Tiruvannamalai, a spiritual gem in Tamil Nadu, is revered for its blend of sacred architecture, timeless rituals, and serene natural beauty. Here’s a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a visit:

Spiritual significance: A central shrine of Shiva worship, it is one of the esteemed Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, where Lord Shiva is venerated as fire (Agni Lingam)

Architecture & scale: Spanning approximately 10–25 acres, the temple boasts four towering gopurams—the eastern tower rising to 66 m (11 storeys)—and includes a majestic Vijayanagara-era thousand-pillared hall

Historical legacy: Built in the 9th century under the Cholas, expanded through the Vijayanagara and other dynasties. It is a celebrated Paadal Petra Sthalam in canonical Tamil Saiva literature

Girivalam (hill circumambulation): Every full moon, and available daily, devotees walk barefoot around Arunachala Hill—a 14 km path believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit. The route features eight lingams linked to lunar zodiac points (Ashta Lingam)

Karthigai Deepam: The signature festival in November–December. A huge lamp (~3 tons of ghee) is lit atop Arunachala hill and the temple deity parades the mountain’s base. The sight draws millions of pilgrims