Verified Sanctuary • Today, 06:10 AM9th Century CE Chola foundation; 16th Century Vijayanagara 217-foot Eastern Gopuram
Arunachaleswarar Temple
அருணாசலேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில்
AALAYAMYATRA AI TEMPLE OVERVIEW
Grounded in Vedic Agamas & EpigraphySpanning 25 magnificent acres at the base of the sacred hill of Arunachala, Arunachaleswarar is one of the revered Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, embodying the Fire element (Agni). Ramana Maharshi spent decades in profound silence here. The sacred 14 km Girivalam barefoot circumambulation around the sacred mountain draws millions on full moon nights.
Primary DeityLord Shiva (Agni Lingam / Annamalaiyar) & Goddess Unnamalai Amman
Historical Period9th Century CE Chola foundation; 16th Century Vijayanagara 217-foot Eastern Gopuram
Ideal Visit Duration1 to 2 Days
Best SeasonSeptember to March (Grand Karthigai Deepam Maha Utsavam in Nov/Dec)
Special PrasadamChola Kovil Puliyodarai, Sarkarai Pongal & Ghee Kozhukattai
Architecture StyleMonumental 25-Acre Dravidian Temple Complex with 4 Soaring Raja Gopurams
Daily Darshan Advice & Guidelines
Traditional South Indian attire; barefoot for Girivalam circuit.
Early morning darshan ensures peaceful communion without extensive wait times.
Footwear deposit facilities and clean cloakrooms available near main Raja Gopuram.