Thiruvannamalai is located right at the foot of the Arunachala Hills, which are sacred in Tamil Nadu. The place contains the Arunachaleswarar Temple, which is one of the most significant Shaivite temples in South India and a highly honored place of worship. The temple representing the fire (Agni) element among the Pancha Bhoota temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar. Every year, millions of pilgrims pay a visit to this holy place, especially when it is Full Moon (Purnima) days and during the grand Karthigai Deepam festival.
If you desire a peaceful and well-planned visit, it is important to know the Thiruvannamalai Temple timings and the schedule of rituals.
Arunachaleswarar Temple Overview
The Arunachaleswarar Temple is built over an area of almost 25 acres and is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. It has huge gopurams, large corridors, holy water tanks, and many shrines. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped here as Unnamulai Amman. The central Shiva Lingam is thought to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), thus adding to the temple’s spiritual importance.
The Arunachala Hill, which is sacred and a literal representation of Shiva, surrounds the temple. Great saints, such as Sri Ramana Maharshi, used to practice meditation here, so the spiritual atmosphere of the place has been enhanced.
Thiruvannamalai Temple Site
Address:
Arunachaleswarar Temple,
Girivalam Road,
Thiruvannamalai – 606601,
Tamil Nadu, India
Thiruvannamalai Temple Schedule
The temple has a well-organized daily routine, and the poojas are held at regular times:
Temple Opens: 5:00 AM
Ushakala Pooja: 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM
Kalashanti Pooja: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Uchikala Pooja: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Closure: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Evening Reopens: 3:30 PM
Sayaraksha Pooja: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Irandam Kala Pooja: 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Arthajama Pooja: 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Temple Closes: 9:30 PM
On festival days and full moon nights, timings may be extended.
Best Time to Visit
The mornings of 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM are the best time for a calm darshan. Devotees who want to see the traditional rituals should take their visits to the temple during the pooja hours when the chanting, lamps, and temple music have created an environment that is very meditative. The period from November to February is the most pleasant for the climate.
Temple Darshan Tickets & Seva Charges
General Darshan: Free
Special Darshan: ₹50–₹100
Abhishekam: From ₹250 onwards
Archana: ₹5–₹20
The tickets can be purchased at the counters located inside the temple complex.
Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina) – A Sacred Walk
Girivalam is the circumambulation around the Arunachala Hill, which is a unique form of spiritual practice that involves walking a distance of almost 14 kilometers. It is done mostly on full moon nights and takes about 3 to 5 hours. The route is illuminated and has a number of small temples along the way, making it a tranquil and powerful spiritual experience.
Visitor Tips
Dress modestly in traditional attire.
Footwear is not permitted inside the temple.
Photography is restricted inside the sanctum.
Prasadam is available inside the temple.
Accommodation options range from ashrams to hotels nearby.
How to Reach Thiruvannamalai
By Train: Well-connected via Thiruvannamalai Railway Station
By Bus: Frequent TNSTC buses from Chennai, Bengaluru, Vellore & Pondicherry
By Road: Around 4 hours from Chennai and 3.5 hours from Pondicherry
