Tiruvannamalai Temple Map & Layout

Tiruvannamalai Temple Map & Layout – Complete Guide for Pilgrims

Tiruvannamalai’s Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India.
Spread across more than 25 acres, it contains grand towers, multiple prakarams, ancient shrines, mandapams, corridors and sacred tanks.

For first-time visitors, understanding the temple layout makes navigation easier and ensures a peaceful darshan.
This guide explains the entire structure in simple language.

Overview of the Temple Structure

The temple follows classic Dravidian architecture with:

  • Four gateway towers (gopurams)

  • Five prakarams arranged around the sanctum

  • Separate shrines for Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Apithakuchambal

  • Wide mandapams used for rituals and festivals

  • Sacred tanks and resting areas

Each region of the temple has spiritual significance and historical importance.

Main Entrances of the Temple

East Gopuram (Primary Entrance)

The tallest tower and the most commonly used entrance.
Near this entrance, pilgrims will find footwear stands, prasadam counters, small shops and drinking water points.

West Gopuram

Less crowded and often used by pilgrims staying on the western side of the town.

North Gopuram

Located near several ashrams. Entry is usually smooth on regular days.

South Gopuram

Frequently used during festival arrangements and special queue systems.

Understanding the Five Prakarams

First Prakaram (Innermost Area)

This is the holiest part of the temple.
It contains the main sanctum of Lord Arunachaleswarar.
Devotees move quietly and slowly around the inner corridors due to the sacred atmosphere.

Second Prakaram

Houses important shrines such as Goddess Apithakuchambal, Nandi Mandapam, Ganesha shrines and several small mandapams used for daily rituals.

Third Prakaram

Contains the flag post, Bali Peetam, Thousand Pillar Mandapam and large open walking spaces for devotees.

Fourth Prakaram

Features long pillared corridors, temple tanks, open areas, and peaceful spaces for slow walking and meditation.

Fifth Prakaram (Outer Courtyard)

The largest space designed for temple processions, cultural activities and festival gatherings.
This prakaram connects to all four gopurams.

Key Shrines Inside the Temple

Shrine of Lord Arunachaleswarar

Located in the innermost prakaram and worshipped as the Agni Linga, symbolizing the fire form of Shiva.

Shrine of Goddess Apithakuchambal

A powerful shrine for devotees seeking peace, harmony, and family well-being.

Nandi Mandapam

A large Nandi statue facing the sanctum, where many devotees pause for silent prayer.

Subrahmanya and Vinayakar Shrines

Scattered across the inner prakarams and commonly visited by pilgrims for blessings.

Important Mandapams and Structures

Thousand Pillar Mandapam

A magnificent hall used for cultural and religious ceremonies.

Kalyana Mandapam

Where symbolic divine marriage rituals take place during festivals.

Vasantha Mandapam

Used during spring festivals and alankarams.

Deepa Mandapams

Beautifully illuminated during Karthigai Deepam and other lamp festivals.

Sacred Temple Tanks

Brahma Theertham

The main temple tank used during major rituals and processions.

Sivaganga Tank

Considered spiritually purifying and often visited by pilgrims.

Queue Routes and Pilgrim Movement

Regular Darshan Route

Usually flows from the eastern entrance through outer prakarams and gradually moves toward the sanctum.

Festival Days

Special barricades and controlled routes are created to handle large crowds.
Pilgrims may be guided through side entrances depending on the situation.

Support for Senior Citizens

On normal days, elders may receive easier access through designated lanes.

Facilities Available Inside the Temple

Footwear Counters

Located near main entrances, especially East Gopuram.

Prasadam Counters

Offer vibuthi, kumkum, deepam items and laddus.

Drinking Water Points

Distributed across different prakarams.

Resting Areas

Long shaded corridors and mandapams for sitting and resting.

Annadhanam Hall

Serves free meals to pilgrims daily.

Helpful Tips for Navigating the Temple

Best Times for Easy Darshan

  • Early morning

  • Weekdays

  • Days without major festivals

Times to Avoid Due to Heavy Crowd

  • Pournami

  • Karthigai Deepam week

  • Maha Shivaratri

  • Long weekends

Useful Navigation Tips

  • Walk clockwise as per temple tradition

  • Follow signboards for shrines and exits

  • Keep footwear tokens safe

  • Carry minimal belongings

The Arunachaleswarar Temple is vast, ancient and deeply spiritual.
Understanding the layout helps pilgrims move comfortably, avoid confusion and experience a peaceful darshan.
Whether visiting for the first time or returning after many years, the temple’s structure reveals new beauty and significance each time.