urchavam 1 day. Kalasapakkam (Rathasapthami). Theerthavari Urchavam 1 day.
Masi (Feb. – March) – Maha Shivaratri Urchavam. Masi Makam Pallikond Pattu Theerthavari Urchavam.
Panguni (March – April) – Panguni Uthiram Thirukalyana Urchavam 6 days.
How to Reach:
By Air:
The nearest is Chennai 185 kms away.
By Rail:
The nearest railway stations are Villupuram (76 km) and Katpadi (65 km). There are frequent trains available from all parts of the country to these two stations.
By Road:
Tiruvannamalai is well connected by road and by bus to all major cities in South India.
Accommodation: Budget to 3 star hotels are available.
