When is the best time to visit Tiruvannamalai?

The best time to visit is during the Karthigai Deepam festival, which falls between November and December, or from October to March for pleasant weather.

How can I reach Tiruvannamalai?

Tiruvannamalai is accessible via road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, and the town has a well-connected railway station and regular bus services.

What are the key attractions in Tiruvannamalai?

The key attractions include the Arunachalesvara Temple, the thousand-pillared hall, the Karthigai Deepam festival, and the scenic Arunachala Hill.

Tiruvannamalai

Tamil Nadu

Tiruvannamalai is a sacred town in Tamil Nadu, renowned for the Arunachalesvara Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated at the base of the sacred Arunachala Hill and is significant for its connection to the element of fire, one of the five elements in Hindu philosophy. The temple complex spans 10 hectares, making it one of the largest in India, and features four massive gateway towers, including the 66-meter tall eastern tower.

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Itineraries for Tiruvannamalai

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Temples in Tiruvannamalai

See all temples and their timings in Tiruvannamalai at one place

Mangaladevi Kannagi Temple

Yama Lingam Temple

Arunachaleshwar Temple - Agni Lingam

Vellayani Devi Temple

Nirudhi Lingam

Adi Annamalai Temple

Indra Lingam

Varuna Lingam

Sthal
Padyatra

Sthal near Tiruvannamalai

Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram

Sri Ramanasramam

Skandashramam

How to Reach Tiruvannamalai

Transportation

Emergency Contact

Reach by Air

The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport, approximately 180 km away.

Reach by Train

Tiruvannamalai Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu.

Reach by Road

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses are available for short-distance travel.

Historical Timeline

1st century BCE - Mentioned by ancient Tamil poets like Nakkirar, Kapilar, and Paranar. 7th century CE - Composed poems by Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar. 9th century CE - Present masonry structure built during the Chola dynasty. 14th to 16th century CE - Further expansions under the Vijayanagara Empire and Nayakar dynasty. 2002 - Declared a national heritage monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Bhagwan in Tiruvannamalai

Bhagwan associated to Tiruvannamalai and whose famous temples and sthal are there in Tiruvannamalai

Lord Indra

Lord Agni

Lord Yama

Frequently Asked Questions

The Arunachalesvara Temple is significant as one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas, representing the element of fire (Agni), and is considered one of the four sacred places for obtaining salvation.