History of Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai is venerated as the Agni Kshetra, the fire element of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. According to the ancient Puranas, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of fire (Jyotirlinga) here to settle the dispute of supremacy between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.

Unable to find the crest or base of this pillar, the deities conceded to Shiva's infinite nature. The column subsequently cooled down to form the sacred Mount Arunachala, worshipped as a living embodiment of Lord Shiva.

Inscriptions dating back to the 9th century attest that the ancient Cholas constructed early shrines within the temple complex. Rulers such as Aditya I, Parantaka I, and Rajendra Chola gifted extensive land, gold, and infrastructure.

Following the Cholas, the Hoysala King Veera Ballala III made Tiruvannamalai his secondary capital during the 14th century, leaving behind significant fortifications and mandapams.

The temple’s soaring architecture achieved its golden age during the Vijayanagara Empire. The majestic eastern Raja Gopuram—rising to an imposing height of 217 feet—was commissioned by Emperor Krishnadevaraya in 1516 CE.

Subsequent patronage from the Saluva and Nayaka dynasties added extensive pillared halls, the sacred Sivaganga tank, and fortified enclosure walls spanning over 25 acres.

Through the centuries, Tiruvannamalai drew celebrated mystics. The Saivite Nayanmars—Appar, Sambandar, and Manikkavacakar—composed foundational hymns in praise of the Lord of Annamalai.

In the modern era, the town became globally renowned as the abode of the sage Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, along with saints such as Seshadri Swamigal and Yogi Ramsuratkumar, establishing it as a global center for self-inquiry and meditation.