Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
One of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the element of fire, at the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill — the living manifestation of Lord Shiva as the Agni Lingam.
அருணாசலேசுவரஸ் கோயில் · Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
What brings pilgrims to Tiruvannamalai
From the 14 km sacred circumambulation of Arunachala Hill to the grandest fire festival of South India and the ashrams of Ramana Maharshi.
Girivalam — 14 km around Arunachala
On every Pournami (full moon), lakhs of devotees walk barefoot around the sacred Arunachala Hill — the single most powerful pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu.
Route, timings & guide →
Karthigai Deepam 2026
The 10-day fire festival culminating on 24 Nov 2026 — the giant Maha Deepam is lit atop Arunachala Hill at dusk, visible for miles.
See the 10-day calendar →
Skandashram & Virupaksha Cave
Climb the stone path where Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi lived and meditated for years — two caves halfway up Arunachala.
Trek route & timings →The Fire Lingam older than time
Arunachaleswarar Temple stands at the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill, revered as the Agni Sthalam — the fire element of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. According to the Skanda Purana and the Arunachala Mahatmyam, this is where Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of fire, humbling Brahma and Vishnu.
The great sage Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi lived on Arunachala Hill for 54 years and taught that a single circumambulation of this hill is equal to a lifetime of penance. Today, over 25 lakh pilgrims visit every year.
Read the full history →
Sacred rituals for every devotee
From the grand Rudrabhishekam to the daily Ashtottara Archanai, every seva at Arunachaleswarar carries the fire of Shiva.
- Rudrabhishekam · Sacred Rudram chant & bathCounter rate
- Panchamoorthigal Abhishekam · Five-deity ritual bathCounter rate
- Ashtottara Archanai · 108 names of ShivaCounter rate
- Palliyarai Pooja · Night bedchamber ritualFree darshan
Everything you need, at a glance
Darshan Timings
Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Palliyarai closes 9:30 PM
Location
Pei Kolathur, Tiruvannamalai
Tamil Nadu, India
PIN 606601
How to Reach
Train: Katpadi Jn (85 km)
Air: Chennai (185 km)
Road: 200 km from Chennai
Most searched by pilgrims:
Girivalam — the 14 km walk that changes lives
On every Pournami (full moon), 10 lakh+ devotees walk barefoot around Arunachala Hill, past the eight Ashta Lingams. Ramana Maharshi taught that a single Girivalam equals a lifetime of penance.
Full Girivalam guide →Sacred places nearby
Most pilgrims combine Arunachaleswarar darshan with the ashrams and caves of Ramana Maharshi.
Frequently asked questions
The most common questions from first-time pilgrims to Tiruvannamalai.
What is Arunachaleswarar Temple famous for?
Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the largest Shiva temples in India and one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of fire (Agni). Lord Shiva is worshipped here as the Agni Lingam. The temple sits at the base of the sacred Arunachala Hill, and it is world-famous for the Karthigai Deepam festival and Girivalam — the 14 km circumambulation of the hill performed by lakhs of devotees on every full moon.
What are the darshan timings of Arunachaleswarar Temple?
The temple opens at 5:30 AM. Morning darshan is from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and evening darshan is from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The Palliyarai (night bedchamber) pooja happens around 9:00—9:30 PM. General darshan is free for all devotees; special sevas can be booked at the seva counter.
What is Girivalam and when should I do it?
Girivalam is the sacred 14 km circumambulation of Arunachala Hill, performed barefoot in a clockwise direction. It is most powerful on Pournami (full moon night), when 10+ lakh devotees walk together. Ramana Maharshi taught that a single Girivalam equals a lifetime of penance. Start at the temple, follow the marked route past the eight Ashta Lingam shrines, and complete the walk to return to the temple — it takes 4–6 hours at a steady pace.
How do I reach Tiruvannamalai from Chennai?
Tiruvannamalai is approximately 200 km from Chennai. By road, take NH38 via Kanchipuram and Vellore (about 4–5 hours). Government and private buses run frequently from CMBT, Chennai. The nearest railway station is Katpadi Junction (85 km) — then a bus or cab to Tiruvannamalai. The nearest airport is Chennai International (185 km).
When is Karthigai Deepam 2026?
Karthigai Deepam 2026 is a 10-day festival culminating on 24 November 2026. The grand Maha Deepam is lit atop Arunachala Hill at dusk on the final day, visible for miles across the plains. Book accommodation 2–3 months in advance for these dates.
What is the dress code at Arunachaleswarar Temple?
Men are permitted in dhoti/veshti or trousers; some sanctums require men to remove upper garments before entry. Women should wear a saree, salwar suit, or other conservative Indian attire. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts are not permitted. Mobile phones must be switched off inside the sanctum.
Where should I stay in Tiruvannamalai?
Ramanashram guest houses and Seshadri Ashram provide simple, spiritual accommodation with advance booking. Sri Ramana Ashram bookings must be requested months ahead. Several mid-range and budget hotels are located within 1–2 km of the temple — walking distance for darshan and starting Girivalam. Book early for full moon nights and Karthigai Deepam.
Begin your pilgrimage to Tiruvannamalai
Whether you come for daily darshan, a Girivalam under the full moon, or the fire of Karthigai Deepam — plan your journey with the most complete pilgrim guide online.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational pilgrim guide and is not the official website of the Arunachaleswarar Temple. For official information visit hrce.tn.gov.in.
Why this page no longer quotes rupee figures
We could not find a published seva tariff for Arunachaleswarar Temple (HR&CE temple code TM020343) anywhere on the government portal, annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in. The figures we used to print here were not sourced from HR&CE, and they contradicted the figures on our own other pages — the same seva appeared at prices that differed several times over.
The seva counter inside the temple quotes the current rate, and HR&CE revises rates from time to time. That counter is the only authority we can point you to with confidence.
