Arunachalam Temple Darshan Tickets Online Booking 2025

If you are planning a visit to a sacred temple in Tamil Nadu, the Arunachaleswarar Temple in the town of Tiruvannamalai is one of the most significant. It is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, set at the base of the sacred hill known as Annamalai Hill also called Arunachala Hill .

The temple is located in the town of Tiruvannamalai (in Tamil Nadu), at the foot of Annamalai Hill (Arunachala Hill). The hill itself is highly regarded in Shaivite tradition, and the temple is built to honour Lord Shiva’s manifestation there. The physical setting hill, temple town makes the visit both spiritually and visually striking.

For someone coming from outside Tamil Nadu (for example from Andhra Pradesh like Tirupati), you’ll want to plan transport accordingly: train or bus to Tiruvannamalai (or nearby major station) and then road travel to the temple.This guide covers everything: the location, temple timings, tickets/entry, the famous Giri Pradakshina hill circumambulation, distance and how to reach, photo opportunities, its official website, history, things to know and FAQs.

TTD 500 Rs Darshan ticket Booking 2025:Timings & Arjitha Sevas

Overview Arunachalam Temple

History & Architecture

The Arunachaleswarar Temple has a rich history. It is said to have been built in its main form around the 9th century under the Chola dynasty. Over time, expansions were done by Vijayanagara rulers and others. The temple complex spans a large area (the wiki source says ~10 hectares or more) and contains multiple gopurams (entry towers), halls and shrines.

Architectural features you will notice:

• The eastern gopuram (tower) is very tall and impressive.
• Carved pillars, halls (for example a thousand-pillared hall), and large tank/ponds around the temple.
• The shrine for Lord Shiva (Annamalaiyar) along with Unnamulai Amman (Goddess Parvati) inside the complex.

Because of all this, the temple is not just a place of worship but also a historic and architectural landmark.

Temple Timings & Rituals

To plan your visit, knowing the timing is essential. According to multiple sources:

• The temple typically opens early around 5:30 AM.
• Morning darshan may go until around 12:30 PM.
• It then reopens in the afternoon/evening (around 3:30 PM or sometimes 4:00 PM) and goes until ~9:30 PM or later.
• On special days (weekends, full-moon nights, festivals), the evening time may extend further.

Daily Pooja/Ritual Timings

Some of the key rituals and their timing (approximate) are:

• Ushathkala Pooja: ~5:30 AM.
• Kalasandhi Pooja: ~8:00 AM.
• Uchikala Pooja: ~10:00-11:30 AM.
• Sayarakshai (evening pooja): ~5:30-7:00 PM.
• Irandam Kala Pooja / Ardhajama: around ~8:00-9:30 PM.

Because times may shift during festivals, it’s wise to check ahead.

Tickets / Entry / Special Services

General darshan (entry for viewing the deity) at the temple is free for most devotees. However, if you wish for special darshan (faster access), poojas, abhishekams (ritual bathing of the deity), there may be separate charges.

If you plan to do any of these special services, it is advisable to:

• Book online if the temple allows it
• Reach early to avoid long queues
• Check any dress code or rules (traditional attire preferred)

The Giri Pradakshina (Hill Circumambulation)

One of the unique aspects of visiting this temple is the practice of Giri Pradakshina (also called Girivalam) around Annamalai Hill. This is a walk/pilgrimage where devotees walk around the hill, usually with the hill on their right side, symbolising reverence.

Key facts:

• Distance: roughly 14 km (some sources say 14-15 km) around the hill.
• Time: Depending on your speed, breaks and crowd, it might take around 3-5 hours.
• When: Many people do it on full-moon nights (Paurnami) or other auspicious days; but it can be done any time.
• Why: It is believed to hold spiritual benefit, being a sacred act of circumambulation around the hill of Shiva.

Tips for doing Giri Pradakshina

• Wear comfortable shoes or if you prefer barefoot, make sure the path is suitable.
• Carry water, a small snack, maybe a headlamp or torch if you finish after dark.
• Start just after evening darshan or early in the morning to avoid midday heat.
• Respect the path and environment: it’s a pilgrimage, so maintain quiet/purified mindset.
• If you’re not used to long walks, pace yourself, take breaks, and know your limits.

How to Reach & Distance from Major Hubs

Getting there is an important part of the planning.

By train/road

• The nearest railway station is in Tiruvannamalai town (Tiruvannamalai Railway Station). From there you can take a taxi or auto to the temple.
• Road transport: There are buses and private vehicles from major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

Distance from major cities

• From Chennai: approximately around 185-200 km (road distance).
• From Bangalore: around 250 km or more (depending on the route).
• From Tirupati (your area): There may not be a direct train; you might travel via a connecting city then road to Tiruvannamalai. You’ll want to check current train/bus schedules.

Address & Contact

• The main address: Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai – 606601, Tamil Nadu.
• Contact number/email: It’s recommended to check the official temple website for updated contact.

What to See & Photo Opportunities

When you visit, there are many highlight moments.

Must-see spots

• The huge entrance towers (gopurams), especially the 11-storey eastern tower.
• The inner sanctum with the self-manifested (Swayambhu) Lingam of Lord Shiva.
• The thousand-pillared hall (in the Vijayanagara part of the complex).
• The large temple tank or tanks around the complex.
• The route around the hill for Giri Pradakshina, and views of the hill itself from different points.

Photo tips

• Early morning or late evening give soft lighting – nice for exterior shots of the towers.
• If you climb or reach higher vantage points around the hill, you’ll get sweeping views of the temple and town.
• During festivals (especially Karthigai Deepam) the temple and hill are lit up – very photogenic.
• Respect the rules: inside sanctum areas may restrict photography. Ask or look for signs.

Best Time to Visit & Festival Days

If you plan your visit with timing in mind, you’ll have a better experience.

Best general months

• The cooler months (October through February) are good in Tamil Nadu for comfort.
• Avoid peak summer if you are not used to heat and walking long distances.

Festival / special days

• Karthigai Deepam (November-December) is the main festival: a large lamp (deepam) is lit atop Annamalai Hill and thousands visit.
• Full-moon (Pournami) nights: more crowd for Giri Pradakshina.
• Other festivals like Maha Shivaratri, monthly new moon/full moon days also draw large crowds.

Visiting strategy

• If you want a quieter experience: choose a weekday, outside major festival days, arrive early morning.
• If you want to experience the festival energy: plan around Karthigai Deepam or full-moon nights, but expect big crowds, booked accommodation, more time for everything.
• For Giri Pradakshina: starting just after evening darshan or early morning gives you better light and fewer crowds.

What to Know Before You Go

Here are key things to keep in mind:

1. Dress code: Dress modestly. Traditional attire is preferred in many temples in Tamil Nadu. Some sources say modern clothes are allowed but modesty is important.
2. Footwear: No footwear inside sanctum and many temple areas. Be prepared.
3. Crowds: On festival/full-moon days expect large crowds and queues. Plan time accordingly.
4. Hydration/comfort: If doing the hill walk / Giri Pradakshina, bring water, maybe a hat, comfortable walking gear.
5. Respect rules: Photography restrictions may exist; behave respectfully inside the sacred space.
6. Accommodation: If staying overnight in Tiruvannamalai, book ahead especially during festivals.
7. Check updates: Timings, services, poojas may change. The official temple page is your reliable source. (annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the temple opening and closing times?
A: Typically, the temple opens around 5:30 AM and stays open until ~12:30 PM in the morning. It reopens in the afternoon (around 3:30 PM or 4 PM) and closes around ~9:30 PM. On special days it may extend.

Q2: Is there a charge for darshan?
A: General darshan (entry for viewing) is free. Special darshan, poojas or services may require payment and/or booking.

Q3: How long is the Giri Pradakshina walk and when should I attempt it?
A: The walk is about 14 km around the hill. It can take around 3-5 hours depending on pace and stops. Best done early morning or just after evening darshan; on full‐moon nights many do it.

Q4: What is the best time of year to visit?
A: For best comfort, October to February are good. For experience of festival, visit around Karthigai Deepam in November-December. For quieter visit, avoid major festivals

Q5: Are there any special rituals or major festivals?
A: Yes. Daily rituals happen (multiple poojas each day). The big festival is Karthigai Deepam when the hill is lit with a big beacon. Also monthly full moon nights draw many pilgrims.

Q6: How do I reach the temple from major cities?
A: The nearest railway station is in Tiruvannamalai town. From there you can take auto/taxi. By road it’s accessible from Chennai, Bangalore, etc. From farther cities like Tirupati you may need to travel by train + road. Check schedules ahead.

Q7: Can I take photos inside?
A: Photography may be allowed in general complex areas but restricted in the inner sanctum or during rituals. Always check local signs or ask temple staff.