Arunachalesvara Temple

Arunachalesvara Temple is a major Hindu temple complex in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Shiva as Arunachalesvara. The principal structures date from medieval South Indian dynasties and the complex is a focal point for regional Shaiva worship.

A large, multi-enclosure temple complex contains multiple gopurams, pillared halls, inner shrines, and extensive circumambulatory corridors. The site is closely linked to the adjacent Arunachala hill; a 14 kilometre pilgrimage circuit around the hill is a notable feature. Major festival rituals include the lighting of a hill-top beacon each year during the Karthigai month.

Major construction phases took place under medieval Chola rulers with substantial later expansions and additions by Vijayanagara and Nayak-period patrons between roughly the 9th and 16th centuries. The temple has remained an active ritual center throughout the modern period.

The complex sits in the town of Tiruvannamalai in central Tamil Nadu, about 180 kilometres south of Chennai by road. The temple occupies the urban core and the adjacent Arunachala hill rises immediately to the west of the shrine.

• Girivalam distance: The hill around which devotees circumambulate measures roughly 14 kilometres in circumference and the walk is a central devotional practice.
• Karthigai Deepam festival: An annual festival lights a large beacon on the nearby Arunachala hill during the Tamil month of Karthigai, drawing large numbers of pilgrims.
• Rajagopuram height: The temple complex includes a very tall east gopuram; the principal rajagopuram is commonly cited at about 66 metres in height.

What to See #

• Rajagopuram (main gateway): The main east-facing gate complex with a multi-tiered gopuram that serves as the principal entrance to the temple; the current rajagopuram is one of the tallest on the site.
• Sanctum (garbhagriha): The inner sanctum houses the primary Shiva linga venerated as Arunachalesvara; it is the ritual heart of the complex and the focus of major pujas.
• Girivalam path: A 14 kilometre circumambulatory route around the adjacent hill used by pilgrims for the annual Girivalam practice, taken barefoot by many devotees on full moon nights.