Arunachalesvarar Temple, Ammapet

About Arunachalesvarar Temple, Ammapet

Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, stands majestically at the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. This ancient shrine, originally constructed during the early Chola period in the 9th century, was subsequently expanded by the later Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara rulers. Spanning approximately 25 acres with four gopurams and four prakaras, the temple exemplifies Dravidian architectural excellence and sculptural artistry. The presiding deity is Lord Arunachaleswarar, manifested as the Agni Lingam or Tejolinga, with the goddess Unnamulaiyamman as the consort. The temple holds profound spiritual significance as the Agni Sthalam among the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, attracting pilgrims who undertake the sacred 14-kilometer Girivalam circumambulation around Arunachala Hill.

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