About Temple
Tiruvannamalai, known as the home of Annamalayaar and Unnamulaiyaal, is a significant temple in India. It holds a special position in the Saivite community and is recognized as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams – representing the element of Fire. The other four being Tiruvanaikkaval (Water), Chidambaram (Space), Kanchipuram (Earth), and Sri Kalahasti (Wind).
A deep sense of mysticism surrounds the temple, the hill, and its environs, and the town itself has been associated with Yogis, Siddhas, Ramana Maharishi, and other spiritual savants for many centuries. Despite the fact that much of the temple structure, as seen today, is the result of building activities over the last one thousand years, the temple’s origin dates back thousands of years.
History
The magnificent Arunachaleswarar Temple, which has undergone many changes over the course of centuries, features multiple Nandi statues facing the main shrine in each of its five prakarams. The outermost prakaram boasts impressive structures such as the thousand-pillared halls and Shiva Ganga tank, as well as towering Gopurams on all four sides. Within the fourth prakaram lies the Bhramma Tirtham and Vallala Gopuram, which showcases a statue of King Ballala. Moving towards the third prakaram, built in the 12th century AD, one can find numerous Linga Shrines and the Kili Gopura Entrance. On one side of this prakaram stands a Flag Staff, while on another side stands the grand shrine of Unnamulai Amman. This 12th century structure surrounds the roofed second prakaram that houses various deities linked to Shiva, which in turn encircles the innermost shrine of Annamalaiyar.