Arunachaleswarar Shiva Temple – Surviving over Millennia

India is a multi-cultural country, and people blindly believe in and worship their gods. To pay their respects, there are hundreds and thousands of temples throughout the country. A huge number of pilgrims visit various renowned temples of different gods and goddesses. In the South Indian region, you will find many temples, one of which is the renowned Arunachaleswarar Shiva Temple. This temple is located in the Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.

History

According to Hindu mythology, there are three main gods responsible for the eternal cycle of creation and destruction: Lord Brahma, the creator; Lord Vishnu, the preserver; and Lord Shiva, the destroyer. As the name indicates, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and people visit in huge numbers. There are three different categories of Shiva Lingam sites in India: Jyotir Lingams, Swayambhu Lingams, and Bhuta Lingams. As a well-known pilgrimage destination, the Arunachaleswarar Shiva Temple has plenty to offer.

• Must Read: Popular Hindu Temples in Tamil Nadu

Structure 

The Shiva temple at the site of Tiruvannamalai is located at the foot of Arunachala Hill. Spreading over an area of 25 acres, this complex has no known founding date. It has survived over millennia, and its large towers, known as Gopurams, were built between the 10th and 16th centuries. The tallest of these Gopurams stands at 60 meters and has 13 stories. The central temple houses images of Lord Shiva as Lord Annamalai and his consort, Unnamalai. The grand Deepam festival is held every year during the Hindu month of Karthikai, which typically falls from November to December.

The Arunachaleswarar Shiva Temple is the largest and oldest temple among all others in South India. With incredible architectural work, the temple is a great example of ancient civilization and architecture. The stone carvings are so intricate that they capture every visitor’s attention at first glance. It is believed that the construction of this temple took many years. The towering Gopuram is breathtaking, making people wonder how it was built during a time when there was no advanced technology or innovation.

Festivals

The Deepam festival attracts a huge crowd of pilgrims and celebrates the manifestation of Lord Shiva as the light of Arunachala. For ten days, the city of Tiruvannamalai becomes alive with celebrations, dancing, processions, and singing. On the final day of the festival, during the full moon, a huge beacon fire is lit at the top of the hill to commemorate the fire left by Lord Shiva. Arunachala Hill is regarded as a miraculous place for healing, particularly for ailments such as infertility and lung diseases in women. In fact, Arunachala Hill is a symbol of spiritual knowledge, and many great sages have lived here, including the famous Ramana Maharshi, who lived there from 1879 to 1950.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Arunachaleswarar Shiva Temple is from November to January. During this time, you can also experience and enjoy the festival mentioned earlier. The ideal time to visit the temple is in the morning. Although people visit and worship there throughout the day, you can visit early in the morning to offer your reverence. The temple remains open from early morning to late evening, especially for pilgrims who visit from far-flung areas. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple on Sundays, as it is a public holiday and gets overcrowded with pilgrims.

There is no entrance fee to enter the temple premises, so you can visit anytime and explore the many fascinating aspects of this ancient temple. No wonder, here you will find plenty of sights that will captivate you.