Temple town at the foot of the holy Arunachala hill, home of the Arunachaleswarar temple (the Agni sthalam) and Sri Ramana Maharshi. Pilgrims come for darshan, the ashrams and the 14 km Girivalam.
Best time to visit: January, February, November, December
Plan for 3 days
About
Tiruvannamalai is among the oldest and most revered Shiva centres in Tamil Nadu. The Arunachaleswarar temple is the Agni (fire) sthalam of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, and the hill itself, Arunachala, is worshipped as a form of Shiva. The name combines "Aruna" (red, fire) and "Achala" (hill).
Tradition holds that Shiva appeared here as an endless column of fire to humble Brahma and Vishnu. The main temple covers about 25 acres and carries inscriptions from the Chola period (9th century onwards).
The town is also a global centre for self-inquiry, as the home of Sri Ramana Maharshi, with many ashrams, samadhis of siddhas and caves on the hill. The best-known practice is Girivalam, the 14 km walk around the hill past the eight directional lingams.
Holy places
Holy hill
Arunachala Hill
Worshipped as a living form of Shiva and the focus of Girivalam. Devotees believe that even remembering the hill brings liberation. Caves and viewpoints on the hill can be visited on foot.
Ashram
Sri Ramanasramam
Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi, the teacher of self-inquiry who drew seekers from around the world. It also runs a dispensary in TSR Nagar and offers guest accommodation.
Ashram
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Ashram associated with the saint Sri Seshadri Swamigal.
Samadhi
Mookupodi Siddhar Jeeva Samadhi
Resting place of the siddha Mookupodi Siddhar, one of several jeeva samadhis of realised saints in the town.
Holy place
Adi Annamalai Temple
On the western side of the hill and older than the main temple, traditionally said to have been founded by Brahma. On certain days in April and September the first rays of the sun fall directly on the lingam.
Holy place
Pachaiamman Temple
Temple of Goddess Pachaiamman (Parvati) set in greenery, where tradition says Parvati did penance as "Pachai" to reunite with Shiva. Sri Ramana Maharshi stayed here for about six months during the 1905 plague.
Holy place
Arunagirinathar Temple
Dedicated to the 15th-century poet-saint Arunagirinathar, author of the Thiruppugazh hymns to Murugan, who according to tradition was saved here by Murugan and transformed.
Holy place
Idukku Pillaiyar Kovil (Motcha Margam)
A shrine on the Girivalam path where devotees lie down and crawl through a narrow opening, believed to cleanse past sins and symbolise the soul passing from darkness to light.
Walking routes
Girivalam
14 km · Walked on Pournami (full moon)
The 14 km barefoot circumambulation of Arunachala hill, keeping the hill on the right. It passes the eight directional lingams (Ashta Lingams) along with Surya, Chandra and Ner Annamalai shrines and the Idukku Pillaiyar crawl-through. Most popular on full-moon nights; starting before dawn avoids the heat.
Next dates
25 Oct, 11:57 am to 26 Oct, 9:42 am
23 Nov, 11:43 pm to 24 Nov, 8:24 pm
23 Dec, 10:48 am to 24 Dec, 6:59 am
Times are Indian Standard Time, worked out for this town with the site's Tamil calendar.
Stops
Indra Lingam (East) — First of the eight lingams; Indra is said to have worshipped here to be freed of sin. Prayed to for prosperity, long life and removal of career obstacles. Linked to Rishabam and Thulam rasis (Sun, Venus).
Agni Lingam (South-east) — Lingam of fire, the only one on the right-hand side of the path. Prayed to for relief from illness, stress and fear. Linked to Simham rasi (Moon).
Yama Lingam (South) — Associated with Yama; the Simha Theertham tank is nearby. Prayed to for freedom from fear of death and from debts, and for long life. Linked to Viruchigam rasi (Mars).
Niruthi Lingam (South-west) — Associated with Niruthi; prayed to for protection from evil eye and negative forces and for the blessing of children. Linked to Mesham rasi (Rahu).
Ner Annamalai — Where Shiva is said to have appeared to Goddess Unnamalai after her penance; the hill is seen straight ("ner") from here, considered Somaskanda darshan.
Varuna Lingam (West) — Associated with Varuna, who is said to have created the Varuna Theertham here. Prayed to for success in work and social life. Linked to Makaram and Kumbam rasis (Saturn).
Surya Lingam — Dedicated to the Sun; prayed to for health, eyesight, vitality and relief from skin ailments.
Vayu Lingam (North-west) — Lingam of air, at a spot known for its steady breeze. Prayed to for relief from heart, lung and stomach ailments and for peace of mind. Linked to Kadagam rasi (Ketu).
Chandra Lingam — Dedicated to the Moon; prayed to for mental peace and emotional balance.
Kubera Lingam (North) — Associated with Kubera, lord of wealth; one of the most visited lingams, prayed to for prosperity. Linked to Dhanusu and Meenam rasis (Jupiter).
Idukku Pillaiyar Kovil (Motcha Margam) — Devotees crawl through a narrow passage here, believed to cleanse past sins.
Esanya Lingam (North-east) — The last lingam, completing the circuit; prayed to for wisdom and success in education and the arts. Linked to Mithunam and Kanni rasis (Mercury).
Essentials
Hospital
Government Medical College Hospital
Full government general hospital for major medical emergencies.
Pharmacy with extended (often late or 24-hour) opening.
Near Sannathi Street
Hospital
Sri Ramanasramam Dispensary
Community medical service run by Sri Ramanasramam.
TSR Nagar
Planning tips
Getting there
By air: Chennai International Airport is about 170 km away; Bengaluru airport (about 200 km) is another option.
In town: auto-rickshaws are easy to find for short trips. For Girivalam most pilgrims walk, while some hire bicycles or electric scooters.
Plan at least 2 to 3 days to cover the temple, an ashram and Girivalam.
November to February is the most pleasant season (about 15 to 30 °C); Karthigai Deepam (Nov/Dec) is the biggest festival.
Start Girivalam before dawn, around 4 am, to avoid the heat.
Keep silence in meditation halls and caves.
Cover shoulders and knees when entering temples.
Footwear is left outside temples; a light cloth bag for shoes helps.
Keep food inside bags; monkeys are common.
Carry some cash, as small shops may not take digital payments.
Mobile data works well, but ashram Wi-Fi is often limited.
