Arunachaleshwar Temple is a famous and ancient Shiva temple in the Thiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu state of India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is highly famous due to its historical, religious, and architectural importance. The temple is situated on the base of Mount Arunachal, and it is one of the Panchabhut sites, symbolizing fire (fire).
Historical Significance
The history and religious significance of the Arunachaleshwar temple is very deep. According to Hindu Puranas, it is believed that when Gauri (Parvati Devi) requested Lord Shiva to close his eyes, a grand fire of Lord Shiva arose. This fire form was known as Arunachal mountain, and for this reason, this place is worshiped as Agni Lingam.
This temple is considered a symbol of the spiritual divinity and knowledge of Shiva, and the atmosphere here guides the devotees from darkness to light.
Architecture and Structure
The Arunachaleshwar Temple is built in the South Indian Dravidian style. This huge temple is spread over an area of 25 acres and has seven major types (Parikrama Paths). Its major structural excerpts include Gopuram (main entrance), various temple rooms, and the main temples of Lord Shiva.
The major architecture of the temple is as follows:
- Gopuram (main entrance): In the four major directions of the temple, the most prominent of which is Rajagopuram.
- Temple room: There is a huge room inside the temple, in which the Agni Lingam of Lord Shiva is seated.
- Prakara (Parikrama Path): There are seven professions in the temple, which devotees use for meditation, prayer, and circumambulation.
Religious and Cultural Importance
The religious significance of the Arunachaleshwar temple is very high, and it makes Thiruvannamalai a major pilgrimage place. This temple is particularly more important during festivals like Kavad Yatra, Mahashivaratri, and Agni Parva. Devotees here are involved in Chaturthi, Pradosh Vrat, and weekly worship.
Five major worship sites:
- Agni Lingam: The fire form of Shiva, which is the center of the main worship in the temple.
- Temple of Parvati Devi: Who is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is worshiped with Shiva.
- Temple of Lakshmi Devi: Who is the goddess of wealth and happiness and prosperity.
- Ganesh Temple: This is famous for removing the obstacles of devotees.
- Nandi Temple: The vehicle of Lord Shiva is dedicated to Nandi.
Major Pilgrimage and Fast
Every year millions of people come to visit the temple on religious occasions like Kauri Yatra and Mahashivratri. Special worship is done here on the day of Mahashivaratri, in which devotees chant the name of Shiva throughout the night while staying subline all day.
The circumambulation (Girivrat) of the Arunachal mountain is also very famous. This parikrama route is 14 km long and is performed by devotees throughout the year. This circumambulation believes that it attains salvation and all deeds decay.
Relation of Siddha Yogis and Saints
Arunachaleshwar Temple has a special relationship with the great yogi and saint Ramana Maharishi. He spent most of his life here and meditated in the caves here. Due to his worship and nirvana, this place became even more sacred. Ramana Maharishi Ashram has now become a major pilgrimage site and meditation center.
According to Ramana Maharishi, Arunachala is the form of Shiva, and this place is best for attaining enlightenment. His teachings still guide the devotees here.
Conclusion
Arunachaleshwar Temple is not only a religious place, but it also provides a unique spiritual experience. The atmosphere here, holy water, meditation center, and spiritual peace guide the devotees towards the highest truth of life. This is a place where there is a confluence of spiritual prosperity, knowledge, and peace.
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