Raja Gopuram

Raja Gopuram of Arunachaleswarar Temple Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 🔱

Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Annamalai hills in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. The eastern tower(Raja gopuram) with 11 storeys, stands at a height of 66 m and is one of the largest temple towers in India. Also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and invites devotees in large numbers from all parts of the country. Built in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to be the eighth-largest Hindu temple in the world. The temple complex houses many halls and the most popular one is the thousand-pillared hall, which was constructed during the Vijayanagar period (1336-1646). The temple is one of the pancha bhoota sthalams, which are dedicated to the manifestation of five natural elements. Legend has it that the lord has apparently manifested himself as an element of fire in this temple.

Main Attractions In Tiruvannamalai is Girivalam.

Girivalam is a popular religious practice in Tamil Nadu in which devotees circle around the Annamalai Hill on the occasion of full moon every month. Thousand of devotees gather at the Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai to walk all the way round the 14 km path around the hill. The word girivalam has been derived from the Tamil words giri meaning hill and valam meaning coming around. The practice is said to bring peace to one's mental and physical health. The Arunachaleswarar Temple has eight lingams known as #Ashtalingam ( 8 Shiva lingams) which are positioned at different locations facing different directions. These lingams are named as #Indralingam, #Agnilingam, #Yamalingam, #Niruthilingam, #Varunalingam, #Vayulingam, #Kuberlingam and #Esanyalingam. Each lingam signifies different directions of the earth and is believed to bless the devotees who undertake Girivalam, with various benefits. Girivalam is usually practiced barefoot and devotees must look at the top of the hill throughout their walk and chant the Om Arunachala mantra. takes three to four hours to complete the round at an average pace. This prac . Bhagwan Shiva is believed to have appeared as column of fire in Annamalai hills and is considered Agni ( fire ) Lingam🔱

Om Namah Shivaya 🔱