Frequently asked questions

A major Shiva temple at the foot of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, also called Annamalaiyar Temple or Arunachalam Temple. It is the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam for fire.

In northern Tamil Nadu, India, about 190 km by road south-west of Chennai and about 200 km south-east of Bengaluru.

The official temple website lists darshan from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Entry may close around 7:30 PM on busy days, and hours are extended on festival days.

General darshan is free. Paid special-entry tickets are sold at the temple counters; fees are set by the temple administration, so check the official HR&CE website.

Modest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and ripped jeans.

The walk around Arunachala Hill as an act of worship, done clockwise with the hill on your right and traditionally barefoot.

About 14 km according to the district administration. Most people take four to six hours including stops.

On every full moon, while the Pournami tithi lasts. Our Pournami calendar lists the start and end times for 2026–2028 in IST.

Published calendars agree on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, with the Maha Deepam lit on Arunachala at about 6 PM. The temple normally confirms the schedule closer to the festival.

Climbing to the summit is regulated and generally allowed only on specific occasions, such as the Maha Deepam, with passes. Footpaths to Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram are open to visitors.

By road from Chennai (about 190 km) or Bengaluru (about 200 km), by government and private buses, or by train to Tiruvannamalai station (TNM) on the Katpadi–Villupuram line. The nearest international airport is Chennai.

One day covers the essentials; two days let you do Girivalam comfortably and visit the ashrams; three days add a day trip.

No. This is an independent guide. For bookings, sevas and donations, use the official HR&CE temple website at annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in.