Tiruvannamalai being the capital of its own district is regarded as a sacred city & is located 200 kilometers away from Chennai. Spiritual seekers from all over world come to Thiruvannamalai, a Pilgrimage city filled with living enlightenment gurus. This ancient town has been built around Arunachala hill (Annamalai hill), a mountain raising 4000 Meters heavenly from the ground. Tiruvannamalai is famous for Arunachala temple. Every full moon day people walk around the Annamalai hill which is referred as Girivalam and offer special prayers to Arunachala. Spiritual gurus Ramana Maharishi, Aurobindo, Seshadhri Swamigal, and many more saints and sages were living and still living here to bring the divinity close to people.

Traveling to Thiruvannamalai means entering into the orbit of divine field, filled with density of holiness and sounds. Thiruvannamalai is one such pilgrimage site, filled with mystical experiences, fascinating explanations and mysterious powers.

Places to Visit

• Arunachaleshwar Temple - It is one of the biggest and grand temples in South India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the name of Arunachala and Lordess Unnamulai Amman. It is one among the five elements, representing Agni (Fire). It has also much architectural importance and sculptural beauty.

• Girivalam Path - On Full Moon days and festival days (like Karthigai, first day of the Tamil month, Tamil New Year day) thousands of devotees walk around (GIRIVALAM) the mountain to get the blessings of the Lord Arunachala. ‘Giri’ means hill and ‘Valam’ means coming around, hence coming around the hill called Girivalam.

  How to do Girivalam -

  • It is advised that devotees should walk around the hill (called Girivalam) barefoot. It covers approximately 14kms.

  • Always view the top of the Arunachala hill all through your Girivalam.

  • Preferably, Girivalam should be undertaken only during full moon nights or else in normal nights.

  • Mutter the name of “Om Arunachala” during Girivalam.

• Sri Ramana Ashram - Mahan Sri Ramana maharishi lived in this Thiruvannamalai town. Sri Ramana Ashram is one the holy places in this town. People from all over the world visit his Ashram. It is situated between the second and third Lingam on the Girivalam route. Belief is that our spiritual connection will be evoked when we meditate at the meditation hall of Ramana ashram.

• Sri sheshadri Swamigal Ashram - Seshadri Swamigal ashram is next to Sri Ramanashram between the second and third Lingam on the Girivalam route. Regular pujas are performed at the Samadhi of Sri Seshadri Swamigal.There are a few platforms for meditation in the open, in a beautiful garden, under the cool shade of trees.

Day Excursion

• Tiruvannamalai – Sathanur Dam – Tiruvannamalai Sathanur Dam is one of the Major Dams constructed across Pennaiyar River. The dam can be reached by road, 30 kms away from Tiruvannamalai Town. This Dam was constructed during the year 1958. Sathanur Dam is the oldest hero in Cinema Industry. All the films in midst of 1960-1980 was shooted here. Beautiful parks were maintained here with lawns and parks. A mini zoo is maintained inside the park area for the Children to play.

• Thiruvannamalai – Gingee – Thiruvannamalai - Gingee is 45 Km from Thiruvannamalai. Gingee is home to a huge fort complex (stands tall on the 800 ft hill), spread over three hills with the ruins of a palace, a temple, a mosque, a granary and an auditorium. Start early in the morning as the heat will become unbearable once the sun is up. It is wise enough to carry food and enough drinking water.

• Thiruvannamalai – Vellore Golden Temple (Sripuram) – Thiruvannamalai - Golden Temple or Sripuram is a Spiritual Park situated at the foot of a small range of green hills in a place known as Thirumalaikodi in the city of Vellore. The salient Feature of Sripuram is the Lakshmi Narayani temple or Mahalakshmi temple whose'Vimanam’ and ‘Ardha Mandapam’ have been coated with gold both in the interior and exterior. The distance from Thiruvannamalai to Vellore is 95 Km – 2 ½ hours drive.

Fairs and Festivals

Many festivals are celebrated at Arunachaleshwar temple in Tiruvannamalai throughout the year. Among them Karthigai Deepam is the most significant festival celebrated at Arunachaleshwar temple every year in the month of Karthigai that falls between 15th November and 15th December. This festival always continues for few weeks after Diwali, the festival of lights. This Karthigai Deepam is celebrated as a 13 days festival and it is widely known as Karthigai Brahmotsavam.

The Pancha Parva Vizha is the name of the festival that takes place during Amavasya (new moon day), Karthigai, Pradhosha, Sukra Varam and Soma Varam every month in this temple.

Chithirai Vizha happens for 10 days, in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April / May). This festival closes on in Chitra Pournami. The Manmada Dahana (burning of Cupid) also takes place there.

The Aadipoora Vizha for Parasakthi occurs for 10 days in the Tamil month of Aadi (July / August). On the 10th day Valaikappu (bangles wearing) and fire walking takes place. On 15th August, the Arunagiri Nadhar Vizha is celebrated.

Vallar Maharaja Festival on Masi Maga day (February / March) and Final Ceremonies follows.

1008 Sangu Abishegam on every Somvar (Monday) in the month of Karthigai (November / December) This is considered sacred and attended by many.

Hospitals

Ramana Maharishi Rangammal Hospital – 237108

Swamy Yoganandha Naturopathy Hospital – 251241

Sri Vasavi Hospital - 224372

Sri Ramanamaharish Eye Hospital – 229461

Rajan Dental Hospital – 226539

Arunachala Nursing Home - 225612

Sri Ragavendra Hospital- 236046

How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is at Chennai – 200 Km – 4 ½kms

Railways: The nearest major Railway station is at Villupuram – 70 Km – 1 ½hours

Road:Thiruvannamalai is well connected with many other major cities of Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra.