The sacred Arunachalam Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site nestled at the foot of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Arunachalesvara, and to Goddess Parvati as Unnamulai Amman. As one of the revered Pancha Bhoota Sthalas, it symbolizes the element of Agni (fire) and holds a special place in the hearts of Shaivites across the world.
Arunachalam Temple Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Arunachalam Temple / Annamalaiyar Temple |
| Location | Arunachala Hill, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Arunachalesvara), Goddess Parvati (Unnamulai) |
| Governing Body | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Built By | Cholas, Hoysala, and Vijayanagar kings |
| Temple Style | Dravidian Architecture |
| Best Festival | Karthika Deepam (3 million devotees attend) |
| Official Website | annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
Annamalaiyar Temple Timings 2026
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Temple Opening | 5:30 AM |
| Temple Closing | 8:30 PM |
| Darshan Extension | Till 7:45 PM (On Full Moon, Weekends, Holidays) |
Pooja & Aarti Timings
| Ritual Name | Time |
|---|---|
| Ko Pooja | 5:00 AM – 5:15 AM |
| Ushakala Pooja | 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
| Uchikkala Pooja | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Sayaraksha Pooja | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Irandamkala Pooja | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
Note: Darshan is through East Rajagopuram and North Ammani Amman Gopuram gates.
Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam) – Full Moon Ritual
The Giri Pradakshina, also called Girivalam, is the act of circumambulating Arunachala Hill barefoot. Devotees walk 14 km during the Purnima (Full Moon) night seeking blessings for liberation and cleansing of sins.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 14 km (8.7 miles) |
| Time Required | 3–5 hours |
| Preferred Day | Every Full Moon (Pournami) |
| Belief | Washes sins, fulfills wishes, attains moksha |
Giri Pradakshina Dates 2026
| Purnima Date | Start Time | End Date | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Jan 2026 | 5:03 AM | 14 Jan 2026 | 3:56 AM |
| 11 Feb 2026 | 6:55 PM | 12 Feb 2026 | 7:25 PM |
| 13 Mar 2026 | 10:36 AM | 14 Mar 2026 | 12:24 PM |
| 12 Apr 2026 | 3:21 AM | 13 Apr 2026 | 5:24 AM |
| 11 May 2026 | 8:02 PM | 12 May 2026 | 10:25 PM |
| 10 Jun 2026 | 11:35 AM | 11 Jun 2026 | 1:13 PM |
| 10 Jul 2026 | 2:08 AM | 11 Jul 2026 | 2:06 AM |
| 08 Aug 2026 | 2:12 PM | 09 Aug 2026 | 1:24 PM |
| 06 Sep 2026 | 11:41 PM | 07 Sep 2026 | 11:38 PM |
| 06 Oct 2026 | 12:24 PM | 07 Oct 2026 | 9:17 AM |
| 04 Nov 2026 | 10:36 PM | 05 Nov 2026 | 6:49 PM |
| 04 Dec 2026 | 8:37 AM | 05 Dec 2026 | 5:43 AM |
Online Booking for Sevas & Darshan
You can book pooja offerings, sevas, and darshan tickets online through the temple’s official HRCE portal.
Steps to Book Online:
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Click on “Online Booking / Seva”.
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Choose your desired seva (e.g., Abhishekam, Archana).
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Select the date and time.
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Fill in devotee details.
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Make payment via online mode.
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You’ll receive a confirmation by SMS or email.
Contact Information
| Department | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple |
| Address | Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai – 606601, Tamil Nadu |
| Phone | 04175-252438 |
| jceotvm_20343.hrce@tn.gov.in | |
| Website | annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best time to visit Arunachalam Temple?
The best time is during Karthika Deepam (November-December) and Full Moon Days (Girivalam).
Q2. Can I book darshan or pooja tickets online?
Yes, visit annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in to book online.
Q3. What is special about Girivalam?
It is a 14 km barefoot walk around the sacred hill, believed to remove sins and grant moksha.
Q4. Are there accommodations nearby?
Yes, Tiruvannamalai has several guest houses, mutts, and lodges for pilgrims.
Q5. What is the dress code?
Modest and traditional attire is recommended. Avoid western outfits inside the temple premises.