Arunachalam Temple
The Arunachalam Temple, Also known as the Arunachaleswarar Temple or Tiruvannamalai Temple, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is one of the largest and most revered in Tamil Nadu, and it is especially important in Shaivism
Key Features of Arunachalam Temple:
- Spiritual Significance:
- It is associated with the Panch Bhoota Sthalams, representing the five elements, and in this case, the element of fire (Agni).
- Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Arunachaleswarar or Annamalaiyar, symbolizing the sacred hill of Arunachala.
- The goddess is Unnamalai Amman, Shiva’s consort.
- Architecture:
- The temple is built in Dravidian architecture and spans about 25 acres.
- It features four massive gopurams (gateway towers), the tallest being the Rajagopuram, which rises to a height of 66 meters (217 feet).
- The temple complex includes grand mandapams, sacred water tanks, and numerous shrines.
- Girivalam:
- A circumambulation of the sacred Arunachala hill, called Girivalam, is considered highly auspicious, especially during Pournami (full moon nights).
- Devotees believe walking around the hill (approximately 14 km) while chanting prayers can lead to spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
- Karthigai Deepam Festival:
- The temple is renowned for its grand celebration of Karthigai Deepam, a festival of lights.
- A massive lamp is lit on top of the Arunachala hill, symbolizing the divine light of Lord Shiva.
- Legends:
- The temple is linked to the story of the Arunachala Lingam, representing Lord Shiva appearing as a column of fire, challenging Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma to find its ends.
- This lingam is believed to symbolize the infinite nature of the divine.
- Other Features:
- The temple tank, known as the Brahma Teertham, is an important site for rituals.
- Intricate carvings and sculptures showcase mythological themes and deities.
