The Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India, covering about 25 acres at the foot of the Arunachala hill. Built and expanded over more than a thousand years by the Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers and Nayaks, it is a masterclass in Dravidian architecture. This guide walks you through its towering gopurams, sacred tanks, mandapams and hidden shrines so you know exactly what to look for on your visit.
The Temple Layout at a Glance
- Area: about 25 acres (10 hectares), with five concentric prakarams (enclosures).
- Gopurams: nine towers in total, including four huge outer gopurams facing the four directions.
- Main shrines: Lord Arunachaleswarar (Annamalaiyar) as the Agni Lingam, and Goddess Unnamulai Amman (Apithakuchambal).
- Tanks: Shivaganga Theertham and Brahma Theertham.
For the full historical background, read our Arunachaleswarar Temple history.
The Four Outer Gopurams
Rajagopuram (East)
The main entrance faces east, crowned by the magnificent Rajagopuram, about 66 metres (217 feet) high with 11 tiers, among the tallest temple towers in India. Construction began under the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century and was completed by the Thanjavur Nayak ruler Sevappa Nayak. Look for the carved dancing figures and Karanas on the lower stone storeys.
Ammani Ammal Gopuram (North)
This tower carries one of the temple’s most moving stories. Ammani Ammal, a woman ascetic of the 18th century, resolved to complete the unfinished northern tower and went door to door collecting donations. Legend says that when she approached a wealthy official, the funds she needed appeared miraculously. The gopuram still bears her name, a rare honour for a woman in temple history.
Thirumanjana Gopuram (South)
The southern tower is linked to the route through which sacred water for the abhishekam (thirumanjanam) was traditionally brought into the temple.
Pei Gopuram (West)
The western tower faces the Arunachala hill and the Girivalam road, and offers one of the best views of the temple framed against the peak.
Inner Gopurams and Their Stories
Vallala Maharaja Gopuram
Named after the Hoysala king Veera Ballala III (Vallala Maharaja), who made Tiruvannamalai one of his capitals in the 14th century. According to legend Shiva himself performed the king’s funeral rites because he had no son, and this is still re-enacted in a temple ritual every year.
Kili Gopuram (Parrot Tower)
The Kili Gopuram leads into the inner sanctum. It is associated with the poet-saint Arunagirinathar, who according to tradition left his body in the form of a parrot (kili). A small parrot image on the tower recalls the story. This tower is among the oldest parts of the temple, with Chola-period inscriptions.
Mandapams, Halls and Shrines
- Thousand-Pillared Mandapam: built in the Vijayanagara period, its forest of carved pillars is a photographer’s favourite. It is used during festivals.
- Pathala Lingam: a small underground shrine beneath the thousand-pillared hall where the young Ramana Maharshi sat in deep meditation in 1896, unaware of insects biting him. Visitors can descend the steps and sit quietly here. Read our Ramana Maharshi Ashram guide.
- Sambandha Vinayagar: a towering red Ganesha shrine inside the second enclosure, said to be one of the largest Vinayagar idols in Tamil Nadu.
- Kambathu Ilaiyanar Sannidhi: a Murugan shrine on a pillar associated with Arunagirinathar’s legend.
- Arunagirinathar Mandapam and the Kalyana Mandapam, used for divine wedding festivals.
- The big Nandi: facing the main shrine, the focus of the twice-monthly Pradosham abhishekam.
The Sacred Tanks
Shivaganga Theertham, in the second prakaram, is surrounded by stone steps and mandapams, and the theppam (float) festivals take place here. Brahma Theertham lies in the outer enclosure. Bathing is restricted at most times, but the tanks are beautiful places to sit.
Inscriptions: A Stone Archive
The temple walls hold hundreds of inscriptions from the Chola, Pandya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Nayak periods. They record land grants, festival endowments, lamp donations and even irrigation arrangements, making the temple a key source for South Indian history.
Tips for Exploring the Temple Architecture
- Go early in the morning (from about 5:30 AM) or in the afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. Check temple timings.
- Allow at least 2 hours to see the gopurams, halls and shrines properly.
- Photography is generally allowed in the outer corridors but not in the sanctum; follow posted rules.
- Follow the temple dress code.
- Walk out through the west side to see the Rajagopuram and hill together, then begin Girivalam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Arunachaleswarar Temple Rajagopuram?
The eastern Rajagopuram is about 66 metres (217 feet) tall with 11 tiers, one of the tallest temple towers in India.
How many gopurams does Arunachaleswarar Temple have?
The temple has nine gopurams, including four large outer towers on the east, west, north and south.
Who built the Ammani Ammal Gopuram?
It was completed through the efforts of Ammani Ammal, an 18th-century woman ascetic who collected donations to finish the northern tower.
Where is the Pathala Lingam?
The Pathala Lingam is an underground shrine near the thousand-pillared mandapam inside the temple, where Ramana Maharshi meditated as a youth.
