Adi Annamalaiyar Temple, Adi Annamalai
Adi Annamalai, Tamil Nadu
The Adi Annamalaiyar Temple is a Shiva temple on the Girivalam path, on the west side of the sacred Arunachala hill, in the village of Adi Annamalai. It is said to be older than the main Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai, and its lingam is believed to be self-manifested (swayambhu). Because it lies on the Girivalam route, many walkers stop here, and it also gives a quiet, wide view of the hill.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of Lord Adi Annamalaiyar, the swayambhu lingam
- See the view of the Arunachala hill from the temple
- Visit the small shrines, including a Ganesha shrine in the complex
- Join the Girivalam walkers who stop here on the way
Ideal for
- Shiva devotees who want a quieter temple than the main one
- Girivalam walkers and pilgrims
- Visitors who like old village temples
Good to know
- Timings are not confirmed, so check locally
- It is on the Girivalam path, about halfway round, so it is easiest by car on a driving tour
- Dress modestly and remove footwear at the entrance
- The village road may be narrow, so a smaller vehicle may be better, so ask your driver
Spiritual significance
Adi Annamalai means the 'first' Annamalai, and the temple is regarded as an older sister to the main temple. For pilgrims on the Girivalam, it is one of the most peaceful stops.
Why it matters
- An older temple: said to be older than the main Arunachaleswarar temple
- A self-manifested lingam: a swayambhu lingam, as in the main temple
- On the Girivalam path: a calm stop on the sacred walk