Arunachalesvara | Annamalaiyar | Arunachalam | Tiruvannamalai

The Arunachalesvara Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the base of Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is considered one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva globally and dates back several thousand years, with its origins traced to the 7th century

Key Points:

Location: Situated in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, at the base of Arunachala hill.

Significance: Associated with the Hindu sect of Shaivism and the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, representing the element of fire (Agni).

Deities: Lord Shiva worshipped as Arunachalesvara or Annamalaiyar, with Parvati depicted as Unnamalai Amman.

Architecture: Features Dravidian architecture with a 41-meter tall tower and intricate carvings resembling Hoyasala and Vijayanagara styles.

Festivals: Celebrates Karthikai Deepam grandly in the Tamil month of Karthigai, attracting devotees worldwide.

Timings: Open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM for visitors and devotees to partake in rituals and prayers.

The Arunachalam temple's history is rich, with various dynasties like the Cholas, Pallavas, and Vijayanagara kings contributing to its construction. The temple complex spans 25 acres and includes nine towers, courtyards, tanks, and a thousand-pillared hall. It holds immense spiritual significance and is revered for its architectural beauty and religious devotion.

The history of arunachalam temple

The Arunachalesvara Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the base of Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple's history dates back several thousand years, with its origins traced to the 7th century. Over the centuries, various dynasties like the Cholas, Pallavas, Vijayanagara kings, and others have contributed to its construction and expansion

Historical Timeline:

7th Century: Origins of the temple can be traced back to this period.

9th Century: Inscriptions indicate that the temple as it stands today dates back to this century and was built by Chola monarchs.

Colonial Era: In the first half of the 19th century, the town and temple came under British rule.

Modern Times: From 1951, the temple has been maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The Arunachalam temple complex is renowned for its architectural beauty, featuring Dravidian architecture with intricate carvings resembling Hoyasala and Vijayanagara styles. It spans 25 acres and includes nine towers, courtyards, tanks, and a thousand-pillared hall. The Arunachalesvara Temple holds immense spiritual significance and is a focal point for religious devotion and pilgrimage in South India.

The temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is an expansive architectural marvel located at the base of Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. Here are some details about the size of the temple based on the search results:

Area: The temple complex covers a vast area of 25 acres, making it one of the largest temple complexes in India

Walls: The temple is surrounded by four high stone walls, with the east and west walls measuring 700 feet (210 meters), the south wall measuring 1,479 feet (451 meters), and the north wall measuring 1,590 feet (480 meters)

Towers: The temple boasts four gateway towers known as gopurams. The eastern tower stands at an impressive height of 66 meters (217 feet) with 11 storeys, making it one of the largest temple towers in India

Prakarams: The temple complex includes nine huge towers and nine Prakarmas, with a total of five Prakarams built at different times. The third Prakaram was built in the 12th century, while the fourth and fifth Prakarams were constructed in the 16th century

The Arunachalesvara Temple's grandeur and vastness, along with its intricate architecture and spiritual significance, attract devotees and visitors from far and wide to experience its sacred ambiance and historical richness.