Arunachalam Temple , Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, BHARAT (India) This Temple, commonly referred to as Annamalaiyar Temple, is an important Hindu temple in honor of Bhagwan Shiva at the foot of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.
History Of Arunachalam Temple
- The history of the temple dates back to the 7th century, where it has been referred to in Tamil literature and scriptures.
- The Chola dynasty is also responsible for the reconstruction of the temple in the 9th century, and later dynasties extended and developed it.
- The temple contains more than 1,000 statues and 450 stone inscriptions, and they represent the efforts of different kingdoms.
- The Chola Kings are thought to have constructed the temple in the 9th century.
- Further additions and constructions were subsequently made by the Hoysala and Vijayanagara dynasties.
- Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya is especially famous for constructing the East gopuram, also referred to as the Raja Gopuram.
- Which is the second tallest gopuram in Tamil Nadu. The Hoysala king, Veera Ballala III, also established the city as his capital in 1328.
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Giri Parikram Of Temple
- Arunachalam Temple’s Giri Pradakshina (Girivalam), or going around Arunachala Hill, is a holy 14 km walk around the hill. The road is paved and requires 4-5 hours for completion.
- Direction: Go clockwise, with the hill always on your right.
- Begin from the eastern Gopura (Raj Gopura) of the temple.
- Temples route: There are 8 Shiva Linga temples on the route symbolizing the nine planets (Navagraha).
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Ashta Lingam Of Arunachalam Temple
These Lingams are referred to as Ashta Lingams. The Ashta Lingams are: Indra Lingam, Agni Lingam, Yama Lingam, Niruthi Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Vayu Lingam, Kubera Lingam, and Esanya Lingam.
- Indra Lingam: Located in the East. Dependable upon Lord Indra, the Devas’ king, who was thought to bring prosperity and success.
- Agni Lingam: Located in the Southeast. Reserved for Lord Agni, the god of fire, who was thought to reduce sins and clean the soul.
- Yama Lingam: Located in the South. Reserved for Yama, the god of death.
- Niruthi Lingam: Located in the Southwest. Related to Lord Rahu and said to bring liberation from worldly griefs.
- Varuna Lingam: Located in the West. In honor of Lord Varuna, the water lord, said to safeguard from disease, particularly waterborne disease.
- Vayu Lingam: Located in the Northwest. In honor of Lord Vayu, god of the wind, frequently connected with Lord Indra.
- Kubera Lingam: Located in the North. In honor of Lord Kubera, god of wealth.
- Esanya Lingam: Located in the Northeast. Situated close to the cremation grounds and thought to be connected to the cosmic energy of the universe, as per the Kailaasa.