Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Main God
Lord Shiva
Timings
5:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location
Tiruvannamalai
Type
MAJOR
Enter through the massive 66-meter Rajagopuram (east tower), one of the tallest gopurams in India. Remove footwear and proceed into the vast temple complex.
Visit the Pathala Lingam in the lower chamber - this is where Ramana Maharshi meditated when he first arrived in Tiruvannamalai.
Proceed to the main sanctum for darshan of the Agni Lingam (Arunachaleswarar), representing the fire element among the Pancha Bhoota Stalams.
Visit the shrine of Goddess Unnamulai (Apithakuchambal), the consort deity, located in the second prakaram.
If time permits, undertake the 14-km Girivalam barefoot path around Arunachala Hill, visiting the eight lingam shrines along the route. Best done during full moon nights.
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601
By Bus
Frequent TNSTC buses from Chennai (4 hrs), Pondicherry (2.5 hrs), Kanchipuram (2 hrs), and Vellore (1.5 hrs). Central bus stand is 1 km from the temple.
By Air
Chennai International Airport (MAA) - 185 km (3.5 hours by road); Tiruchirappalli Airport (TRZ) - 200 km
By Rail
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station - 1 km from the temple, with trains from Chennai, Villupuram, and Katpadi
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the primary local transport. Shared autos run along Girivalam path. Cycle hire available for Girivalam.
