History:

is a large Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Annamalai hills in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The temple is monumental, with four gateway towers known as gopurams, and is an important pilgrimage center in south India. The temple is associated with the cult of the nine planets (Navagraha), and is symbolized by the sacred hill, Annamalai. It is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peethas in India. The temple complex covers 10 hectares and is one of the largest in India. It is one of the best temple in TamilNadu which you must visit.

Facts:

• Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at the base of Annamalai hills in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. • The temple complex covers 10 hectares and is one of the largest in India. • The temple tower is 216 feet (66 metres) high, making it one of the tallest temples in the country. • Annamalaiyar Temple is an important site for Shaivites. The temple is considered to be one of the five largest Shiva temples in South India. • The temple was built by the Chola kings in the 9th century and was later expanded by the Vijayanagar kings in the 16th century. • Inside the temple complex, there are four other temples dedicated to various forms of Shiva that he is known by. These forms are Somaskanda, Karthikeya, Agni Lingam and Vayu Lingam. • Annamalaiyar Temple is also known for the theertham (sacred water body) known as Agni Theertham. This is considered to be one of the most sacred theerthams and has been mentioned in Hindu scriptures like Skanda Puranam and Mahabharatham. Here are some facts about the TamilNadu temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in TamilNadu

Worship Method:

Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai follows the traditional Hindu puja system. The temple priests offer special pujas to Lord Annamalaiyar (Shiva) and Goddess Unnamulai Amman (Parvathi). The temple complex consists of several shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati along with other gods and goddesses. The daily rituals include, Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the idol with water or milk), Kalashabhishekam (the washing of the umbilical with water infused with Holy chanted mantras), Naivedyam (offering of food), Alankaram (adorning the idol with jewelry and flowers), Ganapathy Homam (fire sacrifice to Lord Ganesh), Valiya Kappu (prayer offering comprising of glass of water and coins), Utsavaradhana (the festive worship of the deity) and Deeparadhana (lighting of lamps) with the chanting of vedic mantras. The temple also celebrates important festivals like Mahashivratri, Navratri, Diwali and Panguni Uthiram with great pomp and grandeur. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to get blessings of Lord Annamalaiyar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman. This most visited temple in TamilNadu

Opening Timing:

Annamalaiyar Temple is open from 6.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 pm to 9.30 pm. top temples in TamilNadu

How to reach:

Annamalaiyar Temple is located in Thiruvannamalai town in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest temple complexes in India and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is easily accessible from major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu and the nearby states. The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport, which is around 150 km from Tiruvannamalai. The closest railway station is Tiruvannamalai railway station, which is located at a distance of 1.5 km from the temple. From there, one can take a bus or auto-rickshaw to the temple. Buses are available from Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tirupati, Villupuram, Krishnagiri and more. There is no direct bus from Bangalore, however one can take a bus to Kanchipuram or Villupuram and then a connecting bus to Tiruvannamalai. It is also possible to travel by car in order to reach the temple. The state highways and the National Highways are well connected to the temple, making the journey comfortable and convenient. famous temples in TamilNadu