Tiruvannamalai

About Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai - Thondaimandalam


Tiruvannamalai is a very famous place, both spiritually and historically. The temple is very unique as it is one of the pancha bhooda stalams sung by Saiva Kuravargal. The annamaliayar kovil was built before 1100 years, and the architecture of the temple has its contributions from various kingdoms, including Cholas, Pandias, Sambuvarayars, Posalas, Vijayanagar kings, Nayaks,Nagarathargal, chefs, and Zamindars.


The temple possesses more than 1000 statues and 450 stone inscriptions. The temple has more than 100 sannidhis. Various idols, bronze statues, paintings, thirusutrugal, thirtakulangal, 1000-pillar mahal, and towering gopurams are the specialties of the temple. The temple is very enormous, with an area of around 25 acres, and the East Gopuram was built by King Krishnadevarayar with a height of 217 feet, which is the second tallest gopuram in Tamil Nadu.

Other than this, the temple consists of Vallala Maharaja Gopuram, Kili Gopuram, and Ammani Amman Gopuram, which are of historic importance. The main deities of the temple are Annamalaiyar and Unnamalai Amman. The Ezhuthu Mandapam, situated on Girivalam Path, is an excellent art gallery. Kanthashram. Pavazhakundru. Ramanashram and Astalingas around the Girivala Path are a few notable tourist spots.


Popular Place to visit In Tiruvannamalai

  • Girivalam
  • Arunachaleswarar temple
  • Arunachala Mountain
  • Sri Ramanasramam
  • Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
  • Yogi Ram Surath Kumar Ashram
  • Agini Lingam
  • Nirudhi Lingam
  • Varuna Lingam

1.Annamalaiyar Temple



The Annamalaiyar Temple is considered one of the temples associated with the Agni, or fire element, of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, or the five elements, and is significant to the Hindu sect of Shaivism. The priests perform the temple rituals very stringently, six times a day, and are always punctual. In the region, Lord Shiva is also known as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar. His idol is referred to as Agni Lingam, and Goddess Parvati is referred to as Unnamalai Amman.

Believers visit the temple for religious purposes and to offer prayers to the deities. It is said that visiting this temple and offering prayers with a clean heart will absolve one's sins. It is here that many Sages and Maharishis have attained salvation in the past, and it is here that one should come to experience at least a moment of peace in today's fast-paced world.

2.Ramana Ashram



Located at the foothills of the Arunachala hills, to the west of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, the Ramana Ashrama is famous for having served as home to the modern sage and Advaita Vedanta philosopher, Ramana Maharshi, from the year 1922 until his death in the year 1950. The Samadhi shrine of Maharshi Ramana continues to attract devotees from all over who love to visit the place to relax and refresh themselves, far away from the maddening crowd and hustle and bustle of the city.

The Sage Maharshi Ramana was regarded as an outstandingly enlightened being by his followers. Many devotees got attracted to his charismatic personality, and his teachings are now spread in many regions, making him respected and renowned all across the globe. This is perhaps why the Ramana Ashram continues to be a favourite tourist attraction that is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

The ashram gradually grew in its present location only after the settlement of Ramana Maharshi near the Samadhi shrine of his mother, Alagammal, who died on May 19, 1922. Initially, just a single small hut was built there. By 1924, two huts were set up, one of which was opposite the samadhi, and the other one was to the north. The Ramana Ashram is the perfect place to be, not just for those interested in Vedanta but also for those who are curious about Indian spirituality and wish to learn more about it.

3.Thiruvannamalai TEMPLE



Annamalaiyar Temple, a breathtaking temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the bustling town of Thiruvannamalai, at the base of Annamalai Hills in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. As you walk closer to the grand temple complex, you'll notice how marvellously the structures have been built. This 25-acre complex is sure to mesmerize you with its beauty and elegance. There are numerous intricately adorned shrines and halls within the entire temple complex, which is also considered one of the largest temple complexes in India. Make it a point to see the splendid eastern gopuram (tower), which is one of the tallest temple towers in India as it stands 66 metres tall, and the gorgeous thousand-pillared hall that extends serenely in the temple complex.