TirthaSeva logo
A gopuram of the Arunachaleswarar temple rising above a stone mandapam

Home › Temples › Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Walk the sacred hill.

Deity
Shiva as Arunachaleswarar, with Devi as Unnamulai Amman
Where
Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
Time to keep
2 days
Best season
November to February; every full moon for Girivalam
Karthigai Deepam · Tue 24 Nov 2026Read our Deepam 2026 guide →

Why this temple matters

Here the hill itself is worshipped as Shiva. Arunachala is the Agni (fire) lingam among the five Pancha Bhoota sthalams, and for many devotees simply walking around the hill is the heart of the yatra. It is also where Ramana Maharshi lived and taught, which draws seekers from around the world.

Temple tower with Arunachala hill behind, Thiruvannamalai
Arunachala hill under monsoon clouds
Gopuram, palms and Arunachala hill under a dappled sky
Pilgrims walking Girivalam at dusk
Birds circling a white gopuram of the Arunachaleswarar temple
The road to Thiruvannamalai with Arunachala ahead
Devotees seated in prayer inside the temple

The story

Brahma and Vishnu once argued over who was greater. Shiva appeared between them as an endless column of fire. Neither could find its top or bottom, and the fire later settled as the hill of Arunachala. The Karthigai Deepam lit on the summit each year recalls that column of light.

What to look for

  • The Rajagopuram, among the tallest temple towers in India, and the four great gateway towers facing each direction
  • The thousand-pillared mandapam and the many tanks within the vast temple complex
  • The view of the hill rising directly behind the temple
  • The eight Ashta Lingams placed around the Girivalam path

Festivals and when to go

  • Karthigai Deepam (November–December): the Maha Deepam is lit on the hilltop and draws lakhs of devotees
  • Pournami Girivalam every full moon
  • Maha Shivaratri
  • Chitra Pournami (April–May)

The practical truth

  • Girivalam is a walk of about 14 km around the hill, usually done barefoot and often at night on full moons. Elders can do part of it, or go around by vehicle on the outer road.
  • Full moons and Deepam days are extremely crowded. Stays fill early.
  • Ramana Ashram and Skandashramam are close by and worth unhurried time.

Timings, rules and festival dates change. We confirm the current details for every yatra.

Have a question about Thiruvannamalai?

Questions about this temple? Ask us directly.

Start a guided enquiry

Combine Thiruvannamalai with

Kanchipuram: View of Dhvajastambham and Gopuram of Ulagalantha Perumal temple , in Kanchipuram , Tamilnadu, India Tamil NaduKanchipuramCity of a thousand temples Tamil NaduChidambaramNataraja PuducherryManakula VinayagarGanesha by the sea

How we take you here

Tell us your dates, your companions and your pace. We shape the yatra and explain every cost before you confirm.

Plan my Thiruvannamalai yatra

Questions yatris ask

When is the best time to visit Thiruvannamalai?

November to February; every full moon for Girivalam. Festival days are the most crowded, so plan and book early for those.

How much time should we keep for Thiruvannamalai?

We suggest 2 days at an easy pace, more if you are travelling with elders or for a festival.

What can we combine with Thiruvannamalai?

Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Manakula Vinayagar fit well on the same yatra. Your SahaYatri will suggest an order that suits your pace.

Can TirthaSeva plan our yatra to Thiruvannamalai?

Yes. We plan the route, travel, stays and temple visits around your pace, with a multilingual SahaYatri as your single point of contact. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 74115 67001.