Arunachalesvara Temple

The Arunachalesvara, or Annamalaiyar, temple stands at the foot of Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai and is one of the most important temples of Tamil Shaivism. Among the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams it stands for fire: Shiva is worshipped as Annamalaiyar in the form of the Agni lingam, and Parvati as Unnamulai Amman. It is praised in the Tevaram hymns, in Manikkavacakar's Tiruvempavai and in Arunagirinathar's Tiruppukal.

The present structure was begun under the Cholas in the 9th century and greatly enlarged under the Vijayanagara rulers. Spread over 10 hectares, it is one of the largest temple complexes in India. Four great gopurams guard the walls, the tallest being the eleven-storey eastern tower at 66 metres. Inside are many shrines and halls, including a thousand-pillared hall from the Vijayanagara period. Six rituals are performed daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.