About Tiruvannamalai

 Tiruvannamalai, the home of Annamalayaar or Arunachaleswarar (Shiva worshipped as a Shiva Lingam) and Unnamulaiyaal (Apitakuchambaal – Parvati), is one of the largest temples in India. Arunai Charitable trust

 Holy Arunachala Mountain:

It occupies a special place in the Shaivite realm and is regarded as one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalams (one of the five grand temples associated with the five basic elements) associated with the element Fire, the other four being Tiruvanaikkaval (Water), Chidambaram (Space), Kanchipuram (Earth) and Sri Kalahasti (Wind) respectively.

Legend has it that Shiva manifested himself in the form of a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet Bhrahma and Vishnu attempted in vain to reach. (See: Lingodbhavar) A celebration of this manifestation is seen today in the age-old traditions observed in the Shivaratri and the Kartikai Deepam Utsavams held here.

There is an air of deep mysticism around the temple, the hill and its environs. The town itself is known for its long association with Yogis, Siddhas, the well known spiritual savant Ramana Maharishi, and several others. The origin of this temple goes far back in time, although much of the temple structure as seen today is a result of building activity over the last one thousand years.