Tiruvannamalai is one of the most ancient and spiritually significant heritage towns in India. Located at the foothills of the Arunachala Hill in Tamil Nadu, it is world-renowned for the Arunachaleswarar Temple, which represents the element of Fire (Agni) among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (five temples dedicated to the five elements).

1. The Legends of Tiruvannamalai

The town is steeped in Vedic mythology, with two primary legends defining its sanctity:

• The Column of Fire (The Ego Legend): According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Brahma (the Creator) and Lord Vishnu (the Protector) once argued over who was superior. To settle the dispute, Lord Shiva appeared as a massive, endless pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga) and challenged them to find his head and feet. Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug into the earth, while Brahma became a swan and flew upward. Both failed. This event is said to have occurred at Arunachala, symbolizing that the Divine is beyond the reach of the ego.

• The Union of Shiva and Parvati: Another legend tells of Goddess Parvati playfully covering Shiva’s eyes, plunging the world into darkness. To atone, she performed penance at Tiruvannamalai. Shiva eventually appeared to her as a flame on top of the hill, and they merged to form Ardhanarishvara (half-man, half-woman), signifying the union of spirit and matter.

2. Age of Construction

The temple’s history spans over a millennium, evolving from a simple structure to a massive 25-acre complex.

• Early Origins: Mentions of the shrine exist in Tamil literature from the 1st century BCE (Sangam period). The Saivite saints Appar and Sambandar sang its praises in the 7th century CE.

• The Chola Era (9th–13th Century): The current masonry structure was primarily built by the Chola kings. Inscriptions from 850 CE onwards document their patronage.

• Later Expansions: The temple was significantly expanded by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire, and Nayak rulers. The massive Rajagopuram (Eastern Tower), standing at 217 feet, was commissioned by King Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century.

3. Prominent Places to See

• Arunachaleswarar Temple: A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with nine towering gopurams and a "Thousand Pillared Hall."

• Arunachala Hill: The hill itself is worshipped as a Lingam. Geologically, it is one of the oldest rock formations on Earth, older than the Himalayas.

• Sri Ramana Ashram: The home of the 20th-century sage Ramana Maharshi. It remains a global center for silent meditation and self-inquiry.

• Virupaksha & Skandashram Caves: Located on the hill, these are the caves where Ramana Maharshi meditated for years. They offer a profound atmosphere of peace.

• The Eight Lingams (Ashta Lingam): Located along the 14-km Girivalam (circumambulation) path, each lingam (Indra, Agni, Yama, Niruthi, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, and Eesanya) is associated with a specific direction and zodiac sign.

• Adi Annamalai Temple: Located on the western side of the hill, this is the "Ancient Annamalai." It is much quieter than the main temple and is where Saint Manickavachakar composed the Thiruvembavai.