Thiruvannamalai, located at the foot of a hill is 185 kms from Chennai. It is one of the major pilgrim centers in India. Five different temples were dedicated to lord Siva for worshipping Him in the form of five elements of nature, namely, earth, water, wind, ire and ether. The Arunachaleshwara Temple in Thiruvannamalai is one of them and Siva is worshipped in the form of fire.
Arunachaleswara Temple
The temple is located on a sprawling 25 acre land, encompassing several shrines, mandapams, corridors and other such enclosures each adorned with massive pillars with sculptures minutely and aesthetically carved. A huge hall here has a thousand pillars, each elegantly carved, neatly and orderly installed bearing testimony to the planning skills of the engineers of those times. Numerous inscriptions dating back as early as to the 10th century and as a late as 16th century are found on the walls of this temple, recording the liberal contributions of kings and rich to this temple.
Ramana Ashram
Raman Maharishi, the 20th century saint lived here and taught simple methods of meditation to his disciples from all over the world. He attained mukthi in 1950, but his Ashram continues his work by propagating his teaching and voluntary services. The tourists visit from all over the world and they feel that they get peace and spiritual elevation by visiting the Ashram. Kandashramam were Ramana once meditated is half way up the hill and mountain path used by him is beautiful and tranquil.
