Arunachalam Temple Darshan Tickets Online Booking 2025

Arunachalam Temple located in Tiruvannamalai is one of the important sacred areas in Southern part of India which seen to have positive effect on the people. This sculpture is lord Shiva Statue and it belongs to one of the five forms of nature. The temples towering top can be observed from all angles; the Shiva shrine receives millions of admirer each month.

The temple features Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Samadhi Mandir where he lived his life and finally got Maha Samadhi. In our generation, the Lord Arunachaleswara Swamy is also called sankalpeshwara as his darshan would remove spiritual hurdles and provide progress in spirituality without meditation and austere penance.

At present there is no online ticketing for tickets for darshan or Abhishekams for the deity or special entry darshan, or pujas at the Temple in Arunachalam. Pass for such services are sold only at the temple’s administration office.

Arunachalam Giri Pradakshinam 2025 : Online Tips and Timings

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Story of Agni Lingam

Now let us learn how Agni Lingam, one of the Pancha Bhoota Lingams, manifested in Arunachalam. Once upon a time, there was a serious argument between Brahma and Vishnu about who was greater. At that time, Lord Parameshwara appeared as a huge column of fire between them. Seeing that, Brahma and Vishnu were astonished. Lord Shiva manifested from that fire pillar and said, “Whoever sees the beginning and the end of this pillar, that person will be the greatest.” Then Brahma went upwards on his vehicle Swan. Vishnu went downwards in Varaha form. But Vishnu could not, so he surrendered to Shiva. In this process, when Brahma was going upwards, he saw a Thazhampoo flower (Ketaki flower). When Brahma asked, “Where are you coming from?” the flower replied that it was coming from Shiva’s matted hair. Then Brahma asked the flower to lie that he had seen Shiva’s head. The flower agreed, and both came back to earth. Brahma then lied that he had seen Shiva’s head. Shiva cursed Brahma saying, “As you spoke a lie, from now you will not be worshipped on earth.” Shiva also cursed the Thazhampoo flower that it would never be used in his worship.

Thus, the place where Lord Shiva first manifested in the form of Agni Lingam is Arunachalam. Aruna means red, Achala means immovable hill. So after Indra Lingam, the next specialty we see is Agni Theertham.

Agni Theertham and Agni Lingam

This Theertham is beside Agni Lingam. Around the hill in eight directions, eight Lingams were installed. Each Lingam has its own Theertham. If you reach here when this Theertham is open, go inside, sprinkle a little water on your head, offer salutations, and then continue Giri Pradakshina.

Friends, now we have reached Agni Lingam. This Agni Lingam, as I showed earlier, is inside a narrow passage beside Agni Theertham. Around Arunachala Hill, eight Lingams are installed. While the other seven Lingams are on the left side of the road, this one Agni Lingam is on the right side of the road. Go inside, have darshan, and continue Giri Pradakshina.

Note: At any Lingam temple, cameras are not allowed. As I said earlier, you will see a narrow passage to reach Agni Lingam. First, you will see Agni Theertham on the roadside. After crossing it and walking 20 feet forward, you will see this passage. Many people miss Agni Lingam and go ahead. So watch carefully.

Important Ashrams and Temples

After crossing Agni Lingam, you will find Sheshadri Ashram. Pay respects there. He is said to be an Avadhuta. A little further, on the right side of the road, you will see Dakshinamurthy Temple. Here, Lord Parameshwara gives darshan not in Lingam form but in murti form. This temple looks small and new, but it actually has a history of more than 1500 years.

Next, we must see Ramana Maharshi’s Ashram. Currently, no one is allowed inside, so just pay respects from outside. Now you see Vinayaka Temple. This temple has a special story. It is said that here, Parvati and Parameshwara appeared in the form of an aged couple. This temple is on the left side of the road, among trees, with grills. Do not miss darshan.

Energy Points and Simha Theertham

Around Arunachala Hill, free water is available. Now you may get a doubt: how many specialties are there around the hill? Arunachala Hill is in the shape of Sri Chakra. In Sri Chakra, there are 44 energy points. Similarly, around the hill, there are also 44 energy points. Among these, some are hidden, some we can see now.

This is Simha Theertham. It is on the right side of the road. Inside, along with Theertham, there is a big lion-shaped sculpture. Offer prayers and move forward.

Yama Lingam

As part of Giri Pradakshina, the third Lingam we see is Yama Lingam. Here you see a yellow board. Every Lingam has such a board. If you don’t know, recognize them by this board. Friends, now we saw Yama Lingam. This Yama Lingam is the one worshipped by Yama. It is said that those who worship or perform Archana here are freed from untimely death.

Here you see a board “Girivala Pathai.” From Yama Lingam, a little further, the road divides into two. We must take the right side. This goes towards Bangalore side. This way the Giri Pradakshina continues.

Guide to How to Reach Arunachalam Temple

Arunachalam Temple is located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. Getting to the temple is possible by using a train, a bus or a vehicle. Here is a simple guide to assist you:

By Train

• The closest railway station is Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM).
• It is roughly 2 km from the temple.
• You can use an auto-rickshaw or taxi to go from the station to the temple.

By Bus

• There are bus connections from Chennai, Bangalore and Madurai leading to Tiruvannamalai.
• Tiruvannamalai Bus Stand is 1.5 km from the temple.
• An auto-rickshaw or just a short walk will get you to the temple from where the bus stand is.

By Car

• If driving, you can use the Google Maps app for directions.
• Distance from big cities:
• Chennai to Arunachalam Temple – 190 km (~4 hours)
• Bangalore to Arunachalam Temple – 210 km (~4.5 hours)
• Madurai to Arunachalam Temple – 260 km (~5 hours)
• There are parking areas around the temple.

By Air

• The nearest airport to the temple is someone in Chennai International Airport, just 190 kilometers away.
• It’s possible to use a train, bus or taxi to get from the airport to the temple.
• Important Tips:
• Plan to book your bus or train tickets well in advance, especially around festival times.
• You can find auto-rickshaws and taxis right at both the railway station and the bus stand.
• If driving, utilize Google Maps for the optimal route.

Festivals and Celebrations at Arunachalam Temple

Arunachalam Temple in Tiruvannamalai is well known for its brilliant festivals. A lot of individuals come to the temple to take part in these celebrations. Here are the main festivals celebrated at the temple:

Karthigai Deepam Festival

• The main temple festival which takes place in November or December.
• A giant fire lamp is placed at the top of Arunachala Hill.
• Lakhs of devotees come to see this holy light.

Girivalam (Full Moon Walk)

• On every Pournami (Full Moon) night, priests and devotees will take 14 km walks in Arunachala Hill.
• Many people think that making this journey makes life better and brings blessings.
• Thousands of devotees join every month.

Maha Shivaratri

• It’s on a night in February or March that Lord Shiva is celebrated on Mahashivaratri.
• Devotees stay awake all night and chant prayers.
• Special abhishekam and poojas are done for Lord Arunachaleswarar.

Pongal Festival

• Tamil New Year festival, celebrated in January.
• Devotees offer special prayers to Lord Shiva.
• A lot of people go to the temple to show their gratitude for what God has given them.

Chitra Pournami

• Takes place on the full moon day in April or May.
• Special poojas and abhishekam are performed.
• Devotees do Girivalam (Hill walk) for spiritual blessings.

Navaratri Festival

• Celebrated in September or October for nine days.
• Special prayers for Goddess Parvati (Unnamalai Amman).
• The temple is decorated beautifully with lights and flowers.

Deepavali & Tamil New Year

• Celebrated with special poojas and decorations.
• Devotees come to take blessings for a happy year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Special about the Arulmigu Arunachalam Temple?
One among the most visited and known all over the world is a temple of Lord Shiva in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

Why is it important?
It is one of the five elements in the Pañca Bhūta Stālam dedicated to fire as its adi wel. This I opine will ensure liberation the moment Lord Arunachaleswarar is mentioned.

In a way, what is unique about the temple?
Per the architectural aesthetics it consists of four large towers called the gopurams out of which the monumental Rajagopuram being the highest one, is 64.95 meters tall. The temple occupies approximately 25 acres and has fine Dravidian structure.

What is Giri Pradakshina?
It is a religious walk that pilgrims undertake to circumnavigate the hill, which is approximately 14 km without footwear.

What is the recommended period for a trip?
The best time to visit is in the morning around 4:00am, another is in the evening around 4:00pm and also in the night around 10:00pm to dodge the scotching sun.

What is the cultural belief that is associated to the temple?
According to one story, it is believed that Lord Shiva ascended as a fabulous fiery pillar to determine the rightful winner between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Another story is related with Goddess Parvati, who blindfolded Lord Shiva which led to darkness and after doing penance, she come back with light