Arunachaleswarar Temple

Sthala Puranam

Brahma and Vishnu argued about who was greater. Shiva rose between them as a huge column of fire that stretched through the three worlds.

Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug down to find the base. He could not, and he admitted it. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew up. He met a falling thalampu flower and asked it to say he had seen the top.

Shiva cursed Brahma never to be worshipped in a temple of his own and honoured Vishnu's honesty. The fire became the Arunachala hill, and Shiva stays here as the Agni Lingam at its foot.

Speciality

• Agni (fire) lingam among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
• Karthigai Deepam: on the full moon of the Karthigai month a huge flame is lit on top of the hill.
• Girivalam: devotees walk around the hill, a path of about 14 km. It is especially popular on full-moon days.
• Four large gopurams. The east tower is the tallest, about 66 m with 11 storeys.

Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree)

Magizham (Mimusops elengi, Spanish cherry)

Festivals

• Karthigai Deepam (November–December)
• Girivalam on every full moon
• Chithra Pournami

How to reach

Before you go

• Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
• Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
• Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
• Girivalam is traditionally walked barefoot. Start early, carry water, and expect heavy crowds on full-moon days and during Karthigai Deepam.

Prayers for this temple

• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Shiva Gayatri (Rudra)
• Shiva Tandava Stotram