Top 7 Famous Temples in Tiruvannamalai to Visit

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.

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

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.