Arulmigu Annamalaiyar Thirukoil, Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil

TamilNadu, Tiruvannamalai, Chennai

At the foothills of the holy Annamalai hills is one of the most famed Saivite pilgrim destination of South India, the Annamalaiyar Thirukoil. The temple is dedicated to manifestation of Lord Shiva as Agni or fire and is one of the Pancha Booth sthalam. The shrine was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, with later contributions from Vijayanagara, Sangama, Saluva and Tuluva dynasty. Ramana maharshi is believed to have worshipped the Pathala Lingam, the underground lingam. Many Saivite saints and sages through different eras have worshipped here and sung praises of Arunchaleshwar.

Legend

Mythology states that once, Parvati devi, playfully closed the eyes of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. Although only a moment, the universe was plunged into darkness. Parvati performed penance along with other devotees of Shiva. Thereupon the Lord appeared as a column of fire at the top of Annamalai hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishwara. The Annamalai hill, behind the temple, is considered a lingam, in itself.

Another legend regarding the temple describes how Lord Shiva manifested as a huge column of light, the ends of which neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find.

This Temple is part of the famous

Pancha Bootha Stalam Yatra.
Navagraha Yatra.

Architecture

Annamalaiyar Thirukoil is one of the largest shrines in India. The architecture of the temple epitomises the craftsmanship of the artisans of the past eras. It has four gateways with tall gopurams. The main entrance, in the east side has a 11-tiered rajagopuram with intricate carvings. The temple has five prakarams. The fifth parakaram encompasses the thousand pillared mandapam. The inner prakaram houses the sanctum of Annamalaiyar. Brahma theertha, various Linga shrines, Unnamulai Amman shrine, Lord Subrahmanya shrine are all enclosed in the various parakarams. Ashtalingams are placed along the girivalam path.

Darsan Info

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil timings 5.00 AM. to 12.30 AM and 3.30 PM to 9.30 PM

Devotees who wish to perform poojas in their name during special festivals can deposit an amount, the interest of which would be regularly used for performing these pujas. This provision is made available by the temple authorities.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing. Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu

Famous Festival

February - Maha Sivarathri (Feb/March)

March - Panguni Uthiram Thirukalyana Urchavam(March/April)

April - Chitirai vasantha urchavam (April/May)

May - Vaikasi Urchavam (May/June)

August - Adi Pooram Bramorchavam(July/Aug)

October - Navarathri Urchavam(Sept/Oct)

November - Karthigai Deepa Bramorchavam (Nov/Dec)

December - Vaikunda Ekadasi

Culture

The area was the capital of Hoysalas and held an important place in the history of Cholas, Vijayanagar, Sangamas and Hoysalas. The life of the people and the culture of the place revolves around the Tiruvannamalai temple. The area witnesses a large flow of devotees during the festivals at the temple. The area is also popular for yoga and yoga retreats.

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Temple Rituals

The priests perform regular puja to the deities. Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil has six daily rituals. Girivalam, the 14km circambulation of the Annamalai hills is done by devotees usually on full moon day.