About Temple
Tiruvannamalai, known as the home of Annamalayaar or Arunachaleswarar and Unnamulaiyaal, is a significant temple in India. It holds a prominent position in the world of Saivite worship and is considered one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, associated with the elemental Fire. The other four temples linked to the elements include Tiruvanaikkaval (Water), Chidambaram (Space), Kanchipuram (Earth) and Sri Kalahasti (Wind).
There is an air of deep mysticism around the temple, the hill, and its environs, and the town itself has been known for its long association with Yogis, Siddhas, Ramana Maharishi, and several others as spiritual savants. Although much of the temple structure is a result of building activity over the last one thousand years, its origin dates back centuries.
History
The Arunachaleswarar Temple, an ancient and expansive structure, is the result of centuries of construction and expansion. A Nandi statue stands in front of the main shrine within each of its five prakarams. Adorned with colossal Gopurams on all four sides, the outermost prakaram is home to the thousand-pillared halls and Shiva Ganga tank. Within this prakaram lies the Bhramma Tirtham and Vallala Gopuram, housing a statue of King Ballala. The third prakaram, built in the 12th century AD, holds various Linga Shrines and features the Kili Gopura Entrance. The Eastern side boasts a Flag Staff while the Northern side displays a grand shrine for Unnamulai Amman. This is surrounded by the roofed second prakaram where deities associated with Shiva are worshipped. Finally, within this second prakaram stands the shrine of Annamalaiyar.