Arunachalam Temple is an important Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, this temple belongs to the list of Pancha Bhoota Stalam (the five Shiva temples dedicated to the five elements of nature). The presiding deity is in the form of Agni Lingam (fire element).
In this guide, you will find out about Arunachalam Temple timings, history, poojas, significance and how to travel to Tiruvannamalai.
Arunachalam Temple – Facts
| Deity | Agni Lingam (Lord Shiva) |
| Location | Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu |
| Significance | Pancha Bhoota Stalams |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Darshan Timings | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Poojas | Kiruthigai Pooja |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Festivals | Shravan, Shivratri, Karthigai Deepam |
| Pancha Bhoota Stalams | Jambukeswarar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Chidambaram Nataraja, Srikalahasti Temple |
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple and Annamalaiyar Temple are the other names of the temple.
What are the timings of Arunachalam Temple?
Here are the darshan timings of Arunachalam Temple:
| Rituals | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 5:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 3:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
| Gomatha Pooja | 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM |
| Afternoon Pooja | 11:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| Arthajama Pooja | 9:00 PM | 9:30 PM |
What are the poojas and sevas performed at Arunachalam Temple?
Here’s the list of sevas and poojas at Arunachalam Temple:
Daily Poojas
| Timings | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Gomatha Pooja | 5:30 AM | 6 AM |
| Ushakala Pooja | 6 AM | 6:30 AM |
| Early Sathi Pooja | 8:30 AM | 9 AM |
| Noon Pooja | 11 AM | 11:30 AM |
| Sayaratchai Pooja | 6 PM | 6:30 PM |
| 2nd Kalam Pooja | 7:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Arthajama Pooja | 9 PM | 9:30 PM |
Fortnightly Rituals
- Pradosham
Monthly Rituals
- Amavasya (new moon day)
- Kiruthigai
- Pournami (full moon day): Performing Girivalam on Pournami day is highly beneficial. Thousands of devotees perform Girivalam right from early morning to midnight.
- Sathurthi
What is the significance of Tiruvannamalai Temple?
The significance of the Arunachalam Temple is that it is the largest Shiva temple in India. Girivalam, or circumambulating the sacred hill is an important spiritual activity. The significance of this activity is that the walk relieves the devotee from his sins and the cycle of birth and rebirth.
The presiding deity is Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar and his consort is Unnamalaiyar. Important Tamil literature such as Thevaram and Thiruvempavai by the Nayanars mention the Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple.
This temple and temple town is considered to be rich in spiritual heritage. The area is concentrated with several ashrams and samadhis dedicated to saints and spiritual leaders from all over India. Devotees and followers from different nationalities have made this place their spiritual home.
The Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple, sacred hill and surrounding areas are known to give off strong positive vibrations and even today some also claim to have sighted ancient Siddhas or holy men deep in meditation.
Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina
Devotees believe that Lord Shiva established himself as Jyotirlinga in the sacred hill behind the Tiruvannamalai temple. So they do Giri Pradkshina around the hill and pray to the god. Devotees cover a distance of nearly 14 km on barefoot and worship at the numerous temples, lingams and shrines that are present along the path.
You can do the Giri Pradakshina at any time on any day. The best time is to start around midnight and complete it by morning 4 am. At 4:30 am there is a special darshan in the temple where they let sacred cow through the temple doors. A lot of devotees also prefer to do giri pradakshina on Pournami (full moon day).
What is the history of Arunachalam Temple?
According to history, Goddess Parvati once playfully closed Lord Shiva’s eyes and the universe plunged into darkness. Realizing her mistake, she performed penance and Lord Shiva manifested himself as a column of fire atop a hill. The column became Agni Lingam and the hill became popular as Tiruvannamalai.
Another legend says that Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once competed against each other to decide who is the greatest. Then they requested Lord Shiva to be the judge. Lord Shiva set the challenge – the one who reaches his crown and feet first will be the winner. He then took the form of a long column of fire or the Agni Lingam.
Lord Vishnu immediately transformed himself into Varaha, the boar and started digging the depths of the earth to reach Lord Shiva’s feet. Meanwhile, Lord Brahma turned into a swan and flew towards the sky to reach Lord Shiva’s crown.
During the ascent, he saw a flower – the Thazhampu, fall from the crown. He then asked the flower how long he should fly to reach the crown. The flower replied that it had been falling for thousands of years and still hasn’t reached the ground.
Further, Lord Brahma conspires and manipulates the flower and takes it to Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma then claims that he has got the flower from Lord Shiva’s crown. But Lord Shiva sees through the lie and curses both Lord Brahma and the flower.
Ever since Lord Brahma has no temples dedicated to him, and people don’t use Thazhampu for worship. This story is in the Lingothbhava and Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple murals.
The Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple construction dates back to several thousand years. Chola Kings built the temple in the 9th century according to the inscriptions.
What are the festivals celebrated at Arunachalam Temple?
Since Lord Shiva is in the form of Agni here, the festival of Karthigai Deepam celebrated in the Hindu month of Karthigai is of great importance. It’s a ten-day festival that falls between November and December and culminates in the lighting of the Mahadeepam on the Tiruvannamalai hill at sunset.
Also, crores of devotees flock to the temple each year on this date and donate offerings of tonnes of ghee and oil to light the magnificent lamp.
Chitra Pournami or the first full moon day of the Tamil Calendar is also an important festival day here. The five sacred temple cars carrying the deity are brought out in a procession on that day.
How to reach Arunachalam Temple?
Here’s how to reach Arunachalam Temple:
- By Road: Many buses operate from Chennai and all important towns and cities in Tamil Nadu. Buses also operate from Bangalore and Tirupathi.
- By Train: Arunachalam Temple nearest railway station is Tiruvannamalai. It is around 10 km from the temple.
- By Flight: Chennai is the nearest airport and it lies around 185 kilometres away by road
Where to stay near Arunachalam Temple?
There are several ashrams and charitable endowments that provide lodging at a very nominal tariff. You can also find modern accommodation options near Arunachalam Temple in recent years. One should book the hotels in advance if you are planning on travelling during festivals or weekends.
Where to eat near Arunachalam Temple?
Most of the hotels that provide accommodation also have restaurant options. You can also find other standalone restaurants near the main bus stand and the temple. Always eat clean and neat food and make sure you are staying healthy. Drink only clean water and wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
What are some temples near Arunachalam Temple?
Eight lingams or Ashta Lingams, denoting the eight directions surround the temple. Devotees also cover the shrines of the eight lingams during the Girivalam. The eight lingams are South – Yama, West – Varuna, North – Kubera, and East – Indra and four intercardinal points, South East – Agni, South West – Niruthi, North West – Vayu and North East – Esanya.
- Sri Ramanashramam: The ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi, an Indian sage is one of the world-famous places of spiritual importance in Tiruvannamalai. The Ashram is also on the Girivalam path and devotees would usually visit the place to offer their prayers.
- Seshadri Swamigal Ashram: Located close the Sri Ramanashramam, the Seshadri Swamigal Ashram was home to Seshadri Swami, a saint who came to Tiruvannamalai six years before Ramana Maharishi.
- Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram: Yogi Ramsuratkumar was from UP near Kashi who travelled widely throughout India in search of spiritual enlightenment. His final stop was in Tiruvannamalai where he continued to bless his devotees until his death. His ashram is very close to the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arunachalam Temple
Yes, the Arunachalam Temple is open all 365 days of the year.
The entry to the Arunachalam Temple is free of cost.
No. There is no facility for online darshan available.
No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.
The summers in Chittoor starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.
In Chittoor, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.
If you have any questions about Arunachalam Temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.
J Venkatasivaprasad says
Is there any accomidation facility at near by temple
Sasidhar Darla says
yes there are many hotels nearby
rags says
We are Planning Giri Pardakshina on nov 9th 2019, morning , how long it will take for darshanam any rush during this time
Sasidhar Darla says
it will take around 4 hours for darshan
voleti venkata Subrahmanyam says
sir when will comes on siva jyothi darshanam in arunachalam
K Venkateshwar Reddy says
Send me more info on Aurnachalam
Sasidhar Darla says
What do you want to know?
Maheshwar says
Dear Sir, is it is it mandatory to do giri pradakshina in arunachalam or can we directly go to darshanam without doing giri pradakshina.
guide us in this regard.
Sasidhar Darla says
You can directly go for darshan
krishna says
who can guide on giri radakshana. number ??
Sasidhar Darla says
You can email us your queries on [email protected]
ANITHA says
CAN WE PURCHASE SPECIAL DARSHANAM TICKETS FOR AUGUST 15TH?IF SO HOW CAN WE PURCHASE?
KARTHIKVARMA says
We are planning to arrive arunachalam on 16th August is theare any special dharshan tickets
Ashok Kumar P. says
Temple Darshan or Girivalam which one should complete first ?
Girivalam in day or night which is grate ?
Sasidhar Darla says
Devotees usually complete girivalam first and then go for darshan. The best time to do is start in the early morning around 2 am and complete by sunrise.
Gollapudi. Venkata Sambasivarao says
Sir Full Moon Date and Time,September,2019.We are planing GIRI PRADAKSHANAM.
Batlanki Surya Prakash Rao rajahmundry says
Are there devastansm accomdatios available near temple for bath and refresh?
Sasidhar Darla says
No. There is no temple accommodation.
Nagaveni says
Hi today 15 July night we are planning to visit temple and go for girivalam kindly advice is that fine to do it and moreover till what time temple will be opened and closed on 15 & 16 July 2019 since Chandra graham on 17 July 2019
Sasidhar Darla says
The temple will be closed only during the grahanam day. You can visit on 15 and 16.
Srinivas says
Sir I have a doubt. 16.7.2019 morning arunachaleswara temple open or full day closed. Reply me.
Srinivasu says
Just today my family members planned to come to arunachalam. Tuesday 16.7.20q9 morning hours temple is opened or not during grahanam
Sasidhar Darla says
grahanam is on 17th. on 16th the temple will be open.
M v rao says
1) At What time temple reopens for darsanam after chandra grahanam?
2) May i do giripradakshanam during chandragrahanam?
Sasidhar Darla says
It’s not worth doing giri pradakshina during chandra grahanam. Temple will be opened 2 hours after the grahanam.
Sarath says
I am coming on September 14th from vizag to tiruvanmalai. Now my doubt is will I get any hotels for staying there near temple, cost and all. Also and how much is the distance from tiruvanmalai station to temple.
Sasidhar Darla says
There are plenty of hotels near the temple
N.M.P.Kumar Gupta says
1)Any aryavysya satrams is there in arunachalam near Temple.
2)How to come Arunachalam From Andhra Pradesh.
Sasidhar Darla says
From andhra you should travel to chennai first. From there you can take a bus to reach arunachalam.
Anji says
Chandra grahanam roju na temple open or closed 15/7/19
Sasidhar Darla says
Temple is closed during grahanam
T tirumala. Rao says
How far is arunachalam from Chennai and how much time it take to reach arunachalam from chennai
Sasidhar Darla says
Chennai to Arunachalam is around 4 hours by road.
AMBAJI RAO P says
OM NAMO ARUNACHALESWARAYA..
OM NAMAH SHIVAY..
Sampath polavena says
Very nice temple very vrve great
Bhuvaneswari Adurthi says
At temple will they perform Nagabandhana Pooja
NAP SHARMA says
Ohm namasivaya, how many have to stay to complete pilgrimage Arunachalam. Rooms have get normal torif. Which season is better for visit. How to reach temple from Chennai Rly Station? I am from Visakhapatnam. We are aged 69 &63.please let me clear above doubts. Thank you.
Sasidhar Darla says
2 nights are enough to stay here. Rooms have nominal cost. July to February is the best time to visit. From chennai you can take public buses to reach Tiruvannamalai.
Laxmi says
Is there any direct buses from Hyderabad. Important places to see their
Sasidhar Darla says
There are no direct buses from Hyderabad. Reach Chennai and from there you will get direct buses.
Praveen kumar says
Please give your contact no. I would like to contact you relating Giri pradhaskana.I am willing to go on June 17th
Thank you
Nishok says
Will There Be Any Crowd For Darshan On Monday 18th Of June. Are There Any Special Tickets For Skipping The Queue
This Is In Regards For Senior Citizens
Sasidhar Darla says
Crowds are usually higher on Mondays. Special tickets are available at extra cost.
Ram says
I want to visit arunachalam temple July 15 night. That day is lunar eclipse (grahanam). So what time we come to temple. Pls give suggestionjuly15 or July 16
Sasidhar Darla says
check the eclipse timings and avoid those times
Pavani says
Can people who do not speak Tamil manage or get help for darshan and girivalam etc
Sasidhar Darla says
There are many telugu speaking people in this region. Take their help.
Megha Sushanth Kodela says
I want to visit the temple sometime in the next two weeks. I want to do a pradakshina of the hill, then perform rudrabhishekam, and I also want to offer a rudraksha to Arunachaleshwara swamy varu in the temple.
I have some questions regarding all this as it will be my first visit and I don’t speak Tamil. Please help me.
1. At what time should I start my pradakshina? Can I guide myself in the correct route while I do it.
2. Is there a time slot to perform rudrabhishekam or can it be done at anytime? What is the cost?
3. Will the temple pujari allow me to offer a rudraksha to Lord Shiva? Is it customary?
Sasidhar Darla says
1. Start the giri pradakshina around midnight. You can complete it by 4 am and then head to the temple for darshan.
2. Rudrabhishekam is performed only in the morning. Before 11 am.
3. We are not sure about this. You need to check with the pujari once you are there.
Garima Trivedi says
Can we do rudrabhishekam of main Shiva deity in the temple?
How much it costs?
Thanks
Sasidhar Darla says
Yes. It can be done. Need to book at the temple
Shankar says
Can I visit Arunachalam now? Will the weather be too hot and what about the accomodation? We are family of 4. Regards Shankar
Sasidhar Darla says
You can certainly visit now. Weather will be hot though. Accommodation options are available near the temple
Gayathri says
We are two Telugu women and want to travel to Arunachalam temple tomorrow we stay in Padur Chennai can you arrange anything
Sasidhar Darla says
Are you looking for accommodation?
NARESH RAVIPATI says
WHOMEVER WANT TO TO GIRIPRADIKSHANA,PLEASE CALL ME
I WILL TELL ALL THE DETAILS.(TELUGU)
Pavani says
Hello sir,
Will be visiting the place for the first time in June last week and will also do the giri pradakshina. Will be reaching arunachalam around 1 pm. Can we start giripradakshaba straight away.
Sasidhar Darla says
Yes you can start giri pradakshina right away
Anand says
Sir
Can u tell me 17 may night or 18 may night for girivalam.
Latha says
Namaskar, iam planning to do girivalam on 17 may pournami day. Can you please tell me how much time it takes for girivalam. And to have darshanam in arunachalam temple on full mood day, which timing will be best to start girivalamday time girivalam is possible?
Sasidhar Darla says
You can start girivalam at 3am. You should be able to complete by 6am. From there directly go for darshan.
A . Venkat Rao says
Can I do giri pradakshana in car since I can’t walk.
Do I get darshan help bieng physically handicapped
Sasidhar Darla says
Yes you can do it in car. I am not sure if there is any darshan help for physically handicapped.
Padmaja says
Is there wheel chair assistance for senior citizens at arunachala temple. Also do you have any idea if there are any special festivals from 3rd may to 5th may 2019, as i plan to visit along with my parents
Sasidhar Darla says
There are no special festivals during that time. Wheelchair assistance is not available.
kamalakar says
darshan..
I am from AP WITH 90 YEARS MOTHER AND HANDICAPPED WIFE. THERE IS NO OFFICER IN THE OFFICE TO GUIDE US FOR DARSHAN. ALL SPEAK TAMIL.WE DONOT KNOW TAMIL. WHAT IS OUR FATE GOD KNOWS.I SAT IN THE OFFICE FOR SUPDT FROM 6 IN THE EVENING..NO BODY IS HERE TO GUIDE ME..MY PROBLEM CAN NOT BE EXPLAINED TO THEM IN ENGLISH! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Sasidhar Darla says
Dear Sir, We are sorry to hear this. Please approach the local police station and they might be able to help you.
kamalakar says
Is there any provision to old age and physically handicapped people for Arunachala temple?
Sasidhar Darla says
I don’t think so. You have to make your own arrangements.
Yadagiri says
1)Arunachalam giri pradikshanam or arunachalam temple darshanam to perform first.
2) arunachalam giri pradikshanam can done by wearing sports shoes ( we are 64 male/60 female age group)
Please suggest us.
Sasidhar Darla says
You can do it in any order. Usually people complete giri pradakshina first and then do darshan. Most people do the pradakshina on barefoot.
P.hareesh says
I need to residencial information from tiruvananthapuram
RAMA says
🙏 Sir, I came to temple with my family on 20th March along with my 70 years old mother for darshan I felt very unhappy with the authorities that they couldn’t understand English language when I asked that is there a facility of senior citizen darshan they said no. So, my mother had to hand in Q lane for 4’hours for darshan please I humbly request u people to provide special darshan for disabled, senior citizens, pregnant ladies and also for mothers of infant kids.Plz do maintain this
Sasidhar Darla says
Dear Rama, we are sorry to hear about this. We will pass on your feedback to the temple authorities.
Raja Kullayi Swamy says
Ok Namahsivaya,
Is there advance booking to see abhisekam on Mahasivararti festival day?
Babu Rao yalavarthy says
If I visit to Arunachal what kind of poojas I can attend? Please give me a reply with what is it with timings.
Eswari says
Wat r the shopping items to carry home or give to friends and dont we find any annadana satrams nr by
G.Dathathri says
Good Information.I am a retired employee from Hyderabad. I and my wife want to come and stay for a week.Please guide us.
TMVPRASADARAO says
Please let me know about abhisheka seva tickets and timings
Raparti Pavan says
I heard that Tuesday is Good for Giri pradakshna said by Sri Ramana Maharshi Garu in his Books and Is there any devasthanam accommodations in Tiruvanamalai or Arunachalam
Dr.sujatha says
Very good information given.
If come in non festival days n in weekends is it safe to do giri pradakshinam???
Sasidhar Darla says
Giri pradakshina is safe on any day. There are ample facilities available.
Kamal Kumar says
Dear Sir,
I Stay in hyderabad, could you guide me how to reach Arunachalam temple location.( Train is preferred).
Regarding accommodation how to book of devastanam.
T brahmaiah says
What is timing of kartika poornima jyoti in2018
Praveen Kalla says
Is there any tonsuring facility available in the temple premises by temple authorities?
Sudheer says
If I start Girivalam from midnight … Can I enter temple in the morning without taking shower or after Girivalam I should take shower and enter the temple ?
Vijayavasantha says
Any Special festival on 3-12-2018
Vijayavasantha
MALINI says
I AM TRYING TO CONTACT THE TEMPLE AUTHORITIES THROUGH THEIR NUMBER GIVEN IN THE WEBSITE 04175-252438 . BUT I AM UNABLE TO CONTACT THEM SINCE NO BODY IS TAKING THE PHONE, IT IS ONLY RINGING. I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE IN THE TEMPLE PREMISES. I HAVE SENT MAIL ALSO ENQUIRING ABOUT THIS. BUT THERE IS NO REPLY.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY ALTERNATE NUMBER WHERE WE CAN CONTACT THEM EITHER LAND LINE OR MOBILE NUMBER. YOU CAN CONTACT ME ON MY NUMBER.
MYSELF AND MY HUSBAND ARE PLANNING TO BE THERE IN TIRUVANNAMALAI ON 9TH NOV’2018.
LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE HILL PRADAKSHINA.
WITH REGARDS AND EXPECTING IMMEDIATE REPLY FROM YOU.
MALINI
Sasidhar Darla says
there are multiple accommodation options near temple. giri pradakshina is done everyday.
Rama says
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are planning to arrive Arunachalam on 22nd Nov. Is Karteekadeepotsavam on Nov 23rd ? If so what time does it begin ?. Based on your reply we will plan our return trip.
Thank you
Regards
Rama
Savithri says
From where do we start the Giri Pradakshinam? Is there a contact person or a guide who will take us around?
Sasidhar Darla says
No need of any guide. Many people will be doing it. Just follow them.
Sumanth says
Is the temple above hill?
Can we go to Temple in vehicle or should we climb the hill??
Sasidhar Darla says
Temple is not on the hill
Gauthamie.kumbham says
During the pradakshana can we cover all the eight lingams just like that or the lingams have the numbering system, pls let me know. Waiting for ur reply
Sasidhar Darla says
The lingams are located in a particular order. So you automatically cover them in the right way.
B anusha says
What types of dress can wear while darshan
Sasidhar Darla says
Traditional Indian wear is recommended. Kurta for gents, saree for women.
Srinivasa Raju p says
We are reaching at 6pm. We want to complete Pradakshina today. Pl leave message Pradakshina timings..
Sasidhar Darla says
Giri Pradakshina can be done at anytime.
Sireesha says
Sir first time we planned to go Arunachalam Giri pradikshana at January 20thevng.2019.but we have one confusion what can we do first giripradakshna or to go to temple darshanam.which we can do first Swamy darshan or Giri pradikshana ,pls tell me
Sasidhar Darla says
Devotees usually do giri pradakshina first and then go visit the temple
jayasri says
good information
kiran says
how can we get accommodation in the affordable price
Sasidhar Darla says
There are many budget hotels around the temple
SHIVA says
TRAIN NUMBER FROM RAJAMUNDRY EAST GODAVARI
Challa Krishna murthy says
ON 3rd December 2017 Pournami Giripradarshina is there. Please inform the important pour image days for giridarshana
Sasidhar Darla says
Karthika Masam is the most important for Giri Pradakshina. Any Monday during Karthika Masam is most auspicious.