Arunachaleswarar Temple
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📍 Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
⭐ Featured National SignificanceOne of the most sacred Pancha Bhoota Stalams representing fire, Arunachaleswarar Temple sits at the base of the holy Arunachala Hill, where Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of fire.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Lord Arunachaleswarar (Shiva)
Pancha Bhoota Stalam
Arunachaleswarar, Agni Lingam, Fire Shiva
✨ Spiritual Highlights
The temple grants spiritual illumination, burns away sins and negativity, provides transformation and purification, spiritual awakening, and the fire of knowledge that destroys ignorance.
The temple is famous for the miraculous Karthigai Deepam fire on the hilltop, spiritual transformation experiences, burning away of negative karma, and the powerful spiritual energy of Arunachala Hill.
Girivalam (circumambulation of Arunachala Hill), offering prayers for spiritual illumination, participating in Karthigai Deepam, seeking transformation through fire energy, and meditation practices.
Spiritual illumination and awakening, transformation and purification, burning away of negative karma, spiritual fire awakening, knowledge and wisdom, and liberation from ignorance.
📖 About Arunachaleswarar Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most revered among the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing the Agni (Fire) element. The temple is located at the base of the sacred Arunachala Hill, which itself is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva as an infinite column of fire. According to legend, this is where Shiva appeared as Jyotirlinga to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu. The temple is famous for the Karthigai Deepam festival when a massive fire is lit on the hilltop, visible for miles around. The entire Arunachala Hill is considered sacred, and devotees perform Girivalam (circumambulation) around the 14-kilometer hill path.
🏛️ Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Architecture (9th Century CE (Chola Period))
Massive temple complex with towering gopurams, ancient Dravidian architecture, intricate fire-themed carvings, sacred Arunachala Hill backdrop
Arunachaleswarar fire lingam, Karthigai Deepam cauldron, Arunachala Hill, ancient fire symbols, spiritual fire elements
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
Karthigai Deepam: November-December (10-day festival), Maha Shivaratri: February-March
Karthigai Deepam fire ceremony, Girivalam spiritual walks, fire element worship, hill illumination
Monsoon fire ceremonies, winter Deepam celebration, full moon Girivalam
🙏 Rituals & Traditions
Fire element worship, Karthigai Deepam lighting, daily fire rituals, Girivalam practices, spiritual fire ceremonies
Girivalam hill circumambulation tradition, Karthigai Deepam fire festival, fire element spiritual practices, hill meditation customs
Fire-blessed prasadam including traditional sweets, sacred ash, and fire-purified offerings
👕 Visitor Guidelines
Traditional South Indian attire preferred. Comfortable clothing for Girivalam. Remove footwear before entering temple.
Wheelchair accessible to main areas. Girivalam path available for those able to walk the hill circuit.
🎥 Videos
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Lord Arunachaleswarar (Shiva)
Pancha Bhoota Stalam
5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601, India
✈️ How to Reach
Chennai Airport (185 km)
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (2 km)
Tiruvannamalai Bus Stand (1 km)
By Road: Well connected by NH-66 from Chennai, Bangalore. By Train: Regular trains from major cities. Hill location with spiritual significance.
🏨 Accommodation
Numerous accommodations including ashrams, hotels, guest houses, and spiritual retreat centers.
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
Ramana Ashram, Skandashram, Virupaksha Cave, Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, and various spiritual centers
🙏 Associated Deities
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Audio guide is available for this temple to enhance your spiritual experience.