Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Timings – Complete Pilgrim Guide

Planning your visit becomes much easier when you know the Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Timings clearly. Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple—one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing Agni—follows a traditional Saiva Agama schedule with multiple daily poojas, each carrying deep spiritual significance. This updated guide provides verified darshan hours, pooja timings, peak hours, girivalam considerations, and tips for a smooth pilgrimage.

Snapshot / Quick Facts

Category	Details
Temple Name	Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple (Annamalaiyar Temple)
Location	Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Primary Deity	Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar (Agni Lingam)
Opening Time	~5:30 AM
Closing Time	~9:30 PM
Peak Crowds	Pournami, Karthigai Deepam, Weekends
Best Darshan Hours	5:30–7:00 AM & 1:45–3:30 PM

Detailed Guide to Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Timings

Daily Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Timings (Updated)

Below is the typical official schedule followed on regular days. Minor variations occur during festivals; pilgrims should confirm at the temple office during major utsavams.

Temple Opening & Closing Hours

Session	Time
Morning Opening	5:30 AM
Temple Closure (Midday)	12:30 PM
Evening Opening	3:30 PM
Night Closure	9:30 PM (after Palliyarai pooja)

Daily Pooja Schedule (Indicative as per Agama tradition)

(A practical reference for planning darshan)

Pooja	Usual Time	Notes
Ushakkala Pooja	5:30 AM	First darshan of the day; serene atmosphere.
Kala Santhi Pooja	8:00 AM	Main morning ritual; usually more crowded.
Uchikala Pooja (Noon Pooja)	11:30 AM	Performed before temple closes at 12:30 PM.
Sayaratchai Pooja	5:30 PM	Evening energy with lamps and chants.
Arthajama Pooja	9:00 PM	Final pooja; leads to the night closure.

Note: Timings may vary slightly depending on festival days, astrological events, girivalam days, and temple administration schedules.

Best Time for Darshan in Tiruvannamalai Temple

To avoid long queues and enjoy peaceful meditation inside the prakaarams:

Recommended Hours

Early Morning (5:30–7:00 AM) – Cool climate, minimal crowd, spiritually uplifting.
Afternoons (1:45–3:30 PM) – When the temple reopens for evening darshan, crowds are usually lighter.

Avoid These Times If Possible

Immediately after Kala Santhi (8 AM)
Weekends & public holidays
Pournami Girivalam nights (very heavy footfall)
The Karthigai Deepam festival season

Tiruvannamalai Darshan Timings During Girivalam (Full Moon)

On Pournami (Full Moon), the temple remains open for extended hours, often past midnight, depending on crowd movement. Girivalam attracts lakhs of devotees, and darshan queues can be very long.

Key Notes for Girivalam Days

Temple is generally open from early morning until very late night.
Expect tight-packed queues inside the sanctum corridors.
Senior citizens should plan darshan before the night crowd builds up.

Darshan Experience: What to Expect

Entry to the main sanctum (Arunachaleswarar) involves security screening and queue-lane arrangements.
Photography is not permitted inside inner praharams.
The ambience includes Nadaswaram, Vedic chants, fragrant camphor, towering stone pillars, and the deep silence that is characteristic of Arunachala.

Dress Code for Arunachaleswarar Temple

While not strictly enforced on all days, pilgrims are encouraged to wear traditional attire:

Men: Dhoti, veshti, or decent full pants.
Women: Saree, salwar, or modest traditional wear.

Avoid shorts or revealing attire.

Special Darshan / Ticketed Darshan

Type	Details
General Darshan	Free; longer queues during weekends/festivals.
Paid Darshan	₹20 / ₹50 (varies); usually faster.
Archana Tickets	Available at the counters; fees vary by deity and ritual.
Abhishekam	Requires prior booking during peak seasons.

(Note: Actual prices may vary; always verify at temple counters.)

Pilgrimage Tips

Do’s

Start darshan early morning for a calm experience.
Carry water (especially for girivalam).
Follow queue discipline.
Respect temple sanctity and silence rules.

Don’ts

Do not step on the temple threshold (raised door steps).
Avoid bringing plastic or leather items inside.
No photography in prohibited areas.
Do not interrupt ongoing poojas.

FAQs on Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Timings

1. What time does Tiruvannamalai Temple open?

The temple typically opens at 5:30 AM daily.

2. When is the best time for peaceful darshan?

5:30–7:00 AM and 1:45–3:30 PM are the best hours.

3. Are darshan timings different on Pournami?

Yes, timings are often extended, and the temple may remain open late into the night.

4. Can we get darshan during Girivalam nights?

Yes, but expect huge crowds; plan accordingly.

5. What time is the last pooja?

The Arthajama Pooja takes place around 9:00 PM.

6. Are paid darshan tickets available?

Yes, ₹20/₹50 special entry tickets are usually available at the counters.

Knowing the Tiruvannamalai Temple Darshan Timings helps every pilgrim plan a smoother, deeper, and more meaningful visit to the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple. Whether you come for a quiet weekday darshan or the electrifying Pournami girivalam, aligning your journey with the temple’s schedule enhances both spiritual experience and convenience.

For more guidance, explore experiences beyond darshan—Girivalam, Karthigai Deepam, and the temple’s rich history of Annamalaiyar—all central to understanding the power of Arunachala.

Editor

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