Introduction to Annamalaiyar Temple
The Annamalaiyar Temple (Tamil: அண்ணாமலையார் திருக்கோவில்) is a very old and famous temple for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is located at the base of Annamalai Hills in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. It represents the fire element (Agni) among the five natural elements called Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
Main Deities – Lord Annamalaiyar and Goddess Unnamulai
The main god of this temple is Annamalaiyar (Tamil: அண்ணாமலையார்), a form of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be one with the Annamalai Hill. His wife is Unnamulai Ammai (Tamil: உண்ணாமுலை அம்மை), a form of Goddess Parvati.
Importance in Tamil Shaivism
This temple is very important in Tamil Shaivism. It is praised in old Tamil religious books like Thevaram, Thiruvempavai, and Thiruppugazh. It is also one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, the holy temples mentioned in ancient Tamil Shaivite hymns.
Agni Lingam and Divine Meaning
In this temple, Shiva is worshipped as Annamalaiyar, which means “The mountain that cannot be measured.” He is shown as the Agni Lingam, meaning the fire symbol. Parvati is known as Unnamulai Ammai, and is connected with the Agni Yoni (symbol of divine feminine energy), as mentioned in Thevaram hymns.
Name Praised in Tamil Tradition
The name Annamalaiyar Temple has been loved and respected in Tamil culture for hundreds of years. It is mentioned in many classical Tamil devotional songs and hymns.
Sacred Hymns and Saint-Poets
In the 7th century, Tamil saint-poets called the Nayanmars praised this temple in their songs like Thevaram. Later, in the 9th century, another great saint Manikkavacakar wrote the Thiruvempavai here, which made the temple even more famous.
Temple Structure and Towers
The temple is very large, covering about 10 hectares. It has four tall towers called Gopurams. The eastern tower is the biggest – it is 11 floors high and 66 meters tall. It was built by Sevappa Nayakar from the Thanjavur Nayakar dynasty. The temple has many shrines and big halls, including a beautiful thousand-pillared hall from the Vijayanagara dynasty.
History of Temple Construction
The present stone structure was built in the 9th century by the Chola dynasty. Later, kings from the Vijayanagara empire (Sangama, Saluva, and Tuluva dynasties) made more additions. Today, the temple is taken care of by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.
Daily Poojas and Festivals
Every day, the temple follows six rituals, starting from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The temple celebrates 12 big festivals every year. The most famous one is Karthigai Deepam, held between November and December during the full moon. A giant fire lamp is lit on top of the Annamalai Hill, showing Shiva’s fire form. This light is seen from far away and attracts over three million people.
Girivalam – Full Moon Walk
On every full moon day, thousands of devotees walk around the Annamalai Hill and temple in a ritual called Girivalam. This holy walk brings peace and blessings. Nearly one million people do this walk every month.
