Deity
Shiva (Arunachaleswarar)
Main deity
श्री अरुणाचलेश्वरर मंदिर
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is a major Shiva shrine identified in the record as a Pancha Bhoota Sthalam linked to the fire element. The deity is worshipped as Arunachaleswarar, and the temple is noted for Dravidian architecture with a 9th-century Chola reference.
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Pancha Bhoota Sthalam (Fire)
Primary tag
Architecture
Dravidian (Chola, 9th c.)
Style & era
Location
Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
City • District • State
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founder
- Chola Dynasty
- Construction
- 9th - 16th century CE
- The core temple complex dates back to the 9th-century Chola dynasty, celebrated in the canonical Tamil Saiva Tevaram hymns. Major expansions were executed by Vijayanagara monarchs, including Krishnadevaraya, who built the 217-foot 11-tiered eastern Rajagopuram in the 16th century. The complex spans over 25 acres at the foot of Annamalai Hill.
Significance
- Arunachaleswarar Temple embodies Agni (Fire), one of the five elements in Pancha Bhoota Stalam Shiva shrines. Lord Shiva is worshipped as an Agni Lingam and as the sacred Arunachala Hill itself. The temple is famous for the annual Karthigai Deepam beacon lit atop the hill and the monthly Girivalam circumambulation.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Arrive early for smoother darshan
With approximate hours listed as 05:00–21:30, early morning visits can help avoid peak queues.
Plan for walking near the hill base
The record places the temple at the base of Arunachala Hill; wear comfortable footwear for approach and surrounding movement (as permitted).
Keep time buffers on festival/peak days
On major observance days, entry lines can be longer; keep extra time for darshan within the listed window.
Dress modestly and travel light
Choose traditional, modest clothing and avoid bulky bags for easier movement through temple areas.
Confirm timings at the entrance
Since timings are marked approximate, re-check the day’s opening/closing time on arrival via notice boards or local helpdesks.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 03:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Timings extend during full moon Girivalam days and Karthigai Deepam.
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Feb–Mar • 1 day
Maha Shivaratri
A major Shiva observance; confirm temple-specific darshan arrangements locally.
Twice monthly • Evening observance
Pradosham
Regular Pradosham worship is commonly observed at Shiva temples; check local notices for exact times.
Nov–Dec • 1 day
Karthigai Deepam
Festival of lamps observed widely in Tamil Nadu; verify temple schedule and crowd advisories on-site.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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ज्ञ
श्री अरुणाचलेश्वरर मंदिर
Arunachaleswarar Temple
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