Arunachala is a hill in Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, and one of the five main Shaiva holy places in South India. The Arunachalesvara Temple to Shiva is located at the base of the hill. The hill is also known by the names Annamalai, Arunagiri, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri, and Sonachalam.
Arunachala
Karthikai Deepam 2020
Arunachala during winter – view from Vengikkal
Arunachalesvara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Arunachala hill in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Shaivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, and specifically the element of fire, or Agni.
View of the Arunachalesvara temple towers from the Arunachala hill
The Annamalai hills with temple towers in the foreground
The Raja gopuram – the Eastern gateway, the tallest temple tower and a view of the tank
View of the temple complex