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Top 7 Famous Temples in Tiruvannamalai to Visit

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Tiruvannamalai lies in the heart of Eastern Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous pilgrimages where Lord Shiva is highly worshipped. The place is well-known for its mythological stories of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

It is considered one of the iconic places where God lived once, and hence, people from all over the country specifically visit here to seek solace and blessings.

Best Temples to Visit in Tiruvannamalai

Frequently Asked Questions

List of Temples in Tiruvannamalai

Following is the list of temples in Tiruvannamalai that are easily accessible via Tiruvannamalai Railway Station, Tiruvannamalai Old Bus Stand and Puducherry Airport.

Temples Location
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar temple Pavazhakundur
Bootha Narayan Swami temple Pavazhakundur
Thiru Ner Annamalai Temple Athiyandal
Rettai Pillayar Koil Pavazhakundar
Adi Annamalai Temple Adi Annamalai
Shri Pachaiamman Temple Chettikula Medu Street
Idukku Pillaiyar Temple Vengikkal

7 Best Temples to Visit in Tiruvannamalai

If you are planning to go to experience natural beauty in Tiruvannamalai, here is the list of places you can explore:

1. Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple | Pavazhakundur

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It is believed that just by remembering Lord Arunachaleswarar, one will get “Mukti,” i.e. “Death”. The shrine is beautifully carved, surrounding the hills with the deity of Lord Arunachaleswarar.

  • Best Time to Visit: August to February.
  • Temple Timings: 5 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm - Everyday.
  • Nearby Places to Visit: Seshadri Swamy Ashram, Yogi Ram Saratkumar Ashram, Rajagopuram Tower.

2. Bootha Narayana Swami Temple | Pavazhakundur

The temple is considered to protect the God of Tiruvannamalai. It is built in the remembrance of Lord Krishna. The irony of the temple is that the deity of Lord Krishna as a child is quite large, symbolising his strength.

  • Best Time to Visit: August to January, During Janmashtami.
  • Temple Timings: - 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm - Everyday.
  • Nearby Places to Visit: Seshadri Swamy Ashram, Girivalam Path, Arunachaleswara Temple.

3. Thiru Ner Annamalai Temple | Athiyandal

It is one of the ancient and largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features sacred tanks, intricately carved halls and imposing gopurams. The exquisite size and structure attract visitors from all over the country.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Temple Timings: - 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm - Everyday.
  • Nearby Places to Visit: Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, Ramana Maharshi Ashram, Arunachaleswara temple.

4. Rettai Pillayar Koil | Pavazhakundur

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The irony of the temple is that here two idols of Ganesha are worshipped, given the history and belief that the twin Ganeshas will remove sadness and obstacles from one’s life.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Temple Timings: 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm - Everyday.
  • Nearby Places to Visit: Annamalaiyar Temple, Ramana Maharshi Ashram, Seshadri Swamigal Ashram.

5. Adi Annamalai Temple | Adi Annamalai

It is one of the oldest temples in Tiruvannamalai, around 2000 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a Linga popularly known as “Swayambhu Linga”, a form of Lord Shiva.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Temple Timings: 6 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Everyday.
  • Nearby Places to Visit: Ramana Maharshi Ashram, Yogi Ram Surat Kumar Ashram, Arunachaleswara Temple.

6. Shri Pachaiamman Temple | Chettikula Medu Street

The temple is around 120 years old and dedicated to Goddess Pachaiamman, who means green mother. The temple was renovated again back in 2004; hence the structure of the temple is typical South Indian style.

  • Best Time to Visit: August to February.
  • Temple Timings: 6 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 8 pm - Everyday.
  • Nearby Places to Visit: Skandashramam, Annamalaiyar Temple, Virupaksha Cave.

7. Idukku Pillaiyar Temple | Vengikkal

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is in the form of a shrine between two columns. It is believed that crawling through this shrine from front to back will liberate you from life's obstacles.

  • Best Time to Visit: June to August, during full moon nights from sunset to sunrise.
  • Temple Timings: 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm - Everyday.
  • Nearby Places to Visit: Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, Arunachaleswara Temple, Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram.

Tiruvannamalai has witnessed the meditation journeys of sages, the most spectacular scenic beauty of the Girivalam Path during full moons, and the devotion of visitors towards Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. It is a great place for pilgrimages seeking meditation.

The natural environment takes you back to the period of olden days when scenic beauty used to be a great attraction for people.

FAQs about Temples to Visit in Tiruvannamalai, India

The best time to visit is during November to February when the weather is pleasant and slightly chilly.

The temple is the oldest one dedicated to Lord Shiva symbolising the element fire (Agni). It is considered one of the holiest temples in South India.

No, photography is usually not allowed inside the temple, but in some places, it might be no issue. It is suggested to check with authorities before taking pictures.

Yes, there are accommodation facilities in Tiruvannamalai, such as hotels, guest houses, and lodges for visitors and pilgrims.

Maha Shivrati and Kartikai Deepam are the most celebrated festivals in Tiruvannamalai where massive crowd ensembles in devotion.

Idukku Pillaiyar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, is in the form of a tunnel or cave where one has to crawl to reach the other side.

Adi Annamalai Temple is the oldest temple in Tiruvannamalai, around 2000 years old.

No, there is no strict dress code to follow while visiting the temples, but traditional or modest clothes are suggested to wear.

Yes, the parking facilities are available near the temples in Tiruvannamalai for convenience. But the place might be crowded during festival timings.

Yes, there is special access to certain facilities provided to individuals with disabilities. It also includes ramps, wheelchairs and parking spaces.

Yes, there are tour guides and tour buses available for new visitors around temples and Tiruvannamalai in general.

Yes, there is a prasad available in a few temples for tourists to carry back home in Tiruvannamalai. While some may not offer the prasad.

Bootha Narayan Swami temple in Tiruvannamalai is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The deity of Lord Krishna is in the form of his childhood.