Arunachalam Temple Darshan Timings, Aarti, Abhishekam, Pooja Offerings. Tiruvannamalai Arunachalam Temple Darshan Timings, Darshan, Pooja, How to reach Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Arunachalam Temple
Amazing Details on Arunachalam Temple Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu holds incredible religious history from famous temples and shrines. The state registers numerous numbers of devotees and visitors seeking to see the fascinating temple(s) architecture and worship special deities in their holy places. The Arunachalam Temple Tiruvannamalai is among the Pancha Bhoota Stalam or the five Shiva temples of the five nature elements.
The temple makes Tamil Nadu an amazing spiritual and touristic location for millions of pilgrims across the country and beyond. Arunachalam Temple is ancient and holds great history. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known by different names like Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar Temple.
Important Details of Arunachalam Temple
With its great significance Arunachalam temple marks Lord Shiva’s dwelling and is among the five nature elements.
- The temple sits at the Arunachala hills in the town of Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu) State.
- Arunachalam Temple is associated with the element of Fire (Agni).
- Lord Shiva is symbolized by the lingam and is known as Agni Lingam.
- The deity consort is Parvati is represented by Unnamalai Amman/Apithakucha Ambal.
- Arunachalam temple counts as the largest temple in the country and is located on 10 hectares of land.
- There are four gateway tours (gopurams) with the eastern gopuram having 11 stories which is 66 meters high.
- The gopuram was constructed by the Sevappa Nayakkar in the ancient times.
- There are several shrines and halls within the temple.
Arunachaleswarar Temple Rituals and Festivals
Arunachalam temple priest conducts six rituals starting from 5:30 to evening 10:00 pm. The temple also holds twelve festivals some being the Karthikai Deepam. This is a famous celebration done full moon (November and December). During the festival a beacon is lit at the top of the hill, the fire represents Lord Shiva Lingam.
Daily rituals
- Ushatkalam : 5:30 am
- Kalashanti : 8:00 am
- Uchikalam : 10:00 am
- Sayarakshai : 6:00 pm
- Irandamkalam : 8:00 pm
- Arddha Jamam : 10:00 pm
The rituals have four compulsory stages
- A sacred bath called Abhishekam
- Alankaram
- Naivedyam
- Deepa aradhanai
Other rituals (weekly and monthly)
- Somavaram
- Sukravaram
- Pradosham
- Amavasai
- Krittuka
- Purnima
- Chaturthi
- Brahmotsavam
- Karthikai Deepam
Devotees can check for temple Poojas, Darshan and other festival timings to ensure they visit within the recommended times.
Arunachalam Temple Timings
| Day | Timings |
| Sunday | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
| Monday | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
| Tuesday | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
| Wednesday | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
| Thursday | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
| Friday | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
| Saturday | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
| Darshan Timings | 05:30 AM – 08:30 PM IST |
Arunachalam Temple Closing Time:
08:20 PM to 08:45 PM IST
Arunachalam Temple Pooja Timings
| Pooja Name | Pooja Timings |
| Goupooja | 05:00 to 05:15 AM |
| Usha Kala pooja | 05:30 to 07:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi pooja | 08:00 to 09:30 AM |
| Uchikala Pooja | 10:00 to 11:30 AM |
| Sayarakshai Pooja (Evening) | 05:30 to 07:00 PM |
| Irandam Kala Pooja | 08:00 to 09:00 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 09:00 to 09:30 PM |
The timings change during major festivals, one may check the changes on the temple website or through temple counters.
Arunachalam Temple History
The Arunachalam temple is believed to have been built back in the 9th Century by the Chola Monarchs. After a few years Vijayanagara Monarchs expanded the temple. More improvements were conducted by the Saluva and Tuluva dynasties.
It’s believed the Pallavas ruled Tiruvannamalai and two Tamil saints called Appar and Sambandar worshiped at the Annamalaiyar temple. The monarchs also worshiped in the temple for centuries. However, the Carnatic Nawab took over the temple and Tiruvannamalai town. The temple and area was under the rule of Hindu and Muslim authorities until the colonial period.
Parvati as she was playing with her husband Lord Shiva closed his eyes for a few seconds. The world became dark for years. This brought great trouble and Shiva’s real form was seen at the Annamalai hill. It was marked by a huge fire that lit the universe. During this period Ardhanarishvara a half male-female was established when the couple joined to be one form.
Arunachalam Temple Architecture
The beautiful temple is located on 10 hectares of land with multiple gopuram towers on the gateway. The Eastern gopuram is the tallest while others are in a fair height.
Gopurams
- Rajagopuram
- Kili Gopuram
- Vallalam Maharaja gopuram
The temple has five precincts which have Lord Shiva’s holy bull. There are various shrines and halls inside the temple. The walls have drawings of Nandi and Surya (God of the sun). One the Sanctum is the image of Lord Vishnu represented as Venugopala swamy. The temple also holds other deity images on the walls with Lord Shiva’s Parvati among the images.
There is a tiny shrine known as the Shrine of Samabandar Vinayagar and Subramanya. Devotees can also get the sacrifice area within the temple. The beauty is enhanced by the pillared hall, huge Sivanganga tank, and Magizha tree (childless couples pray here).
What Devotees do during the full moon festivals?
Devotees walk barefooted around the Arunachala during the festivals of full moon. This helps cleanse from all sins and get desired blessings. Here pilgrims avail Moksha which is freedom from the birth cycle.
Arunachalam Temple Timings Today
| Temple Opening Session | Timings |
| Morning | 05:30 AM – 03:00 PM IST |
| Evening | 03:00 PM – 08:30 PM IST |
List of Other Places to Visit Near Arunachaleshwara Temple
Tourist Places Near Arunachalam Temple (Thiruvannamalai): After the festivals, devotees can visit other areas near the temple as follows:
- Virupaksha cave
- Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
- Arunachala hill
- Sri Ramanasramam
- Skandashramam
- The Pachaiamman Temple
- Gingee fort
How to Reach Arunachalam temple, Tamil Nadu
Quick ways to reach Arunachalam temple
- Air
Pilgrims using flights to reach Tamil Nadu can land through the Chennai International Airport. They can also connect to the temple using taxis or public vehicles.
- Train
There is a railway station at Thiruvannamalai from the temple. The station is only 2km away making it easy to connect.
- Road
Tamil Nadu has multiple road transport from buses to taxis. One can board from different cities to reach the Arunachalam temple.
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FAQ’s
What is the other name of Arunachalam temple?
The temple has several names Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar Temple
When is the Arunachalam temple open and closed?
Arunachalam temple opens from 5:30 am to 09:00 pm.
Arunachalam temple giri pradakshina distance
14 Kilometres