Arunachaleswarar Temple
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India, Tamil Nadu
Temple
Dravidian Architecture
Chola Dynasty / Vijayanagara Empire
Major Pilgrimage Site (Shaivism), managed by HR&CE Dept. TN.
Year Built
N/A
Built By
Chola dynasty (initial structures), Vijayanagara Empire (major expansions), Saluva & Tuluva Dynasties
Patronage
Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, Nayak rulers
Area
100000 m²
Arunachaleswarar Temple
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple
This vast Dravidian temple complex in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar, representing the element fire (Agni Lingam) as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. Situated at the base of the sacred Arunachala hill, the temple is famed for its massive gopurams (towers) and attracts millions, especially during the Karthigai Deepam festival. It remains a vital centre of Saivite pilgrimage and tradition, embodying deep spiritual significance and architectural grandeur unique to the region.
Location
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India(Tamil Nadu)
Year Built
N/A
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
6:00 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free entry.
Heritage Status
Major Pilgrimage Site (Shaivism), managed by HR&CE Dept. TN.
Preservation Status
Good, ongoing maintenance for vast active complex.
Historical Context
While its origins are ancient (praised in 7th-8th C Tevaram hymns by Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, predating structural evidence), the grand complex is a result of continuous accretion over a millennium. Early Chola patronage (Aditya I, Parantaka I) likely established stone structures. Expansions under later Cholas (Rajendra Chola) and Pandyas followed. The Vijayanagara Empire, particularly under Krishnadevaraya (early 16th C), added monumental gopurams and the thousand-pillared mandapam, reflecting imperial power. Nayaka rulers further embellished it, solidifying its status as a major Shaiva center and pilgrimage hub associated with the Agni Lingam concept and the historically significant Karthigai Deepam festival.
Archaeological Survey
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) & Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) have studied inscriptions. Temple managed by HR&CE Dept. TN.
Location Map
Architectural Details
Dravidian Architecture
Chola Dynasty / Vijayanagara Empire
Built by
Chola dynasty (initial structures), Vijayanagara Empire (major expansions), Saluva & Tuluva Dynasties
Materials
Granite
Dimensions
Height66m
Area100000m²
Featured Image
Excavation Details
Primarily epigraphical studies of numerous inscriptions dating from Chola, Pandya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara periods detailing endowments, construction phases, and history. No major excavations reported within the main complex; focus is on conservation and inscription documentation.
Restoration Work
Ongoing maintenance, periodic structural upkeep of large temple complex (HR&CE).
Patronage
Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, Nayak rulers
Construction Technique
Stone masonry, Carving
Architectural Influences
4 items
Building Techniques
Construction of massive gopurams (towers), pillared mandapas, enclosure walls
Coordinates
12.231200, 79.067800
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Vast complex requiring extensive walking. Generally flat terrain within prakarams, but numerous steps to access certain shrines/levels. Crowds can impede movement.","restrooms":"Available, variable cleanliness","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited/Partial (main courtyards may be possible with assistance)"}
Visitor Facilities
9 items
Best Visit Times
Visit during the cooler winter months (November to March) for comfortable exploration of the vast complex. Early mornings (around 6 AM) offer a deeply spiritual atmosphere with fewer crowds. Attending evening rituals can also be profound. Avoid major festival days like Karthigai Deepam unless prepared for immense crowds.
Seasonal Events
6 items
Visitor Restrictions
Strict modest dress code essential (shoulders, knees covered). Footwear must be removed well before main temple areas. Photography/videography is prohibited inside the inner sanctums and restricted elsewhere. Maintain respectful silence, especially during pujas. Large bags may need checking.
View Count
14
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
70
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-22T13:52:33+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-22T13:52:36+00:00