The Arunachaleswarar Temple, or Annamalaiyar Temple, or Arunachalam Temple, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage spots in India situated at the base of the holy Arunachala Hill at Tiruvannamalai in the southeast Tamil Nadu. This old temple, devoted to Lord Shiva in the form of Arunachaleswarar (symbolizing the element of fire) and his consort Parvati as Unnamulai Amman is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, the five majestic temples representing the five elements of nature–fire (Agni) here. Legend has it that a quarrel between Lord Vishnu and Brahma on who was supreme saw Shiva appear as a column of fire that continuously extended and burned on the hill which made him eternity. This occasion is celebrated every year in the festival of Karthigai Deepam, in which a huge beacon is lit up on the hill top that is magnified by millions of devotees.

The temple has a historical span that dates back to 7th century and had extensive construction by Chola, Vijayanagara and Nayak kings, in periods between 9th to 16thcentury. It demonstrates the Dravidian architecture, covers 10 hectares (25 acres), which made it one of the largest temple complexes in India. It has four great gopurams (gateway towers) the eastern Rajagopuram of a height of 217 ft (66 m) is the second tallest in South India. The interior consists of six prakarams (enclosures), a thousand-pillared hall and a variety of shrines with that of Ganesha, Subramanya and the Navagrahas to name a few. It finds references in early Tamil Saiva texts such as the Saiva-saint hymn collections Tevaram and the saint-poets Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar, according to the Paadal Petra Sthalams classification scheme.TTD ₹300 Special Entry Darshan 2025: A Complete Guide

Overview of Arunachaleswarar Temple

The temple is very important spiritually in the cause of liberation (moksha) and the Arunachala Hill is considered as Shiva himself. Girivalam is a 14 km circumambulation around the hill which devotees undertake mainly during full moons to receive blessings. Modern prominence on the site also surrounds the figure of Sri Ramana Maharshi, who achieved enlightenment here in 1896, and spent the rest of his life in the area. Important facts are that it has a potential of UNESCO cultural heritage, that it receives more than 10 million feet annually on average, and that it has festivals such as Karthigai Deepam (November-December) which consist of a 10-day celebrations.

The carvings of the temple are complex and indicate mythological representations and the tank (Brahma Theertham) here has curative powers. It has stood as an embodiment of devotion today, combining history, architecture and spirituality in perfect harmony. Trying to keep it around 320 to be detailed (cut at 200 and add some to article length)

Aspect	Details
Location	Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India, at the foot of Arunachala Hill
Deity	Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar (Fire Lingam); Consort: Unnamulai Amman
Significance	One of Pancha Bhoota Stalas (Fire); Paadal Petra Sthalam; Moksha site
Area	10 hectares (25 acres); One of India’s largest temples
Architecture	Dravidian style; 4 gopurams; Rajagopuram: 217 ft (66 m) tall
History	Origins: 7th century; Expanded by Cholas (9th-13th cent.), Vijayanagara
Festivals	Karthigai Deepam (Nov-Dec); Pournami Girivalam (monthly full moon)
Annual Visitors	Over 10 million
Famous For	Girivalam (14 km hill circumambulation); Ramana Maharshi association
Official Website	https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in/

Temple Timings

Time Slot	Details
Morning Opening	5:30 AM – 12:30 PM (General Darshan)
Evening Opening	3:30 PM – 9:30 PM (General Darshan)
Ushakala Pooja	5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Kalasandhi Pooja	8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Uchikkala Pooja	10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Sayaraksha Pooja	5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Irandam Kala Pooja	7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Ardha Jama Pooja	9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Special Days	Pournami Girivalam: Extended to 8:30 PM or later; Check official site

Sevas and Darshans Available

Seva/Darshan Type	Timings	Price (INR)	Description
General Darshan	5:30 AM – 9:30 PM	Free	Queue-based viewing of deities; No special access
Special Darshan	Throughout open hours	Rs. 50 per person	Faster queue; Closer view of sanctum
Abhishekam Darshan	Varies (e.g., 6:30 AM)	Rs. 250 per person	Witness sacred bathing ritual; Limited slots
Milk Abhishekam (Arunachaleswarar & Amman)	6:30 AM & 9:00 PM	Rs. 1,000	Milk offering ritual; Performed daily
Special Abhishekam (Arunachaleswarar & Amman)	On request	Rs. 2,500	Elaborate anointing with various items; Book ahead
Archana (Tamil)	During poojas	Rs. 5	Chanting of names; Basic offering
Girivalam Participation	Full moon days	Free	14 km walk; No ticket needed, but donations optional

How to Reach the Temple

There is easy access to Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai and it is connected. The closest airports are Chennai International Airport (185 km / approximately I?4 -I?5 hours by land) and Bengaluru International Airport (210 km / 5-6 hours). Taxi as of Chennai: Rs. 3,000-4,000, or a bus at CMBT terminal. Bengaluru through KSRTC buses can be availed too.

The temple is 1 km away by train using Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (code: TNM) which has connected routes to other big cities such as Chennai (via Katpadi Junction), Bengaluru and Mumbai. The railway trains are popular with trains such as Puducherry Express and Villupuram Express. Station to non-air conditioned auto-rickshaws are 50-100 rupees.

Tiruvannamalai can be well-connected by road using NH 77 and NH 38. State buses go frequently to Chennai (190 km; Rs. 200-300, 4 hours). Buses (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) run every 5 h (250-400 ri at distances of 200 km), e.g. Bengaluru (Karnataka). Self drive or cabs can easily be hired; one can park the vehicle near the temple: Rs. 20-50. Then there are local buses and autos which move around the town. The shared vans are used by pilgrims at festivals. Always lookout road closures on Karthigai Deepam.

How to Book Darshan Tickets

It is easy and can be done either online or offline to book darshan tickets of Arunachaleswarar Temple. As far as general darshan is concerned, there is no booking required, instead it is free and first-come, first-serve-based. But this is not the case with special darshan (Rs. Advance booking should be made especially during peak times 50) or sevas such as abhishekam.

Internet: access the official Tamil Nadu HRCE web page (https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in/ or https://hrce.tn.gov.in/). Register your mobile number and email. Go through the Services or E-Seva option, select the temple you are visiting and get your choice of seva (e.g., Special Darshan or Milk Abhishekam). Fill in the information, make the payment through net banking, UPI or card and get the downloadable e-ticket. Book as early as you can to festivals, slots are open 30-60 days in advance. The approval is through SMS/email-print a copy or display on mobile at the counters.

Offline:Figueira history Tickets available at temple office along east gopuram between 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM. Pay cash and get access but lines may be long. As far as abhishekam is concerned there are counters that open at 5:30 AM.

Hints: Below Age 10 is free of charge; ID proof (Aadhaar/ Passport) may be needed. Online slots get occupied quickly during Pournami or Karthigai-keep track of the site. In case of problems, refer to the temple helpline ( + 91-4175-252438 ). Such third-party apps as Confirm Darshan could be helpful, and it is better to use the official sources to prevent scams.

Nearby Attractions

There are quite a few good sights around the Arunachaleswarar Temple. They are easy to come and visit. To start with them, there is the Arunachala Hill. It is an oversized hill opposite the temple. The thing is people come to climb to see and feel peace. It is sacred since it resembles the Lord Shiva.

• Then there is the Girivalam Path which is a road around the hill. It stretches in length to be 14 km. A number of people trek through it during the full moon days. It is wholesome to health and soul.
• Ramana Ashram is nearby. Here is the place where Saint Ramana Maharshi lived. There you can sit and ponder. It is still.
• Skandashram is a cave that is situated on the hill. Ramana remained there also. It is a short-hike up. You experience nature.
• The other cave is Virupaksha Cave. It is ancient and silent. Very good to pray.
• There is the Sathanur Dam, some 30 km away. It has water and park. Good to take out picnic.
• There is Gingee Fort at a distance of 40 km. It is an ancient fortification of walls and towers. You are able to see history by climbing.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation Name	Type	Distance from Temple	Price Range (INR per night)	Amenities
Hotel Arunachala	Hotel	0.5 km	Rs. 1,000 – 2,000	AC rooms, Wi-Fi, parking
Aakash Inn	Budget Hotel	1 km	Rs. 800 – 1,500	Basic AC, restaurant
Sri Sarvesha JS Palace	Mid-range	0.8 km	Rs. 1,500 – 3,000	Pool, spa, veg dining
Ramana Ashram Guest House	Ashram	2 km	Rs. 500 – 1,000	Simple rooms, meditation hall
SwathiSri Residency	Lodge	0.6 km	Rs. 700 – 1,200	Non-AC, hot water
Shri Kailasha Residency	Hotel	1.2 km	Rs. 1,200 – 2,500	Balcony views, breakfast
Arunachala Ashram Rooms	Ashram	1.5 km	Rs. 600 – 1,200	Shared facilities, spiritual vibe
Yatri Nivas	Dharamshala	0.4 km	Rs. 699 – 1,000	Dorm/budget rooms, temple proximity
Anantharaa Hotel	Mid-range	1 km	Rs. 2,000 – 3,500	Luxury AC, gym
Arudra Residency	Budget	0.7 km	Rs. 1,000 – 2,000	Family rooms, parking

Accommodation Options

Hotel Name	Distance from Temple	Type	Approx. Price (Rs./Night)	Amenities
Arunachala Ramana Home	1 km	Budget	800-1500	AC, parking, near ashram
Hotel Arpanaa	2 km	Mid-range	2000-3500	AC, restaurant, WiFi
Sparsa Resort	3 km	Resort	4000-6000	Pool, spa, family-friendly
Hotel Tamil Nadu	1.5 km	Economy	1000-2000	Basic stay, near bus stand
Sri Murugan Lodge	1 km	Budget	600-1200	Simple rooms, walkable
Ammayi Hotel	2 km	Mid-range	1500-2500	AC, breakfast, parking
Aatithiyam Guest House	0.5 km	Temple-run	500-1000	Basic, close to temple