Tiruvannamalai Annadhanam Prasadam

🍲 Annadhanam & Prasadam Details – Tiruvannamalai Temple

The Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai is known not only for its divine darshan and Girivalam, but also for its generous Annadhanam (free meal service) and a wide variety of prasadam offerings.
Every day, thousands of pilgrims receive fresh, simple, and sattvic food as a blessing from Lord Arunachaleswarar.

This page explains the timings, menu, location, prasadam types, and useful tips for all visitors.

Annadhanam at Tiruvannamalai Temple

Daily Free Meal Service for Pilgrims

Annadhanam is one of the most important services offered at the temple. Devotees believe that feeding visitors brings the highest blessings from Lord Shiva.

The meals are simple, healthy, and freshly prepared.

Annadhanam Timings

  • Daily: Usually served around 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM

  • Festival Days: Timings may change based on crowd flow

  • Pournami & Deepam Days: Meals may be served earlier due to large gatherings

Food is served in a clean and well-organised dining hall near the temple.

Where is Annadhanam Served?

Annadhanam Hall (Near the Temple Complex)

The Annadhanam Hall is located close to the temple premises. Volunteers and temple staff guide pilgrims to the hall during serving hours.

Features inside the hall:

  • Clean seating area

  • Drinking water facility

  • Dedicated space for elders

  • Quick serving counters

Menu Served During Annadhanam

The menu is simple, nutritious, and completely vegetarian:

Common Items Served

  • Rice

  • Sambar

  • Rasam

  • Poriyal (vegetable dish)

  • Curd

  • Pickle

On festival days, the menu may include:

  • Sweet pongal

  • Sundal

  • Special vegetable preparations

Meals are served with devotion and care, maintaining temple purity standards.

Prasadam at Tiruvannamalai Temple

Different Types of Prasadam for Pilgrims

Prasadam is an important part of every temple visit. In Tiruvannamalai, devotees can receive various food offerings blessed at the temple.

Common prasadam items include:

Puliyodarai (Tamarind Rice)

A popular prasadam made with tamarind paste, spices, and sesame oil. It is mildly tangy and stays fresh for long durations.

Chakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pongal)

A sweet dish prepared with jaggery, ghee, and rice. Served especially on festival days.

Curd Rice

A comforting prasadam option, served in limited quantities.

Vadai & Laddu (Special Days)

Available on special pooja days and festival timings depending on stock.

Deepam Oil Prasadam (During Karthigai Deepam)

Pilgrims may receive small amounts of deepam oil as a symbolic blessing.

Location of Prasadam Counters

Main Prasadam Counters

  • Near the temple office

  • Close to the East Gopuram side

  • Smaller counters around the prakarams during festivals

These counters open at fixed times and may close early during high crowd days.

Prasadam Timings

General Timings (May Vary Daily)

  • Morning: After major morning poojas

  • Evening: After sayaratchai pooja

During Pournami, Karthigai Deepam, or special utsavams, prasadam is distributed frequently but stock finishes quickly.

Guidelines for Pilgrims Receiving Annadhanam or Prasadam

Important Tips

  • Arrive early during festival seasons

  • Follow queue lines and hall instructions

  • Keep the dining area clean

  • Do not waste food

  • Respect temple volunteers who serve meals

  • Carry prasadam safely in clean containers

For Elders & Families

  • Ask for seating support if needed

  • Choose timings before heavy crowd hours

  • Drink enough water, especially if doing Girivalam before meals

Special Annadhanam & Prasadam During Festivals

During Karthigai Deepam

  • Extra Annadhanam sections may open

  • Puliyodarai and Deepam oil prasadam are in high demand

  • Meals may begin earlier than regular hours

During Pournami

  • Annadhanam receives the highest footfall

  • Expect long but fast-moving queues

  • Extra volunteers help with distribution

During Maha Shivaratri

  • Light prasadam is offered throughout the night

  • Special meals for early-morning Girivalam pilgrims

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Annadhanam free for everyone?

Yes. Every pilgrim is welcome, regardless of caste, age, or background.

Can I contribute to Annadhanam?

Devotees can contribute through approved temple channels. Contributions support daily meal services.

Is prasadam available all day?

No. Prasadam is distributed only during specific timings and may finish early during rush hours.

Are containers allowed for prasadam?

Small clean containers are allowed for takeaway items like puliyodarai and pongal.

Is Annadhanam wheelchair friendly?

The dining hall is accessible, but festival days may have crowd-related challenges.

A Divine Blessing Through Food

Annadhanam and prasadam at Tiruvannamalai Temple are considered sacred blessings from Lord Arunachaleswarar.
Whether it is a simple free meal or a small packet of puliyodarai, each offering carries spiritual significance.

Pilgrims visiting the temple are encouraged to participate in Annadhanam and receive prasadam with devotion and gratitude