Arunachalam: The Sacred Fire of Lord Shiva

 

Arunachalam refers to Arunachala Hill, located in Tiruvannamalai, a town in Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a sacred site associated with Lord Shiva, believed to be the Agni Lingam (fire element) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. The Arunachaleswarar Temple, situated at the base of the hill, is one of the most significant Shaiva temples in South India.

Deities

The Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Arunachaleswarar (Annamalaiyar), representing the Agni Lingam (fire element) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.

Arunachaleswarar (Shiva) – The presiding deity, symbolizing the cosmic fire.

Unnamalai Amman (Parvati) – Shiva’s consort, revered as the divine mother.

Vinayaka (Ganesha) – Worshipped at multiple shrines within the temple.

Subramanya (Murugan) – Associated with wisdom and valor.

Nataraja – A form of Shiva representing the cosmic dance.

Dakshinamurthy – Shiva as the supreme teacher of wisdom.

Chandikeswara – A guardian deity overseeing temple rituals.

Highlights

  • Arunachala Hill: Considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva, representing the Agni Lingam (fire element).
  • Girivalam (Circumambulation): A sacred 14 km walk around the hill, especially auspicious on Pournami (Full Moon) nights.
  • Karthigai Deepam Festival: A massive fire lamp is lit atop the hill, symbolizing Shiva’s cosmic presence.
  • Dravidian Architecture: Towering Gopurams and intricate carvings showcasing centuries of craftsmanship.
  • Ramana Maharshi’s Legacy: The temple and hill are central to the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, a revered saint.
  • Pancha Bhoota Sthalam: One of the five temples representing the elements, with Arunachalam embodying fire.
  • Sacred Theerthams: Holy water bodies like Brahma Theertham and Agni Theertham, believed to purify sins.

History

  • The temple dates back to the 9th century CE, originally built by the Chola dynasty and later expanded by the Vijayanagara rulers.
  • It is one of the largest Shiva temples in India, covering over 25 acres, with monumental gopurams and a thousand-pillared hall.

Legends

  • Lingam of Fire: To settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, Lord Shiva appeared as an endless column of fire. Neither could find its beginning or end, proving Shiva’s supremacy. This is commemorated during the Karthigai Deepam festival.
  • Arunachala Hill: Believed to be a manifestation of Shiva himself, the hill is central to the temple’s sanctity. Legend says it formed when Parvati playfully closed Shiva’s eyes, plunging the universe into darkness.

Architectural Highlights:

  • Rajagopuram: The eastern tower rises to 217 feet with 11 tiers, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.
  • Five Prakarams: The temple has five concentric enclosures, each with intricately carved pillars and shrines.
  • Thousand-Pillared Hall: A grand mandapam used during special rituals, showcasing exquisite stone craftsmanship.
  • Sacred Tanks: Includes the Shiva Ganga Theertham, used for temple rituals and purification.
  • Pathala Lingam Shrine: An underground chamber where Sri Ramana Maharshi meditated in silence for days.
  • Gopurams on All Sides: Besides the Rajagopuram, the temple features Ammani Amman, Pei, and Thirumanjana Gopurams, each richly adorned.

The temple’s layout and sculptures reflect the contributions of the Chola, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka dynasties, blending spiritual symbolism with artistic grandeur.

Rituals

Daily Rituals (Shodasha Upacharas)

Performed six times a day, these include:

  • Ushatkalam – 5:30 AM
  • Kalasanthi – 8:00 AM
  • Uchikalam – 10:00 AM
  • Sayarakshai – 6:00 PM
  • Irandamkalam – 8:00 PM
  • Ardha Jamam – 10:00 PM

Each session includes:

  • Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity)
  • Alankaram (decoration)
  • Naivedyam (food offering)
  • Deepa Aradhanai (waving of lamps)

Weekly & Monthly Rituals

  • Somavaram (Mondays): Special abhishekam to Lord Shiva
  • Pradosham: Bi-monthly evening worship during Trayodashi
  • Pournami Pooja: Full moon rituals, especially significant for Girivalam
  • Amavasya, Sankatahara Chaturthi, and Krittika Nakshatra days also see special observances

Special Rituals

  • Rudrabhishekam: Performed on Mondays and auspicious days to invoke Shiva’s blessings
  • Karthigai Deepam: The most iconic ritual, where a giant flame is lit atop Arunachala Hill, symbolizing Shiva as an infinite pillar of fire.

Festivals

 Karthigai Deepam

  • Most iconic festival, celebrated in November–December.
  • A giant flame is lit atop Arunachala Hill, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s form as an infinite pillar of fire.
  • Marks the culmination of ten days of rituals and processions.

 Pournami (Full Moon) Days

  • Devotees perform Girivalam, a 14 km barefoot circumambulation of Arunachala Hill.
  • Considered highly auspicious for spiritual merit and inner purification.

 Maha Shivaratri

  • Night-long worship of Lord Shiva with abhishekams, bhajans, and deepa aradhana.
  • Celebrated in February–March, drawing thousands of pilgrims.

 Pradosham

  • Bi-monthly evening worship on Trayodashi, focusing on the removal of karmic obstacles.
  • Special abhishekams and processions are held.

 Brahmotsavam

  • A multi-day festival with vahanam processions, cultural programs, and elaborate rituals.
  • Celebrated with grandeur, especially in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November).

 Arudra Darisanam

  • Celebrates Shiva’s cosmic dance as Nataraja, observed in Margazhi (December–January).
  • Special darshan and rituals are performed in the early morning hours.

Getting Here

By Train

  • The nearest railway station is Tiruvannamalai Railway Station, just 2-3 km from the temple.
  • Major railway junctions nearby:
    • Villupuram Junction (60 km)
    • Katpadi Junction (85 km)
  • Trains from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada connect to these stations, from where you can take a local train or bus to Tiruvannamalai.

By Bus

  • Tamil Nadu State Transport (TNSTC) and private buses run frequently from:
    • Chennai (200 km, 4-5 hours)
    • Bengaluru (205 km, 5-6 hours)
    • Hyderabad (635 km, overnight buses available)
  • The Tiruvannamalai Bus Stand is just 1 km from the temple.

By Road

  • From Chennai: Chennai → Tindivanam → Gingee → Tiruvannamalai (NH 32 & SH 9)
  • From Bengaluru: Bengaluru → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Tiruvannamalai (NH 44 & NH 77)
  • From Pondicherry: Pondicherry → Tindivanam → Tiruvannamalai (NH 32 & SH 9)
  • From Hyderabad: Hyderabad → Kurnool → Anantapur → Bengaluru → Tiruvannamalai (NH 44 & NH 77).

By Air

  • The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (200 km away).
  • From Chennai, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to Tiruvannamalai.

Tips

Travel Tips for Tiruvannamalai

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March offers pleasant weather, ideal for temple visits and Girivalam (circumambulation of Arunachala Hill).
  • Girivalam Route: The 14 km path around Arunachala Hill is best undertaken on Pournami (Full Moon) nights for spiritual benefits.
  • Temple Timings: Arunachaleswarar Temple is open from 5 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
  • Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended, especially for temple visits.
  • Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available, but walking is the best way to explore the temple town.
  • Food Options: Plenty of vegetarian restaurants serve South Indian cuisine, including prasadam from the temple.

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