Arunachalam Temple In Tiruvannamalai: Temple History, Timing, Deity, Giri Pradakshina, Online Booking And More
We just celebrated Guru Purnima in 2025, and we saw devotees gathering in great numbers in the Arunachalam Temple.
This time, it was more convenient for devotees as the RTC Khammam region operated special buses from Manuguru, Sathupalli, and Khammam to the temple on 8th July.
Guru Purnima is one of the main festivals in the temple. However, the temple experiences a massive crowd of devotees on every full moon day or Pournami.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is associated with spiritual enlightenment and emancipation.
Would you like to learn more about this temple, which is associated with numerous myths and stories?
Let’s find out what is special about Arunachalam Temple, the temple timings, online booking process, and the Giri Pradakshina ritual in this Dream and Travel Guide.
Where Is Arunachalam Temple? Arunachalam Temple Located In Which State?
Tamil Nadu is not only home to the longest beach in India. It also features the Arunachalam Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, one of the most significant locations in India’s spiritual tourism landscape.
The exact location of the temple is Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai – 606601. The contact number of the temple is 04175252438.
How To Reach Arunachalam Temple?
The closest airport to the Arunachalam Temple is Puducherry Airport. It is located at a distance of 110 km. Further, the Chennai International Airport is at a distance of 190 km.
Buses and taxis are available to the Arunachalam Temple from both these locations.
On the other hand, the nearest railway station to the temple is Tiruvannamalai Railway Station. However, direct trains from many major cities in the country may not be available to this railway station.
So, it is better to make a road trip via Hyderabad or Chennai by bus or car.
How To Reach Arunachalam Temple From Hyderabad?
Hyderabad to Arunachalam Temple distance is 709.9 km. The journey by road takes around 12-14 hours.
The easiest way to travel the distance is to book a bus run by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation or TSGSTC. The ticket price for the bus journey is INR 3210, and the first bus is available at 6 PM and the second one at 8 PM.
During or after booking, you can contact 040 69440000 or 040 23450033 to know more about the journey.
How To Reach Arunachalam Temple From Chennai?
The Chennai to Arunachalam Temple distance is around 197 km. The easiest way to cover the distance is by car or bus.
It is best if you book a bus from platforms such as redBus. Tickets are available between INR 300 and 800.
What Is The Arunachalam Temple History?
The history of the Arunachalam Temple goes back to the 9th century AD or the time of the early Chola Kings.
However, the myths around this Lord Shiva temple take us back to time immemorial. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan, and he wanted to visit the crown of Lord Shiva.
On his way, he met a thazhambu flower or Ketaki flower, which was falling from Lord Shiva’s crown.
Lord Brahma asked the flower about the distance to Shiva’s crown, and it replied that it had been falling for 40 thousand years.
Then, Lord Brahma understood that it was impossible to see Shiva’s crown. However, he decided to claim to have seen the crown and asked the flower to bear witness to the same.
Lord Shiva became angry, and he cursed Brahma that he would not have any temple in the world, and he said that Ketaki flowers must not be used in his worship.
Thiruvannamalai is the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a column of endless light to burn all falsehood, ego, and negativity.
What Are The Arunachalam Temple Timings?
The Darshan timings of the Arunachalam temple are from 5.30 AM to 8.30 PM. Furthermore, pujas are performed throughout the day.
- Ko Pooja: 5 AM to 5:15 AM
- Ushakala Poojai: 5:30 AM to 7 AM
- Kalasandhi Pooja: 8 AM to 9:30 AM
- Uchikkala Pooja: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening): 5:30 PM to 7 PM
- Irandamkala Pooja: 8 PM to 9 PM
- Ardhajama Pooja: 9 PM to 9:30 PM
Arunachalam Temple: What Are The Facilities And Services?
The Arunachalam temple offers a diverse range of religious services, including special pujas and abhisekas, as well as various facilities within its premises.
Services At Arunachalam Temple
Here are the special services and fees at Arunachalam Temple.
| Special Services | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Milk Abiseham | 1000 |
| Ruthrabishegam | 5000 |
| Swami Amman Special Abishekam | 2500 |
| Panchamoorthigal Abishekam | 4500 |
| Vinayagar, Swami, Amman Special Abishekam | 3000 |
| Parivara Moorthi Sannathi Milk Abishekam | 1000 |
| 1008 Sangu Pooja Special Abishekam | 10000 |
| Thirukkalyana Utsavam Special Abishekam Pooja | 8500 |
| Annadhanam | 105000.00 |
(Source: https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in/)
Facilities At Arunachalam Temple
The temple premises have an information center, a battery car, and wheelchair facilities. There is also a RO drinking water facility inside the temple and a hospital facility outside the temple.
Is Arunachalam Temple Darshan Free?
Yes, general darshan to the temple is free. However, there are also paid Darshan services. Here are the details.
| Arunachalam Temple Darshan Tickets | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free |
| Special | 50 |
| Fast Track | 100 |
| Silver | 500 |
| VIP | 200 |
| Gold | 1000 |
| Platinum | 2000 |
| Diamond | 5000 |
(Source: https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in/)
Arunachalam Temple Online Ticket Booking Services
You can book the online tickets for temple services on the official temple website or https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in/.
- You will find a blue tab on the homepage.
- Once you click on the tab, you will be redirected to the next page where you can verify your e-ticket or book temple services.
- Click on the Temple Services Paid/Donation Services Tab.
- Then, you will see the page featuring all services that you can book online.
- Select a service and visit the next page, where you will have to select the date. Once you select the date, a pop-up will open with available tickets with a “book” button.
- Then, proceed with filling in your details and making payments.
What Is The Arunachalam Temple Architecture?
The Arunachalam Temple showcases the quintessential Dravidian architecture, influenced by the styles of the Cholas, Vijayanagar, and Hoysalas.
The temple features rows of stone pillars, the main Amman shrine, and numerous sub-shrines dedicated to other deities.
Spanning an area of 25 Acres, the temple features a sanctum sanctorum, numerous mandapas, five praharas, and nine towers.
Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina is a great spiritual practice of circumambulating Arunachala Hill and visiting the Astalingams or eight lingas of Lord Shiva on the way.
You have to do a Pradashina or circumambulation of 14 kilometers while chanting the name of Lord Shiva.
A single circumambulation of the hill is believed to bring spiritual merits equal to a thousand years of penance and meditation.
1. What Is The Best Time For Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina?
The Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina becomes more spiritually significant during Pournami or full moon nights.
Furthermore, the Karthigai Deepam Festival during the months of November and December draws lakhs of visitors to the temple. The giant fire lamp on the hill of Arunachala signifies the eternal grace of Lord Shiva.
Moreover, the following festivals or special occasions are the best times to visit the temple and fathom its spiritual significance.
- Maha Shivaratri
- Guru Purnima
- Arudra Darshan (Held in December and January to worship the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva.)
- Chitra Pournami (Held in April-May to worship Chitragupta, or the divine record-keeper of human deeds)
- Pradosham (It is the 13th day of the lunar cycle. It comes twice every month.)
2. What Is The Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina Route And Shrines?
The Giri Pradakshina route features Astalingams, or eight lingams of Lord Shiva, as well as numerous temples and shrines dedicated to Siddhas, or great spiritual personalities.
| Eight Lingams on the Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina Route | Spiritual Significance |
|---|---|
| Indra Lingam on the East | • Dedicated to Lord Indra • Brings Divine Protection and Prosperity |
| Agni Lingam on the Southeast | • Signifies the Element of Fire • Associated with the Eradication of Negligence and Spiritual Enlightenment |
| Yama Lingam on the South | • Here, We Worship Lord Yama, or the God of Death. • Praying Here Eradicates the Fear of Death and Brings Inner Resilience. |
| Niruthi Lingam on the Southwest | • Removes Negativity and Obstacles |
| Varuna Lingam on the West | • It is Associated with Lord Varuna or the Element of Water. • Praying Here Brings Emotional Balance. |
| Vayu Lingam on the Northwest | • The Vayu Lingam Worships the Element of Air. • We Pray Here for Physical Wellbeing and Vitality. |
| Kubera Lingam on the North | • Signifies Prosperity and Wealth |
| Eesanya Lingam on the Northeast | • Signifies Spiritual Awakening |
3. How To Perform Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina?
You need to start around 4 AM or after 4 PM for the Giri Pradakshina or Giri Valam. You have to walk barefoot. So, these hours are ideal for the Pradakshina and to avoid extreme heat.
The entire Pradakshina route resonates with the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” and Shiva chants. It’s an experience in itself with tears rolling down your face, cleansing your soul.
During the Pradakshina, you will stop at the eight lingams and offer prayers.
What Are The Benefits Of Going To Arunachalam Temple?
Arunachalam Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. Pancha Bhoota refers to the five elements that comprise the world according to Sanatan Dharma.
In the Arunachalam Temple, the Lord Shiva lingam stands for the element of fire. It is the fire that brings salvation through the purification of the soul.
Giri Pradakshina in Arunachalam is a mentally and physically fulfilling experience. Positive vibrations are palpable here. Also, the calm and serene ambiance here will uplift your body and mind.
However, a visit to the temple has greater spiritual significance. The Arunachala Hill is a manifestation of Lord Shiva, and you can feel the divine connection once you reach here.
Moreover, the Pradakshina brings spiritual enlightenment, liberation, or Moksha. People also perform the Pradakshina to get rid of mortal sins.
It is said that the Arunachalam temple is a Ninaithale Mukthi Tharum Thiruthalam. It means that you think of this place, and you will get salvation.
To gain a better understanding of the benefits of going to the Arunachalam temple, you can read the following books.
- The Arunachala Puranam, written by Saivite priest Ellapanavalar and Arunai Kalambakam
- Sona Sailamalai by Kumaraguruparan
- Tirupukazhi by Arunagiriyar
Also, the temple has been mentioned in 119 inscriptions between the 10th and 18th centuries.
Over time, many Siddhas have settled down here. Some notable names among them are Sesathri Swamigal, Ramanar, Visiri Swamigal, Kukai Namachivayar, and Guru Namachivayar.
You will find their tombs on the Giri Pradakshina route or the Kriwala Path.
Arunachalam Temple In Tiruvannamalai: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Arunachalam temple in Turuvannamalai.
For a complete spiritual experience, it is best to plan a stay at Sri Ramanasramam or Arunachala Ashram.
Home to Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Ramanasramam is an ideal stay to soak in the spiritual fervor of the Arunachala Hill. To book accommodation, you can call +91 4175 236624.
Furthermore, for a stay at Arunachala Ashram, you have to pre-book your accommodation by sending a WhatsApp message to 8667244560.
You can even send an email to sda20002000@yahoo.com.
Arunachalam Giri Pradakshina is a 14-km walk. It will take 3 to 4 hours to complete the Pradakshina based on the number of stops and your walking speed.
To make the Giri Pradakshina experience more comfortable for you, you must start the Pradakshina at 4 AM or after 4 PM.
The weather remains cooler in these hours, and the crowd is also smaller.
The ideal dress code for men visiting Arunachalam is dhotis or Veshtis. They can pair it with a shirt or upper clothes.
On the other hand, women must wear sarees or salwar kameez while visiting the temple.
Gurupurnima and all other Pournami or full moon days are ideal for visiting the temple. You can plan a visit during the Karthigai Deepam festival (to be held on 4th December in 2025).
However, if you want to avoid the crowd, you must visit the temple during weekdays.
Arunachalam is famous for its silk sarees with a golden border. You can also collect eco-friendly banana leaf products such as bags and placemats.
Furthermore, you will love the polishware handicrafts made with metal, wood, and enamel finish.
You can also collect the local lacquerware dolls and bring home small idols or pictures of gods and goddesses as souvenirs. Moreover, aromatic oils, incense sticks, ayurvedic, and healing products are popular items to collect from Arunachalam.
Don’t forget to try the local sweets such as seedai and sweet pongal mix.
Yes, phones are allowed in the Arunachalam Temple. However, taking photographs inside the sanctum sanctorum is not permitted.
Moreover, you must avoid mobile-related distractions during the temple visit or Giripradakshina.
Dosas are a staple in Tiruvannamalai. However, here, you will find a denser and fluffier version of the delicacy.
Furthermore, you will appreciate the sweet pongal prasadam at the Arunachalam temple and the tamarind rice prasadam at the Virupaksha Cave temple.
Kuzhi paniyaram or Paddu, Kalan, and various types of bhajjis and pakodas are popular street foods here. Moreover, you will love paal kova, jangiri, and Mysore Pak as the best sweet treats here.
No, you must not take a bath immediately after the Pradakshina or circumambulation. Spiritually, taking a bath after the Pradakshina means washing off the merit or Punya earned through the ritual.
Also, the local custom is to visit the Arunachalam temple after the Pradakshina.
Ideally, Giri Pradakshina is a spiritual practice, and most visitors are in a meditative state during the 3-to 4-hour circumambulation.
However, you can carry and drink water during the Pradakshina.
There are Ashtalingams, or eight lingams, around the Arunachala Hill.
They are Agni Lingam on the southeast, Indra Lingam on the east, Yama (Ema) Lingam on the south, Niruthi Lingam on the southwest, Kubera Lingam on the north, Varuna Lingam on the west, Vayu Lingam on the northwest, and Eesanya Lingam on the northeast.
