அண்ணாமலையார் கோயில்
Shiva (Arunachaleswarar / Annamalaiyar) temple · Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, is a Hindu temple to Shiva, worshipped as Arunachaleswarar (Annamalaiyar) with the goddess Unnamulaiyammai, in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It stands at the foot of the Arunachala hill, and the town of Tiruvannamalai has grown around the temple as its nucleus, according to the Tiruvannamalai municipality.
Faith & Tradition
The Tiruvannamalai district administration describes the temple town as a centre of the Shaiva religion and one of the most ancient heritage sites of India, and notes that the Arunachala hill and its surroundings have been held in great regard by the Tamils for centuries. The name Annamalai originally meant an inaccessible mountain; 'Thiru' was prefixed to signify its greatness.
Heritage
The district administration notes that the temple is grand in conception and architecture and rich in tradition, history and festivals. It is administered under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, which lists it as Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai.
Plan Your Visit
Crowds are very large during the Deepam festival. Confirm darshan arrangements with the temple administration before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
The district administration calls the Deepam festival the temple's main festival, drawing devotees from across South India.
Location
Tiruvannamalai is the headquarters of Tiruvannamalai district in northern Tamil Nadu, about 190 km from Chennai and 210 km from Tiruchirappalli, according to the district administration. The temple lies at the foot of the Arunachala hill in the town.
Location: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
More in Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Arunachaleswarar / Annamalaiyar) temples
Questions
At the foot of the Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.
Shiva as Arunachaleswarar (Annamalaiyar), with the goddess Unnamulaiyammai.
The Deepam festival, which the district administration says draws devotees from across South India.
According to the district administration, Annamalai meant an inaccessible mountain; 'Thiru' was added to signify its greatness.
About 190 km, according to the district administration.
Further reading: Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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