Arunachalam Temple is one among most sacred Pancha Bootha Sthal. which indirectly means Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Space. This temple is locally referred as Annamalai Temple and is located in Thiruvannamalai of Tamil Nadu State in India.

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Arunachalam Temple – Pancha Bootha Sthalam
Arunachalam temple locally referred as Annamalai temple is located In Thiruvannamalai of Tamil Nadu.
The temple is situated on the piedmont of Annamalai hill, located in the green lush everywhere. This
temple is regarded as one of the temples that is dedicated to lord Shiva represen ng him as the supreme
authority of Pancha Bootham (Fire, water, Air, Earth, Space). Therefore all of these temples were
collec vely known as " Pancha Bootha Sthalams ".
Pancha Bootha Sthalams – South India
1) Kanchipuram – Ekambeshwara Temple – Prithvi Lingam (Earth)
2) Thiruvanaikaval – Jambukeswara Temple – Appu Lingam ( Water)
3) Thiruvannamalai – Arunachaleswar temple – Agni Lingam (Fire)
4) Kalahasthi – Shri Kalahastheeshwara Temple – Vayu Lingam (Air)
5) Chidambaram – Thillai Natarajar Temple – Agaya Lingam (Space)
Lord Shiva is worshipped here with the local name Arunachaleswar and is said to be the resemblance of
Agni.
Legends of Arunachalam Temple
There are many great stories exis ng on the history of Arunachalam temple . According to one of the
sources, a tussle took place between Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, regarding their strengths. In order to
solve this, Lord Shiva took the form of a gigan c glaring flame with no edges in near vicinity. Shiva
challenged Brahma and Vishnu " Whoever traverses the length of this flame will be declared as the might
power ". Vishnu and Brahma forge ng the en re universe rests in Shiva, they accepted the challenge. At
first, Vishnu took the form of a Boar and started travelling towards the interior of the Earth. All of his
energy drained out and he gave up the challenge. On the other hand, Brahma, who is in the form of
Swan, began to travel towards the upper por on of the Earth. On his way, he found Ketaki flower. He too
failed in exploring the en re length of flame. So, he requested Ketaki flower to lie to Shiva, that he
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reached the upper por on of the Earth. A er returning Brahma lamented about his strengths and
success. At this instance, Lord Shiva appeared in his full glory. Therefore on this occasion, Shivaratri is
celebrated. Lord Shiva told them that, "Both of you as well as Rudra and Maheswara were out of me, we
are inseparable and represents 5 divine life aspects ". And then Shiva cursed Brahma, that he will not be
worshipped by humans on this earth, this is considered to be the reason for a mere number of Brahma
temples in India. Shiva also cursed Ketaki flower for lying to him, that it won't be used to worship god
anymore.
According to another legend, Lord Parvathi beloved wife of Shiva closed his eyes when they were in a
happy mood. This led to the whole crea on to go in the dark. Therefore Parvathi observed strict penance
at Thirumunvallai hills. On ge ng pleased Shiva appeared there as a flame, Parvathi accompanied him
and eventually, they became idols on the top of the hill.
The Arunachalam Temple and Fes vals
This temple was constructed by King Vijayala Chozan who belongs to Chola kingdom. Besides
Mahabaleswaram Temple, Arunachalam temple resembles the ar s c excellence of Cholas. Massive
gopurams of this temple are so impressive. Four gopurams can be seen on four sides of the temple. This
temple was later reconstructed and rejuvenated by Vijayanagara rulers as well as Hoysala kings.
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with pomp and glory here. Inside and the premises of temple will be
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echoed with the chan ng of " Om Nama Shivaya ". Unlike rest of the temples in India, here this fes val
was celebrated during night me. The fes vals of Lights, Kar gai Deepam will also be celebrated here.
Par cularly for this fes val people from all parts of the state visit this temple.
Arunachalam Temple – The Jnana Kshetra
This shrine is considered to be the eternal place of knowledge. One, who wishes to find the ul mate
truth of his life, will lead his way toward this temple. It is said that many great saints like Appar,
Sambandar, and Virupaksha Deva got enlightened here. The great sage Ramana Maharshi also lived here
from 1899‐1916. One can even find the pictures of Ramana Maharshi in this temple. He translated
‘Arunachala Mahatyam' from Sanskrit to Tamil. The following verse reveals the greatness of this
sanctum‐
" On visi ng Chidambaram, leaving the world at Kasi, by being born at Thiruvarur, or by merely u ering
Arunachala one can achieve libera on "
Thousand Pillar Mandapam at Arunachalam Temple
Thousand pillar Mandapam stands as a tes mony to the outstanding work of those ar sans and
sculptors, who constructed this temple. It was constructed by Bhallala king of Hoyasala. It is believed
that Arunagiranadh remained within this mandapam in the form of a Parrot.
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Giri Pradakshana at Arunachalam Temple
Giri Pradakshana or circumferencing the Annamalai is considered to be the most pious thing. By doing so
one can be freed from all kinds of sins, his/her wishes will be fulfilled, one will be relieved of Karma and
finally a ain jnana. While circumambula ng the hill one should pray to the Ashta Lingams represen ng
the different phases of Moon ‐
Indra Lingam
Agni Lingam
Yama Lingam
Niruthi Lingam
Varuna Lingam
Vayu Lingam
Kubera Lingam
Easanya Lingam
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