Arunachalam Temple

Arunachalam Temple at Tiruvannamalai is one of the panchabhootha sthalams. Lord Siva was here known by Arunachaleswarar and is referred to as Agni Lingam. Karthigai deepam will be celebrated in a grand, temple will be decorated with colourful lightings.

Arunachalam Temple Legends

As per the legend, Goddess Parvathi closed Lord Siva’s eyes when they are in a cheerful mood, which leads the whole creation fell into darkness. Goddess pleaded Lord for the mistake and reached Kanchipuram to perform a strict penance as directed by the Lord. Later Goddess moved to  Iruvannamalai hills near Thiruvannamalai and continued her penance. It is said that during this time, Parvathi killed the demon Mahisasura and organised a big festival on the day of Karthigai. Impressed Siva, appeared as a cosmic flame on the summit of the hill and Goddess joined him there as his consort.

As per the legends, Lingodbhava is associated with this temple. Siva wanted to prove his supremacy, he emerged in the form of a great flaming cosmic pillar fire and challenged Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma to find Origin and End. Lord Vishnu then took the form as boar and dug deep into the Earth and told Siva that he could not make it. Lord Brahma who took the form as a swan and set out to reach the top. On his way up, Brahma met Mogili flower (aromatic flower) and cow and requested to support his lie.  Brahma with their support told Siva that he had reached the top. Angered by the claim, Lord Siva cursed Brahma that there will not be any idols for him and also cursed Mogili, that it is unfit for his Prayers and seeing cow’s face first thing in the morning will be considered as a bad.

It is said that when Lord Siva appeared as a great flaming cosmic pillar, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma requested Lord Siva to take a well-wishing form for the benefit of mankind. On their request, Lord Siva took the form as an Arunachala hill.

Arunachalam Temple History

The temple Tower ( Rajagopuram) is of 41 meters tall and 30 meters wide which was built by the King Sri Krishna Devaraya from Vijayanagara dynasty, during 1509 A.D -1529 A.D. Eastern gateway Gopuram, Vallala Gopuram, which was named after the King Ballala from Hoysala, who made Thiruvannamalai as his capital.

This temple has 5 prakarams which were built at different times. There is no exact information on the first and second prakarams. The third prakaram was built in the 12th century. Fourth and Fifth prakaras were built in the 16th century. Temple architecture, Carving and Paintings resembles Hoysala and Vijayanagara culture. Nayak kings too contributed in renovating the temple.

Arunachalam Temple Timings
  • Morning Hours: 5 am to 12 pm
  • Evening Hours: 5 pm to 9:30 pm

How to reach Arunachalam Temple?

  • From Chennai Temple is 207 km away, which takes 3 hours 45 mins by own vehicle and 4 hours 30 mins by bus.
  • Daily trains are available from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai. Special trains will be available on this day.
  • Thiruvannamalai is well connected with all parts of Tamilnadu.
  • Thiruvannamalai can be reached from Chennai and Villupuram. Villupuram is 61 km away.
Arunachalam Temple Gallery

Reference Link: Temple History

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25 comments

  1. My wife D. Lavanya, Lecturer in Social Work, Visakha Govt. Degree College for Women, Visakhapatnam- 530003, A.P., India wanted to send Rs.5,000 as donation to Temple for Puja in her name and Gothram (KSHATRUSHYA). She is aged 58 years. This Puja is mainly towards her Health Improvement. So, kindly let me know, where to send and how to send. D. Nageswara Rao, Visakhapatnam. 9849100968

  2. Dear Sir/Madam

    I would like to find out, whether I need any special reservation to spend three days in Virupakshi Cave for meditation purpose. I need to come from a far-off land.

    Thanks

  3. Nice information
    We would like start from Tirumala. Is there any trains and any direct busses available from Tirumala/tirupathi

  4. Sakalabhaktula Ramanaiah chetti

    We are going Sriranga patnam near Mysure on 22nd Sept, what is the easiest way to go Arunachalam from there and we can get a accommodation for stayal.

  5. sir
    i would like to visit arunachalam from hyderabad Can you guide me either by Bus route or train route

    • HI Sir,

      You can catch the train or bus to vellore and from vellore it takes 85kms to reach thiruvannamalai.buses are available.

      Thanks

  6. It’s recognized for premium sources like gold.

  7. Hi,
    Thanks for the good information.
    I would like to travel from Tirupathi is there any better pubic transport available?
    if not by Road (hired car) how much time it will take.

  8. Hai sir, i want to visit the arunachalam temple every pournami but i don’t know when pournami pujas will prrformed. Please give me information sir.

  9. Lakkimsetti S N gopi

    I would like to visit from Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai how to travel plz guide us

  10. పవర్ ఫుల్ శివ శంకర

  11. I am from nagarkurnool dist telangana would you please suggest me way to arunchalam

  12. How much time to reach arunachalam temple from Thirupathi

  13. What is Girivalam timings on days other than Full moon dayd?