Arunachaleswarar

Arunachaleswarar refers to a form of the Hindu god Shiva worshipped as the fire element, represented by the Annamalaiyar Lingam. The principal shrine to Arunachaleswarar, also called Annamalaiyar Temple, is situated at the foot of the Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple complex is one of the largest in the region and is a major center of Shaivism. In the tradition, Arunachaleswarar is the consort of Unnamulai Amman, the goddess Parvati, and the temple enshrines a Lingam representing Agni, the fire element. The site forms one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, the five temples representing the five elements, with Arunachaleswarar standing for fire.

Historically, the temple's core structure is attributed to the Chola dynasty, with significant contributions by later Vijayanagara and Nayak administrators, and it bears inscriptions reflecting a long history of patronage and ritual life. The theology and iconography emphasize purifying power, yoga, and the guru-disciple lineage associated with Arunachala hill. The temple precinct surrounds the sacred Arunachala hill, which is considered a self-manifested form of the divine and a site for Girivalam, the tradition of circumambulating the hill on full moon days and auspicious occasions.

Ritual life centers on daily abhishekam and puja, with major annual celebrations tied to the Tamil month of Karthikai. The Karthigai Deepam festival climaxes with a ceremonial lamp lit atop Arunachala hill, attracting large pilgrim crowds. The temple is mentioned in Tamil devotional literature and remains a major pilgrimage destination for Shaivas and visitors exploring South Indian temple architecture and religious heritage.