Thiruvannamalai Temple — Attraction in Tiruvannamalai

The temple management is extremely poor. Visitors are required to stand in long queues for 8 to 9 hours with no proper seating arrangements. During our recent family trip with kids, we faced significant difficulties. The lack of cleanliness further added to the discomfort.

There should be staff from the management to assist and regulate the queue more efficiently. It was one of the worst experiences we’ve had. Additionally, rainwater was pooling around electric wires in the queue area, posing a serious danger to everyone.

We urge the management to take immediate action to address these issues and improve the overall experience for devotees.

Many elderly people and visitors had to leave due to the discomfort. Several women with children also left because of the lack of proper facilities and the long waiting hours.

This highlights the urgent need for the temple management to address these issues and provide a more comfortable and safer experience for all devotees.

I take pride in our culture and devotion, but witnessing the lack of cleanliness and poor management around the temple was disheartening.

Temples are places of divine connection and respect for Lord Shiva, yet the unclean surroundings and mismanagement take away from that sacred experience. It’s troubling to see such neglect in maintaining a space that should reflect purity and devotion.

This experience left me disturbed and saddened, making me reflect on how much more we need to do to preserve the sanctity and environment of our temples. I sincerely hope steps are taken to restore and uphold the reverence these places deserve.

After waiting in line for nearly 6 hours, we finally had the chance to see Lord Shiva – but only for 15 seconds. Exhausted from the long wait, we decided to sit for a few minutes in the prakaram. However, a staff member from the management approached us rudely, demanding that we leave immediately. When we questioned his behavior and explained that we had been standing for hours and needed to rest, his response was shocking – "Who asked you to come here?"

I was deeply disturbed by this. It made me reflect on the kind of society we are living in, where even basic compassion seems to be lacking.

To make matters worse, I witnessed an elderly couple struggling to walk after completing their girivalam. The woman appeared to have high blood pressure and was visibly unwell, yet no one from the management was available to offer assistance.

Even while having darshan, I saw a staff member roughly pushing an elderly woman aside. Watching such disrespect towards devotees, especially the elderly, was heartbreaking. Temples are supposed to be places of peace and respect, but the lack of empathy and care left me deeply saddened.

I sincerely hope the management takes immediate steps to address these issues and treats devotees with the kindness and respect they deserve.

The temple management mentioned that the temple closes at 7:30 PM. However, they continued allowing people inside even after that time. But once devotees reached a certain point in the queue, they were asked to leave, citing the closing time. This caused a lot of confusion and frustration.

If the temple truly closes at 7:30 PM, they should stop allowing devotees to enter after that time. Announcements were made, but the speakers were not placed everywhere, so many people were unaware of the instructions.

Exiting the queue was also extremely difficult, making it impossible for those who wanted to leave. This caused significant distress, especially for elderly people, children, and women with babies.

Om Nama Shivaya – I sincerely pray that Lord Shiva guides the management to bring compassion and better organization to ensure devotees have a peaceful and respectful experience.

As of current situation, Thiruvannamalai plan is not recommend for family with kids and elders. It's just ok for solo or...

Arunachaleswarar Temple Being one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams [5 sacred temples] which represents the five basic elements of life viz. Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Sky, the Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the most sacred Shaivite temple which represents the element Fire. Therefore Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Agni Lingam [Agni- Fire]. As per the Shiva Purana [ancient Shiva epic], there are four most holy places where one can achieve liberation or salvation. Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai is one among them. It is believed that even a mere thought of this temple liberates one from the cycle of rebirths. Such is the sanctity of this spiritual center.

The story that revolves around this temple is about Lord Shiva appearing as a column of light or fire to eliminate the ego from the face of mankind. The story begins with two most revered Hindu deities and part of the Trimurthis [Three governing Hindu Gods] Lord Vishnu the preserver and Lord Brahma the creator argues with each other to impose the supremacy of one self over the other. Lord Brahma said he is supreme among the Trimurthis and he was born first. Lord Vishnu stated that Lord Brahma emerged from his navel only. While both were fighting, there comes Lord Shiva for the rescue. He appeared between the two Lords in the form of a column of fire and asked both of them to find the end of this free column. He declared that the one who finds the end is the most supreme of the Trimurthis. Therefore Lord Vishnu as Varaha [Boar] and Lord Brahma as swan started moving toward both sides separately. Lord Brahma on the way found a Thazhambu flower and asked her to be a false witness. On returning Lord Brahma asked the flower to tell Shiva that he found the end. The flower said so to Shiva which made him so angry that he cursed Brahma that he would not have any temple worshipping him on Earth and also cursed the flower that it would not be used for any pooja kriyas. Lord Vishnu after realizing there is no end to the fire column accepts defeat and bow to Shiva. This fire column is said to be represented by the Arunachala Hills next to the Arunachaleswarar Temple. This fire column is considered as the original symbol of the lingam, the source of creation which has no beginning and no end. It is omnipresent in the cosmos throughout the galaxies and the endless cosmic ocean.

The Arunachaleswarar temple which spans an area around 25 acres is one of the largest in India. The temple dates nearly thousand years, but most of its present structure include modifications during the 17th and 19th centuries. On entering the temple you will feel your attention driving towards the Thousand Pillared Mandapa on your right. It is a symbol of Tamil Nadu temples which is a part of all the majestic marvels at Tamil Nadu. The next striking feature your eyes might fall on is the large tank on your left side. Then to your front there is another gateway which leads to the inner sanctum where the Shiva Agni Linga is worshipped. The view of the temple is best enjoyed standing atop the sacred Mount Arunachala. Climbing this 800 m hill is definitely a tiresome one with unstable rocks and the Sun draining your energy every step you take, but it is pure enlightenment you experience when you reach at the top of the hill. The spectacular view of the Arunachaleswarar temple from her is worth all the energy you drain.

Temple Timings: The temple is open to worship for the devotees during morning hours 5:30am to 12:30pm and evening...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ : Arunachaleshwar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Arunachaleshwar Temple (Annamalaiyar Temple) is one of South India’s most extraordinary spiritual landmarks, where history, devotion, and sheer architectural beauty come together.

🏛️ History & Significance

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Arunachaleshwar/Annamalaiyar, representing the element of Fire among the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here as an endless column of fire to settle a dispute between Vishnu and Brahma. This divine flame took the form of Arunachala Hill, which devotees revere as Shiva himself.

The temple has flourished under Chola, Vijayanagara, and Nayak rulers. Spread across 25 acres, it is one of the largest temple complexes in India. Its eastern Rajagopuram, built by King Krishnadevaraya, rises an incredible 66 meters and dominates the skyline.

🕉️ Inside the Temple

The complex feels like a city within walls:

Rajagopuram – the massive gateway tower, visible for miles.

Mandapams (Halls): The Thousand Pillar Hall with its ornate carvings is a masterpiece.

Sacred Tanks: The Agni Theertham adds serenity to the space.

Sanctum: The main Shiva Lingam and the shrine of Unnamalai Amman (Parvati).

Walking through the vast corridors, with chants echoing and incense in the air, is an experience that transcends words.

🌟 Spiritual Experience

Beyond rituals, the temple offers a deeply calming presence. The highlight for many is the Girivalam – a 14 km circumambulation of Arunachala Hill, done barefoot by thousands each full moon night. Along the path lie eight Lingams (Ashta Lingams), each linked to a planetary deity. Even if you’re not deeply religious, this walk feels purifying and grounding.

📅 Festivals

Karthigai Deepam (Nov–Dec): A giant cauldron of ghee is lit atop Arunachala Hill, symbolizing Shiva as eternal fire. The flame, visible for miles, is unforgettable.

Full Moon Nights: Girivalam attracts lakhs of devotees.

Daily Rituals: The temple follows a rich puja schedule from dawn till night.

✅ Tips for Visitors

Darshan: Free darshan queues are long; paid tickets (₹50/₹250) save time. Early mornings (5–7 am) and late evenings are less crowded.

Architecture: Don’t rush – admire the carvings, pillars, and gopurams.

Girivalam: Best done early morning or evening. Carry water and keep pace with the devotees.

Dress Code: Modest attire is expected. Footwear isn’t allowed inside.

Nearby: Visit Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram, just a short walk away.

🌄 Reflections

This isn’t just a monument but a living spiritual center. Unlike heritage sites that feel like museums, Arunachaleshwar Temple vibrates with energy. Standing in the sanctum, with centuries of devotion embedded in the very stones, you feel connected to something timeless.

Whether you’re a pilgrim, history lover, or cultural traveler, this temple delivers an unforgettable experience. The vision of Arunachala Hill rising behind the gopuram and the sacred fire of Karthigai Deepam lighting up the night sky stays with you long after you leave.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — A must-visit gem of India’s...