Arunachaleswarar Temple is regarded as one of the most sacred temples in India. Located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva under the name Arunachaleswarar, which means “the Lord of the Red Mountain.” In area, the temple has 25 acres and ranks among the largest temples in India. Its gopurams are beautiful, the tallest being the Raja Gopuram, which has a height of around 66 meters. The history of the temple is over 1,000 years. So far millions of devotees have worshiped here.
The most important festival conducted here is the Karthigai Deepam. A large lamp is lit at the Annamalai Hill. It stands around 800 meters high, and one can easily see it from miles away; this temple receives approximately 3 million visitors during the festival. Thousands of devotees visit and return year after year to embark on the Girivalam, a spiritual walk on the 14-kilometer path, that encircles the Annamalai Hill. The temple is indeed a shrine and also the reflection of rich culture and history that exists in South India.
Tirumala Senior Citizen Darshan Booking 2025: handicapped
overview table for Arunachaleswarar Temple:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Arunachaleswarar) |
| Significance | One of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the element of fire (Agni) |
| Architecture Style | Dravidian style |
| Main Festival | Karthigai Deepam (celebrated with a large flame on the hill) |
| Timings | Open daily from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire preferred (men: dhoti, women: saree or salwar kameez) |
| Special Sevas | Abhishekam, archana, and special poojas available for devotees |
| How to Reach | Accessible by road and rail; nearest railway station is Tiruvannamalai (2 km away) |
| Accommodations | Various options available from budget to luxury hotels nearby |
| Nearby Attractions | Arunachala Hill, Skandashram, Virupaksha Cave, and other temples in the vicinity |
Feel free to let me know if you need more information on any specific aspect!
Arunachaleswarar Temple Pooja/Aarti Offerings Timetable
| S.No | Ritual | Timing | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gomatha Pooja | 05:30 AM – 06:00 AM | Daily |
| 2 | Oudshakala Pooja | 06:00 AM – 06:30 AM | Daily |
| 3 | Early Sathi Pooja | 08:30 AM – 09:00 AM | Daily |
| 4 | Noon Pooja | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Daily |
| 5 | Sayarakchai Pooja | 06:00 PM – 06:30 PM | Daily |
| 6 | 2nd Kalam Pooja | 07:30 PM – 08:00 PM | Daily |
| 7 | Arthajama Pooja | 09:00 PM – 09:30 PM | Daily |
| 8 | Temple Closing Time | 09:30 PM | Daily |
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple Abhishekam Timings
If you are looking for the Abhishekam timings at the Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, here is the information:
| Abhishekam Name | Ticket Cost (Rs.) | Timings | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arunachaleswara and Amman Milk Abhishekam | 1,000 | 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Arunachaleswara and Amman Special Abhishekam | 2,500 | 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Panchamoorthigal Abhishekam | 4,500 | 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Parivara Moorthi Sannathi Milk Abhishekam | 1,000 | 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM | Monday to Sunday |
Important Numerical Data:
- Total Abhishekam Types: 4
- Lowest Ticket Cost: Rs. 1,000
- Highest Ticket Cost: Rs. 4,500
- Total Timings in a Day: 3 for Parivara Moorthi and 2 for others
- Days Open for Abhishekam: 7 (Monday to Sunday)
This information can help you plan your visit to the temple for the Abhishekam.
The Arunachaleswarar Temple offers various types of Darshan to cater to different visitor needs. Below are the details:
| Darshan Type | Ticket Price (INR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | Open to all visitors without any charge. |
| Special Entry Darshan | ₹50 | Allows quicker access to the temple with minimal waiting time. |
| Fast Track Darshan | ₹100 | A faster option for visitors wanting to reduce their wait time. |
| VIP Darshan | ₹200 | Provides priority access and a more exclusive experience. |
| Silver Darshan | ₹500 | Offers a special entry with additional privileges. |
| Gold Darshan | ₹1,000 | Enhanced access with further reduced waiting time. |
| Platinum Darshan | ₹2,000 | Premium access with a top-tier experience and privileges. |
| Diamond Darshan | ₹5,000 | The most exclusive experience with the highest level of access. |
Journey from Hyderabad to Tiruvannamalai
After reaching Tirupati, I took a bus to Tiruvannamalai. The bus journey was fantastic, with scenic views of greenery, hills, mountains, and even mist in some places. It felt so peaceful watching the scenery. We stopped at a roadside dhaba for breakfast, where the food was simple but very tasty, adding a unique vibe to the trip. Amid nature’s trees, sunlight, cool breeze, and mountain curves, I enjoyed the journey and finally reached Tiruvannamalai bus station.
Arriving at Arunachaleshwara Temple
From the bus station, we continued our journey to visit the main Arunachaleshwara Temple. We chanted “Om Arunachaleshwaraya Namah,” which carried a divine feeling. I took an auto-rickshaw, and the driver dropped me about 500 meters from the temple. From there, I walked to the temple. Outside, many vendors were selling flowers and puja items. I bought flowers and adorned my hair with some, which gave a festive and devotional vibe.
Temple Surroundings and Shopping
Near the temple, many shops sold coconuts, flower garlands, rudraksha beads, and other puja materials. Before darshan, I joined a long queue, but the atmosphere felt deeply devotional. The temple has a luggage counter where you can deposit bags and mobiles, though mobiles are allowed inside as long as you don’t take photos or videos. There are two darshan options: free darshan and ₹50 paid darshan. I chose the free darshan option.
Darshan Experience
The darshan took almost 2–3 hours due to the long queue, which felt tiring, but the divine energy, chanting sounds, and temple atmosphere made me forget the exhaustion. After completing darshan, the temple provided prasadam—pongal, pulihora, and laddu. The pongal was soft and rich with ghee flavor, the pulihora had a perfect spicy balance, and the laddu was sweet and melted in the mouth. The prasadam had a divine taste, and the food at the temple carried a special feeling. Overall, the darshan experience was fantastic—a spiritual journey, a connection, peace of mind, and beautiful moments.
Post-Darshan and Rest
After darshan, I took a laddu and returned to my room. The darshan and circumambulation went well, and I felt very happy and satisfied. Despite standing in a long queue, compromising a bit for the sake of God and completing the darshan with courage was fulfilling. I reached the hotel, ate a paratha, and prepared to start the Girivalam.
Girivalam: Circumambulating Arunachala Hill
Arunachala Hill is not just a mountain; it is the embodiment of Lord Shiva in the form of the Agni Lingam. Performing Girivalam, a 14-kilometer walk around the hill without footwear, is equivalent to circumambulating Lord Shiva. It’s a sacred and powerful practice that purifies the mind, fosters devotion, and leads to moksha (liberation). Some devotees undertake Girivalam with specific wishes for health, career, family, or marriage.
Best Timing for Girivalam
The best times to start Girivalam are early morning at 4 AM or evening at 6 PM. Chanting “Om Arunachaleshwaraya Namah” during the 2–5-hour walk enhances the experience.
Ashta Lingams (Eight Lingams)
Along the 14-kilometer Girivalam path, you’ll encounter the Ashta Lingams, eight Shiva lingams representing the eight directions:
- Indra Lingam (East): Purifies the mind and brings peace.
- Agni Lingam (Southeast): Reduces mental stress and boosts energy.
- Yama Lingam (South): Removes sins and negative energies.
- Nirudhi Lingam (Southwest): Aids in karma dissolution and the path to moksha.
- Varuna Lingam (West): Enhances compassion and kindness.
- Vayu Lingam (Northwest): Reduces fear and anxiety, giving strength.
- Kubera Lingam (North): Grants wealth and prosperity.
- Eesanya Lingam (Northeast): Promotes divine birth and soul purification.
Visiting these lingams is equivalent to circumambulating Lord Shiva in all eight directions.
Girivalam Experience
During the walk, I passed small temples along the path, with many devotees performing Girivalam alongside. Drinking water is available along the route. I came across the Kali Mata Temple, where a unique tradition involves removing negative energies (drishti) with lemons, believed to be a sign of spiritual refreshment. At another spot, I saw a rudraksha tree where devotees collect original rudraksha beads. I took one, and it felt incredibly divine. Along the way, tiffin centers, tea shops, and food stalls offered snacks, hot tiffins, and cool drinks, providing a short break for relaxation before continuing the circumambulation. Taking care of the body during this spiritual journey is important.
Temple Timings
The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Conclusion
After completing the Girivalam and final darshan, I returned to the temple, feeling fulfilled. If you liked this video, please like, share, and comment. Let me know what you think in the comments, and we’ll meet in the next vlog. Bye!
IMPORTANT LINKS
Official Website – CLICK HERE
Who and what is Arunachaleswarar Temple?
: It is a famous Shiva temple situated at Tiruvannamalai Tamilnadu.
What is the relevance study and practice of the temple?
: It is according to among the five, referred to as Pancha Bhoota Stalam which represents fire.
Returning to life, the most often asked question is Will be asked by visitors **What are the visiting hours here ?
- General Darshan: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Special Darshan: 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM
What is the dress code?
- Men: This rule requires clients not to wear short shorts or singlets.
- Women: Any female student will not be allowed to wear short skirts or sleeveless tops
Main Festivals
- What is the main food taken by most people in the region?
The Tamil month Karthigai Deepam, Maha Shivaratri, Aadi Pooram, Thai Poosam.
How to reach the temple?
- By road: Now, the town of Tiruvannamalai is serviced by frequent buses and available private vehicles.
- By train: The nearest railway station located in Tiruvannamalai.
- By air: Chennai airport is nearest, which is about 150 km from Mahabs.
What are the entry fees?
- General Darshan: ₹50
- Special Darshan: ₹100
What is around?
Sathanur Dam, Gingee Fort and several religious shrines and ashrams of a lesser significance.
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