Annamalaiyar Temple

Annamalaiyar Temple Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Tiruvannamalai

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Annamalaiyar Temple, also known as Arunachaleswarar Temple, stands as a monumental testament to South India’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of fire. Its sprawling 25-acre complex, rich dynastic history, and vibrant festivals make it a focal point for both pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts. This detailed guide explores the temple’s historical evolution, architectural marvels, religious practices, festival celebrations, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and practical tips to ensure a fulfilling visit.

For up-to-date information, consult trusted sources such as Daga Developers, Audiala, and Tour My India.

Historical Background and Dynastic Contributions
Architectural Features
Religious and Cultural Significance
Festivals and Rituals
Spiritual Practices
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Getting There: Transportation
Facilities and Amenities
Practical Tips and FAQs
Contact Information
Summary and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background and Dynastic Contributions

Early Origins and Ancient References

The origins of Annamalaiyar Temple are deeply rooted in antiquity, with references in Sangam-era literature dating back to the 1st century BCE. The sacred Arunachala Hill and its temple were extolled by poets such as Nakkirar, Kapilar, and Paranar. By the 7th century CE, the site was already a prominent pilgrimage destination, celebrated in the Tevaram hymns of Nayanmar saints Sambandar and Appar (Daga Developers; Audiala).

Medieval Patronage

Early support likely came from the Pallava dynasty, who fostered the growth of Shaivism in the region. However, it was the Chola dynasty (c. 850–1280 CE) that initiated the temple’s stone architecture, laying out the primary east-facing structure and foundational gopurams. Numerous multilingual inscriptions from this period detail endowments and temple management (OM Astrology).

The Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th centuries) marked an era of significant expansion, with rulers such as Krishnadevaraya commissioning the thousand-pillared hall and initiating the construction of the mighty Rajagopuram, later completed by the Nayakas. The temple’s inscriptions, found in Tamil, Kannada, and Sanskrit, reflect a continuous legacy of royal patronage and cultural exchange (Daga Developers).

Modern Era

Under British colonial and Nawab rule, the temple’s administration evolved, culminating in its recognition as a national heritage monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2002 (Daga Developers).

Architectural Features

Temple Layout and Scale

Encompassing over 25 acres at the base of Arunachala Hill, the temple complex features concentric granite walls, four colossal gopurams aligned with the cardinal directions, and a series of mandapams (halls), sacred tanks, and shrines (Wikipedia; Shivamahadeva).

Gopurams (Gateway Towers)

The most striking architectural feature is the eastern Rajagopuram, towering at 66 meters (216 feet), ranking among the tallest temple towers in India. Each gopuram is adorned with intricate carvings depicting deities and mythological scenes, exemplifying Dravidian artistry (Educba; Tour My India).

Mandapams and Main Shrines

Highlights include the Thousand Pillar Mandapam, a masterpiece of Vijayanagara craftsmanship, and the Deepa Darshana Mandapam, used for sacred lamp-lighting ceremonies. The central sanctum houses the Agni Lingam, symbolizing the fire element, with a separate shrine for Goddess Parvati (Unnamulai Amman) (Thiruvannamalai.in).

Inscriptions and Artifacts

The temple preserves a wealth of inscriptions and historical artifacts, offering crucial insights into South Indian religious, administrative, and social history (OM Astrology; Thiruvannamalai.in).

Religious and Cultural Significance

Pancha Bhoota Sthala: The Shrine of Fire

Annamalaiyar Temple represents Agni (fire) among the five elemental Shiva temples. The legend of Lord Shiva manifesting as a pillar of fire to assert his supremacy is commemorated during the famed Karthigai Deepam festival (trawell.in; poojn.in).

Moksha Sthala and Pilgrimage

The temple is considered a moksha sthala—a place granting spiritual liberation. The Girivalam, or sacred circumambulation of Arunachala Hill, is performed barefoot by devotees seeking blessings and purification (dagadevelopers.com).

Community and Culture

Annamalaiyar Temple is at the heart of Tiruvannamalai’s community, supporting charitable activities like annadanam (free meals), medical camps, and educational initiatives (cultureandheritage.org).

Festivals and Rituals

Karthigai Deepam

This is the temple’s grandest festival, celebrated in November–December. The climax is the lighting of the Maha Deepam atop Arunachala Hill, visible for kilometers and attracting over a million devotees (Thiruvannamalai.in; Poojn).

Maha Shivaratri

Observed in February or March, this festival features night-long vigils, abhishekams, and devotional singing, with thousands participating in Girivalam (Hinduvism; Omarunachala).

Additional Festivals

Other important celebrations include Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Theppal—each with elaborate rituals and cultural performances (Shivamahadeva; Thiruvannamalai.in).

Spiritual Practices

Girivalam (Circumambulation)

Girivalam is a 14-km barefoot pilgrimage around Arunachala Hill, especially auspicious on full moon nights. Devotees visit eight lingams (Ashta Lingams) and multiple shrines along the way (touristsecrets.com).

Daily Worship

The temple conducts four main pujas daily—Kalasanthi, Uchikala, Sayaraksha, and Arthajama—along with abhishekam, alankaram, and deepa aradhana (poojn.in).

Meditation and Ashram Life

Tiruvannamalai is a global center for meditation, notably at the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, where spiritual seekers participate in yoga, satsangs, and self-inquiry retreats (poojn.in).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

General Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM daily.
Extended hours during major festivals.

Tickets and Entry

General Entry: Free for all visitors.
Special Poojas/Abhishekam: Tickets available at the temple counter (approx. ₹4500; prices may vary).
Online Booking: As of June 2025, tickets must be purchased onsite; no official online booking.
VIP Darshan: Available during festivals and special occasions.

Dress Code

Men: Dhotis or veshtis (with or without shirts).
Women: Sarees or salwar kameez.
Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not permitted.
Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises (Ayodhya Registration).

Accessibility

Wheelchair access at main entrances.
Assistance is available for elderly and differently-abled visitors.
Some areas, especially inner sanctums, may have steps.

Getting There: Transportation

By Air

Nearest Airport: Vellore (90 km); major flights via Chennai International Airport (190 km).
Taxis and buses available from both airports (TripNetra).

By Train

Tiruvannamalai Railway Station: 2 km from temple, with connections to Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities.

By Road

Well-connected by state and national highways.
Frequent bus services from Chennai, Bangalore, and Vellore.
Local auto-rickshaws and taxis widely available.

Facilities and Amenities

Accommodation

Temple-administered guesthouses near the complex.
Numerous hotels and lodges in Tiruvannamalai, from budget to mid-range.
Advance booking is advised during festival seasons (Blogbadi).

Food and Prasadam

Free meals (Annadanam) served daily.
Prasadam counters and local vegetarian eateries available.

Other Amenities

Drinking water, restrooms, religious shops, bathing ghats, and meditation halls.
Paid footwear stalls near entrances.
Security staff and first aid facilities onsite (GoTirupati).

Practical Tips and FAQs

Best Time to Visit

October to March: Pleasant weather and major festivals.

Safety and Conduct

Keep valuables secure, especially during crowded festivals.
Photography is restricted inside the sanctum; follow signage and staff guidance.
Mobile phones are not allowed in certain areas.

Language

Tamil is widely spoken; English and Hindi are commonly understood.

FAQ

Q: What are the Annamalaiyar Temple visiting hours?
A: 5:00 AM–12:30 PM and 4:00 PM–9:30 PM daily.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: General entry is free; special poojas and abhishekam require a ticket.

Q: Can I book tickets online?
A: Currently, only onsite booking is available for darshan and accommodation.

Q: Are accommodations available near the temple?
A: Yes, both temple guesthouses and private hotels are available.

Q: What is the dress code?
A: Traditional Indian attire—dhotis or veshtis for men, sarees or salwar kameez for women.

Contact Information

Address: Annamalaiyar Temple, Pavazhakundur, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601
Phone: +91 4175 252 438
Email: [email protected]

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Annamalaiyar Temple is not only an architectural wonder but also a vibrant center of spirituality and community life. Its deep roots in South Indian history, towering gopurams, sacred rituals, and grand festivals like Karthigai Deepam make it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and travelers alike. To make the most of your visit:

Plan travel during the cooler months and major festivals.
Adhere to the temple’s dress code and conduct rules.
Take advantage of guided tours for deeper historical and cultural insights.
Explore nearby spiritual sites such as Ramana Ashram and Arunachala Hill.

For real-time updates on visiting hours, tickets, and festival schedules, download the Audiala app and check official resources.

Sources and Further Reading

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Tiruvannamalai

Annamalaiyar Temple

Sri Ramana Ashram