Arunachalam Temple, also known as Arunachaleswarar Temple, stands as one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations. Located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, this magnificent Lord Shiva temple attracts millions of devotees annually.
The temple represents the fire element among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. It embodies divine energy and ancient Shaivism traditions.
About Arunachaleswarar Temple
Temple Significance
Arunachaleswarar Temple holds profound importance in Hindu mythology. It represents Agni, or the fire element temple, among the five cosmic elements. Lord Shiva manifested here as an endless pillar of light. This divine occurrence makes it unique among all Shiva temples.
The temple is central to Shaivism worship practices. Devotees believe that visiting this shrine cleanses past sins. The sacred energy here facilitates spiritual transformation. Pilgrims experience deep peace within these ancient walls.
Architectural Marvel
The Dravidian architecture here dates back over a thousand years. Four massive gopurams tower over the temple complex. The eastern tower reaches 217 feet in height. Intricate carvings depict stories from Hindu scriptures.
The temple houses several sacred tanks used for ritual bathing. Multiple mandapams provide space for religious ceremonies. Ancient stone pillars showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Every corner reflects Tamil Nadu’s rich architectural heritage.
Location Details
The temple sits in the heart of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It’s located on Sannathi Street in the old town area. The Annamalai Hill rises majestically behind the temple. This sacred hill is integral to temple rituals.
Reaching the temple is convenient from major South Indian cities. Chennai is approximately 195 kilometers away. Regular bus and train services connect to Tiruvannamalai. Local transport makes reaching the temple hassle-free.
Darshan & Aarti Timings 2025
Daily Schedule
The temple opens its doors at 5:00 AM every day. Morning darshan continues until 12:00 PM without interruption. The temple closes during afternoon hours for ritual purposes. Evening darshan resumes at 5:00 PM sharp.
Devotees can have darshan until 9:30 PM daily. The closing time may extend during festival seasons. Temple darshan timings remain consistent throughout the week. No separate timings exist for weekdays versus weekends.
Morning Darshan
Morning hours offer the most peaceful darshan experience. The atmosphere feels serene and spiritually charged. Fewer crowds allow more intimate worship time. Early risers can witness special morning rituals.
The deity receives elaborate abhishekam ceremonies in the morning. Fresh flower decorations adorn the sanctum. Priests perform traditional archana services for devotees. Morning puja holds special significance in temple traditions.
Evening Darshan
Evening darshan begins after the temple break at 5:00 PM. The deity appears in different decorative attire. Lamps illuminate the sanctum, creating a divine ambience. Evening aarti ceremonies attract large gatherings.
Devotional singing fills the temple corridors. The energy intensifies as darkness falls. Many devotees prefer evening visits after work hours. Special darshan slots operate during these hours too.
Festival Timings
Maha Shivratri brings extended temple hours in February. The temple remains open throughout the night. Midnight abhishekam ceremonies hold special importance. Thousands gather for this annual celebration.
Karthigai Deepam festival occurs in November or December. A massive flame lights atop Annamalai Hill. Temple timings extend significantly during this festival. Planning is essential for festival visits.
Arunachalam Temple Darshan Ticket Booking – Step-by-Step Guide
Online Booking Process
Online booking has simplified the darshan experience significantly. The HRCE department manages the official portal. Visit https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in to start booking. The website offers a user-friendly interface.
Select “Temple Booking Service” from the homepage menu. Multiple service options appear including special darshan slots. Choose your preferred service type carefully. Different darshan types have varying benefits and prices.
Registration Steps
New users must register before booking tickets. Provide your mobile number and email address. Create a secure password for future logins. Verify your account through the OTP sent.
Existing users can directly log into their accounts. Save your credentials for faster future bookings. The system stores your previous booking history. This helps in tracking upcoming visits.
Selecting Date and Time
The calendar displays available dates in green. Red dates indicate fully booked days. Choose your preferred visit temple date wisely. Consider avoiding peak festival days unless necessary.
Time slots appear after date selection. Morning slots fill faster than evening ones. Select the time that suits your travel plans. Early booking ensures better time slot availability.
Entering Devotee Details
Enter devotee details accurately for all pilgrims. Include full names as per government ID. Provide age, gender, and contact information. Double-check all entries before proceeding.
Group bookings allow multiple devotee entries together. Children under 5 years need not be registered. Carry the same ID during temple visit. Mismatched details may cause entry denial.
Payment Methods
The portal accepts multiple make payment options. Use debit cards, credit cards, or net banking. UPI payments offer the quickest transaction process. All major banks are supported.
Payment confirmation appears immediately after successful transaction. Save the transaction ID for reference. Email confirmation arrives within minutes. SMS notification goes to registered mobile numbers.
Receiving E-Ticket
Your book darshan ticket confirmation includes a QR code. Download the e-ticket to your smartphone. Print a hard copy as backup. Keep it accessible during your temple visit.
The e-ticket contains all booking details. Show it at the entry gate. Temple staff will scan and verify it. Without valid e-ticket, entry is not permitted.
Comparison Table: Darshan Options
| Darshan Type | Price (INR) | Waiting Time | Benefits | Best For |
| General Darshan | Free | 2-4 hours | Basic entry, regular queue | Budget travelers |
| Special Entry | ₹50 | 1-2 hours | Faster entry, shorter queue | Most devotees |
| Fast Track | ₹100 | 30-60 mins | Quick darshan, priority lane | Time-constrained visitors |
| VIP Darshan | ₹200 | 15-30 mins | Close deity view, minimal wait | Comfortable experience |
| Silver Darshan | ₹500 | 10-15 mins | Premium access, special seating | Enhanced experience |
| Gold Darshan | ₹1,000 | 5-10 mins | VIP lounge access, quick entry | Premium pilgrims |
| Platinum Darshan | ₹2,000 | Immediate | Front-row darshan, exclusive benefits | Luxury seekers |
| Diamond Darshan | ₹5,000 | Immediate | Ultimate access, private arrangements | Elite devotees |
Arunachalam Temple Darshan Ticket Prices
Free General Darshan
Free darshan remains available for all devotees. No advance booking is required for this option. Queue lines can extend during peak hours. Patience is necessary for general entry.
The wait time varies from 2 to 5 hours. Festival seasons see even longer queues. Free darshan provides basic sanctum access. No special facilities are included.
Special Entry Options
Special entry at ₹50 offers excellent value. This option significantly reduces waiting time. Devotees can book darshan ticket online in advance. It’s the most popular paid option.
Fast track darshan costs ₹100 per person. This provides priority lane access. Waiting time drops to under an hour. Many pilgrims prefer this balanced option.
Premium Darshan Services
VIP darshan priced at ₹200 offers premium experience. Devotees get closer to the deity. Comfortable seating areas are provided. The wait reduces to just 15-30 minutes.
Silver, Gold, and Platinum options cater to luxury seekers. These include exclusive facilities and privileges. Private lounges offer refreshments and rest areas. Immediate darshan access is guaranteed.
Diamond Darshan
The Diamond darshan at ₹5,000 represents ultimate luxury. This includes personalized attention from temple staff. Devotees receive immediate sanctum access. Special abhishekam arrangements can be made.
Private archana services are included. Dedicated guides explain temple history and rituals. This option suits those seeking exclusive spiritual experience. Photography permissions may be extended.
Rituals & Spiritual Practices
Girivalam (Pradakshina)
Girivalam or Pradakshina involves circumambulating Annamalai Hill. This 14-kilometer barefoot walk is deeply sacred. Devotees believe it grants divine blessings. Full moon nights see maximum participation.
The path circles the entire hill base. Multiple small shrines line the route. Pilgrims chant mantras throughout the walk. Many complete it in 3-4 hours.
Starting early morning or late evening is advisable. Afternoon heat can be challenging. Carry water and wear comfortable clothing. Numerous rest points exist along the path.
Perform Girivalam with devotion and mindfulness. The spiritual energy is palpable throughout. Many report profound mystical experiences. It’s considered equal to visiting major pilgrimage sites.
Karthigai Deepam Festival
Karthigai Deepam celebrates Shiva as eternal light. This November-December festival spans 10 days. The highlight is the massive beacon atop Annamalai Hill. Visible from miles away, it symbolizes divine illumination.
Millions gather for this spectacular event. The hill comes alive with thousands of lamps. Devotees light clay lamps in their homes too. The atmosphere becomes deeply devotional and festive.
Best time to visit the temple is during this festival. Special pujas and ceremonies occur daily. The energy and devotion are unmatched. Book accommodations months in advance for this period.
Maha Shivratri Celebrations
Maha Shivratri in February is profoundly significant here. The temple operates throughout the night. Midnight abhishekam holds special importance. Devotees fast and maintain vigil.
Four special abhishekams occur at different times. Each represents a different cosmic watch. Priests perform elaborate rituals with rare materials. Thousands participate in continuous chanting.
The night resonates with sacred vibrations. Many devotees experience spiritual awakening. This is considered the best time to visit for intense devotion. Advance book darshan in advance for preferred slots.
Abhishekam Services
Abhishekam involves ritual bathing of the deity. Various substances like milk, honey, and sandalwood are used. Devotees can sponsor these ceremonies. Different abhishekam types have different costs.
Participating in abhishekam grants special blessings. You can witness the ceremony up close. The priest explains the significance of each step. This intimate ritual experience is deeply moving.
Book abhishekam services online or at the temple. Morning sessions are considered most auspicious. Family groups often sponsor joint ceremonies. The spiritual merit is believed to extend to ancestors.
Archana and Annadanam
Archana involves chanting devotee names before the deity. This personalized worship creates direct connection. Priests recite 108 or 1008 names of Shiva. Your name is included in the sacred chanting.
Annadanam means offering free food to pilgrims. This sacred practice feeds hundreds daily. Devotees sponsor meals as spiritual service. Participating in annadanam brings immense merit.
The temple runs regular annadanam programs. Simple, sattvic vegetarian meals are served. All visitors can partake regardless of booking type. This reflects the temple’s inclusive philosophy.
Contact Information
Arunachalam Temple Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Location | Arunachalam Temple, Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai – 606601, Tamil Nadu |
| Area Info | Town’s historic center, easy to reach |
| Landmarks | Annamalai Hill (major reference point) |
| Transport | Auto-rickshaws easily available, hotels offer drop service |
| Phone Number | 04175-252438 |
| Office Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Languages Supported | Tamil, English |
| Email Address | jceotvm_20343.hrce@tn.gov.in |
| Email Response Time | 24–48 hours, include specific questions for faster reply |
| Official Website | https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
| Website Features | Real-time darshan info, forms download, festival news, mobile-responsive, regularly updated |
| Emergency Contacts | Temple security available for urgent help |
| Medical Facilities | First aid available inside temple complex |
| Police Assistance | Nearby police support |
| Lost & Found | Daily service at information desk |
| Security | HRCE protocols + CCTV monitoring |
Quick Temple Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Temple Name | Arunachaleswarar Temple |
| Location | Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu |
| Dedicated To | Lord Shiva (Fire Element) |
| Temple Area | 25 Acres |
| Opening Hours | 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Break Time | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Main Festivals | Karthigai Deepam, Maha Shivratri |
| Girivalam Distance | 14 Kilometers |
| Official Website | https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
| Contact Number | 04175-252438 |
My Personal Experience & Recommendations
I’ve been fortunate to visit Arunachalam Temple on five separate occasions. Each trip taught me something valuable about planning. My biggest mistake initially was arriving during Maha Shivratri without advance booking. I waited nearly six hours in scorching heat. That’s when I learned the importance of online booking.
Now I always book darshan in advance at least two weeks ahead. My second visit was during a regular weekday in November. The experience was completely different and deeply peaceful. I strongly suggest visiting during the best time to visit between October and December.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings of Arunachalam Temple?
The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM daily.
How to book Arunachalam Temple tickets online?
Visit the official HRCE portal, select darshan type, choose date and time, enter details, and make payment.
Is online booking available for Arunachalam Temple?
Yes, all darshan types can be booked online through the official temple website.
What is the difference between general and special darshan?
General darshan is free with longer wait times, while special darshan costs ₹50 with significantly reduced waiting.
How long is the Girivalam walk?
The Girivalam pradakshina around Annamalai Hill covers approximately 14 kilometers and takes 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
I have visited Arunachalam Temple multiple times personally. Each visit deepens my spiritual connection significantly. The Pancha Bhoota Sthalams energy here is truly remarkable. I strongly recommend special darshan or VIP darshan options. Avoid wasting precious hours in long queues unnecessarily.
Perform Girivalam at least once during your pilgrimage. My most memorable moment was during Karthigai Deepam festival. The massive flame atop Annamalai Hill illuminated the sky. This Lord Shiva temple welcomes everyone with equal grace.
Book darshan tickets well in advance for best experience. The online booking system has simplified everything beautifully. May this sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple bless your spiritual journey.
Alich, a skilled content writer with 3+ years of experience, known for creating clear guides and 1000+ published articles across multiple niches.
