About Tiruvannamalai Temple

The Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as the Arulmigu Annamalaiyar Temple, is beautifully situated at the foot of a 2668-foot-high mountain in Tiruvannamalai, a holy city in South India, where even the thought of it can grant salvation. This temple is a fine example of South Indian (Dravidian) architecture and sculpture. According to the inscriptions written in this temple, this temple was built during the early Chola period (9th century AD) and expanded during the later Cholas, Hoysala (Bhosala) and Vijayanagara Nayaka periods. It has a very grand architectural structure with a main sanctum, an Artha Mandapam, a Maha Mandapam, a Prakaram built with a row of stone pillars, and a shrine for many deities, including 9 gopurams, 5 prakarams, many mandapams, and Tirukkuls. This temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Trust Department. Throughout the year, many festivals, worships, and charitable activities are conducted in this temple. The special features of this temple can be seen in detail in the book Arunachala Puranam written by Kanchipuram Saiva Guruvar Ellappanavalar, in the Arunai Kalampakam, and in the Sona Sailamalai written by Kumaraguruparan, and in the Thiruppugazh book of Arunagiriyar. From the 10th to the 18th century, from the 119 inscriptions that have been studied so far, we have got the truth about how the Thiruvannamalai temple first appeared, how it developed, and who built the temple. But if we look at the inscription study, it is known that during the epic period, Jesus appeared as a Swayam Linga under the Magizham tree. That is why the Magizham tree is the sacred tree in the Tiruvannamalai temple. Countless Siddhas from various cities and towns have come to this city to live and attain Samadhi. Among them, Ramana, Seshadri Samiya, Visiri Samiya, Guru Namachivayar, Kukai Namachivayar, etc. are notable. Their Samadhis are located on the Girivala Path.