Arunachaleswarar Temple

Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams representing the element Fire, holds profound significance as a sacred Shaivite temple. Located near Vedharanyam, the temple worships Lord Shiva in the form of Agni Lingam, symbolizing the essence of fire. As per the Shiva Purana, this temple is one of the four holiest places where liberation or salvation can be attained, with even a mere thought of it believed to free one from the cycle of rebirths.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light or fire to quell the egoistic dispute between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, both vying for supremacy among the Trimurthis. Shiva's intervention took the form of a towering column of fire, challenging the two deities to find its end. As Lord Vishnu accepted defeat upon realizing the futility of the quest, the fire column, represented by the Arunachala Hills adjacent to the temple, became a symbol of creation without beginning or end, omnipresent throughout the cosmos.

Spanning an area of 25 acres, the Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of India's largest. Although its origins date back nearly a millennium, most of its present structure reflects modifications made during the 17th and 19th centuries. Visitors are immediately drawn to the Thousand Pillared Mandapa on the right upon entering, a quintessential feature of Tamil Nadu temples. To the left stands a large tank, while the inner sanctum houses the revered Shiva Agni Linga. For a breathtaking view of the temple, climbing the sacred Mount Arunachala is recommended, despite the taxing ascent, as it offers unparalleled enlightenment and a panoramic vista of the temple.

Temple Timings:
The temple welcomes devotees for worship during morning hours from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and in the evening from 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Major Festivals:
Arunachaleswarar Temple hosts numerous auspicious festivals annually, with the Karthigai Deepam festival being the most prominent. Celebrated during the Karthigai month (November-December), this festival culminates in the lighting of the Maha deepam atop Mount Arunachala, attracting millions of devotees.

How to Reach:
- By Air: Chennai International Airport, approximately 185 km away, is the nearest airport. From there, taxis or government buses are available to Tiruvannamalai.
- By Rail: Villupuram (76 km) and Katpadi (65 km) are the nearest railway stations, with frequent trains connecting to major cities across India. Taxis or government buses can be availed from these stations to reach the temple.
- By Road: Tiruvannamalai enjoys excellent road connectivity with major cities in South India, accessible via bus or car.

Address:
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai-606601

Phone:
04175 252 438

Email:
arunachaleswarar@tnhrce.org

Website:
http://www.arunachaleswarartemple.tnhrce.in/