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.
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.
