TIRUVANNAMALAI | ARUNACHALESWARAR TEMPLE | PLACES IN TIRUVANNAMALAI

At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvannamalai Bus Station, the Arunachaleswara Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine situated at Thiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu. It is one of the prominent Shaiva temples in South India and among the must-include places in Tiruvannamalai tour packages.

The Arunachala Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is a magnificent temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds great importance for the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the pancha bhoota sthalams, symbolizing the 5 elements of nature - land, water, air, sky, and fire. Legend has it that Lord Shiva has manifested as the element of fire or Agni in this temple. This temple is considered the eighth-largest Hindu temple globally and is a must-visit destination in Kanchi tour packages.

During the 9th century, the Chola dynasty constructed this temple, with subsequent expansions being credited .....

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At a distance of 3 km from Thiruvannamalai Bus Station, Sri Ramana Ashram, also known as Sri Ramanasramam, is an ashram in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Nestled at the foothills of the sacred Arunachala Mountain, it is one of the sacred places to visit as part of Arunachalam tour packages.

Sri Ramana Ashram is a spiritual sanctuary dedicated to the teachings and presence of Sri Ramana Maharshi. From 1922 until his death in 1950, this was served as home to the revered sage and Advaita Vedanta master. At the heart of the ashram lies the Samadhi Shrine, where the mortal remains of Sri Ramana Maharshi are enshrined. People from all walks of life, be it devotees or pilgrims, come here to pay their respects.

The ashram stands as a testament to the timeless wisdom of Sri Ramana Maharshi. His teachings on self-inquiry, surrender, and inner peace continue to inspire spiritual seekers around the world. It remains a sacred haven .....

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At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvannamalai Bus Station, Virupaksha Cave is a holy cave nestled amidst the ancient hills of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the many holy caves in Arunachala hills, and among the best places to visit in Arunachalam for peace seekers.

Virupaksha Cave, shaped like the Hindu symbol 'Om', is perched on a small peak in the Arunachala Hill, just under 200 feet below the Skandasram cave. It is named after the esteemed 13th-century saint Virupaksha Deva, who is believed to have spent a significant portion of his life within its confines. Legend has it that his mortal remains turned to ashes after his Samadhi, which are enshrined in the cave and venerated daily by all who visit.

This cave also serves as a testament to the spiritual heritage of Sri Ramana Maharshi, drawing pilgrims and followers from across the globe in search of enlightenment, direction, .....

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At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvannamalai Bus Station, Skandashram is a sacred cave nestled amidst the ancient hills of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the many holy caves in Arunachala hills, and among the must-visit places as part of Tiruvannamalai packages.

Skandashram is situated close to the Arunachaleshwar temple and Virupaksha Cave, where Sri Ramana Maharshi resided during his time in Thiruvannamalai. Initially, he meditated in isolation at Virupaksha Cave for over 16 years before moving to Skandashram due to his mother Alagammal's presence. From 1916 to 1922, Sage Ramana lived at Skandashram, where his mother took care of cooking for everyone, including his disciples. Following his mother's passing in 1922, Ramana Maharshi relocated to the present Ramana Ashram located near his mother's shrine.

There is a small room in Skandashramam where mother Alagammal used to live. A small photo of her .....

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At a distance of 3 km from Thiruvannamalai Bus Station, Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is an ashram located in Thiruvannamalai. It is one of the many ashrams to visit in Tiruvannamalai as part of Arunachalam packages.

Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, situated near Ramana Aashram, is dedicated to the revered saint Sri Seshadri Swamigal, who possessed extraordinary powers. Popularly known as the Saint with a Golden Hand, Swamigal was born on 22nd January 1870 in Vazhur, Tamilnadu. At the age of 19, he arrived in Thiruvannamalai, seeking solace in Arunachala Siva, as per his mother's dying wish. He resided in this sacred town for a remarkable 40 years until he passed away at the age of 60.

Sri Seshadri Swamigal, along with Sri Ramana Maharshi, is regarded as two of the most eminent saints of the previous century, who graced the holy Arunachala Mountain and city of Thiruvannamalai. The ashram, established in honor of the revered saint .....

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At a distance of 33 km from Thiruvannamalai, Sathanur Dam is a gravity dam located at Sathanur. It is one of the major dams in Tamilnadu, and among the most popular places to visit as part of Tiruvannamalai packages.

Sathanur Dam is a breathtaking structure built over River Thenpennai (River Pennaiyar) which flows through the Chennakesava Hills in Thandarampet Taluk. Its construction began in 1953 and was successfully finished in 1958. The main purpose behind its creation was to enhance the agricultural output of Thiruvannamalai and the neighboring areas. This initiative was part of the significant irrigation projects led by K. Kamaraj, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The project falls under the Command Area Development Authority, also referred to as the CADA scheme, with the total construction cost exceeding INR 35 million, surpassing the initial estimate of INR 22 million.

The Sathanur Dam is a stunning .....

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At a distance of 2 km from Gingee Bus Stand, 71 km from Puducherry, 85 km from Kanchipuram, and 93 km from Vellore, Gingee Fort or Senji Fort is an ancient hill-fort sitated in the Villupuram district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the largest surviving forts in Tamilnadu, and among the popular historical places to visit near Chennai.

The fort was historically considered most impregnable and it was called the 'Troy of the East' by the British. Originally the site had a small fort built by the Chola dynasty during the 9th century. Gingee Fort, also known as Shinji or Jinji, was modified by Kurumbar while fighting the Cholas and again by the Vijayanagara Empire during the 13th century. As per one account, the fort was built during the 15-16th century by the Gingee Nayaks, the lieutenants of the Vijayanagara Empire and who later became independent kings. The fort passed to the .....

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At a distance of 46 km from Thiruvannamalai, Tirumalai is a small village located near Polur in Tamilnadu. It is one of the places of heritage in Tamilnadu, and among the must-include places in Tiruvannamalai tour.

Tirumalai, also known as Arhasugiri, is renowned for its exquisite temple complex featuring 2 Jain temples, 3 Jain caves, and a 16-foot-high sculpture of Tirthankara Neminatha from the 12th century CE, which stands as the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu. This site has been a significant Jain center since ancient times, with a belief that 8,000 Jain monks who accompanied Bhadrabahu performed penance and attained nirvana here. Additionally, the footprints of four revered saints - Vrishabhsenacharya, Samanatabhadracharya, Varadattachrya munivar, and Sri Vadeepa Simhasuri, can be found here.

Perched on the hill is a 16-foot-high idol of Tirthankar Neminath in the Kayotsarga posture, also known as ‘Shikhamani .....

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At a distance of 36 km from Thiruvannamalai, Parvathamalai is a mystical mountain situated at Thenmathimangalam village in the Tiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the top pilgrimage places near Chennai, and among the best places to visit near Madurai.

Parvathamalai holds great spiritual significance and is known for its natural beauty. The name Parvathamalai means Mountain of the Goddess in Tamil, highlighting its connection to Hindu mythology and spirituality. At the peak of Parvathamalai stands the Parvatha Malaiyappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, believed to have been established by Siddhars, individuals with extraordinary spiritual abilities known as siddhi. The temple has no door and remains open at all times, showcasing the divine powers of the deity.

Legend has it that the hill is a fragment of the .....

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