Tiruvannamalai stands as a revered spiritual hub in Hinduism, boasting the majestic Shiva temple. Here, Lord Shiva is worshiped as Arunachaleshwar and is symbolized by an enormous mountain. This temple is celebrated as one of the five cosmic elements, representing FIRE.

The origin of Tiruvannamalai stretches back to ancient times with legends declaring it a sacred site. It has served as a retreat for numerous saints, referred to in Hindu mythology as "Siddhas." Scientifically speaking, local herbs found in the mountains possess healing properties. However, it’s the spiritual act of worshiping at this mountain and temple that's considered a truly divine experience.

Tiruvannamalai draws a large crowd of tourists & devotees for several reasons. On every full moon day, hundreds of thousands gather to walk the 14-kilometer path around the base of the mountain. The path is well-lit and lined with refreshment stalls, attracting more visitors each year.

The Karthigai Deepam festival, held annually during October-November, stands out with its unique religious importance. Celebrated widely across temples and homes, it's particularly special here. A large cauldron filled with ghee illuminates atop the hill on the festival day; its light seen for miles around symbolizes Lord Shiva himself in the form of fire and draws worshippers from nearby regions.

Wandering through Tiruvannamalai’s streets reveals numerous ashrams; among them are key sites like Ramana Maharishi Ashram & Yogi Ram Surath Kumar Ashram. Many foreigners have made their homes here, pursuing various spiritual quests.

Visiting Tiruvannamalai promises an unparalleled experience unlike typical tourist spots—it’s a journey into spiritual enlightenment.

If you're planning a trip to Tiruvannamalai:

How to Reach :

Air : Chennai is the airport nearest to Tiruvannamalai at a distance of 200 km. The international airport at Chennai is well connected to all the popular countries. From Chennai, you have number of choices to reach the destination by surface.

Train : The railway station at Tiruvannamalai is well connected to all the major cities of the state and from other states, you can reach the destination via Chennai.

Road : The road network to reach Tiruvannamalai is well connected with all other major cities across the state.

Embark on your journey to Tiruvannanmalai for an enlightening and divine encounter!