Important Places to See in Tiruvannamalai
On November 19, 2024Tiruvannamalai is a holy place that boasts a rich spiritual heritage and beautiful scenery. Visiting it can be both a spiritual quest as well as a journey of exploration.
Tiruvannamalai, a city that throbs with spiritual energy, lies at the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Apart from the the renowned Arunachaleswarar temple, the city has many attractions that present a quaint blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance.
Let us see what it has to offer.
Arunachaleswarar Temple
The renowned Arunachaleswarar Temple is an excellent specimen of Dravidian architecture and has been a magnet for spiritual seekers from India and abroad for centuries. Its towering gopurams and exquisite carvings attract tourists as well.
It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (5 sacred temples representing the five elements of life - Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Sky). The temple represents the Fire element and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Shiva is worshipped as Agni (Fire) Lingam. It is one of the 4 most sacred places where one can gain Moksha or salvation, as per the Shiva Purana. The belief is that a mere thought of this temple can free one from the life-death cycle. It is one of the largest temples in India. Those who make it to the summit of the Arunachala Hill can enjoy spectacular views.
Ramana Maharshi Ashram
Ramana Maharshi Ashram, or Sri Ramanasramam, was the abode of the modern sage and master of Advaita Vedanta, Ramana Maharshi, from 1922 to 1950. It is located at the foot of the Arunachala hill. His samadhi shrine draws people from all corners of the world.
The ashram offers sanctuary for spiritual seekers. It is very serene and peaceful and is ideal for self-reflection and meditation.
The famous writer W. Somerset Maugham visited the ashram in 1938. Other visitors include Swami Sivananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Alfred Sorensen (Sunyata) and Wei Wu Wei.
Annamalaiyar Temple View Point
This is a perfect vantage point from which to get a breathtaking view of the Annamalaiyar Temple against the backdrop of Mount Arunachala.
Virupaksha Cave
Virupaksha Cave gets its name from the renowned sage Virupaksha Deva, who did meditation here in the 13th century. However, it became very famous in the early 20th century when the renowned sage, Ramana Maharshi, made it his home for many years. The sage's presence attracted many seekers and followers and became a place of spiritual awakening.
The cave is located on Arunachala Hill and has borne witness to centuries of spiritual practice. It is frequented by those seeking peace and quiet.
Sathanur Dam
Sathanur Dam forms the Sathanur reservoir and is a major dam in Tamil Nadu. It is built across the Thenpennai River or Pennaiyar River in Thandarampet taluk among the Chennakesava Hills. It is around 30 km from Tiruvannamalai city. Nestled amidst lush greenery, Sathanur Dam is a lovely picnic spot. It offers picturesque views and a break from one’s spiritual journey through Tiruvannamalai.
Skandashramam
This is a peaceful hermitage associated with Ramana Maharshi. It offers a calm environment for those seeking a quiet place for meditation and self-reflection. One can enjoy enchanting views of the surrounding area.
Gingee Fort
Gingee or Senji Fort is one of the ancient forts in Tamil Nadu, India that has managed to survive the ravages of time. It is in Villupuram District, 160 kilometers from Chennai, and is near the Union Territory of Puducherry. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha king, described it as the "most impregnable fortress in India", and the British called it the "Troy of the East." This historical marvel’s ruins still tell tales of a bygone era of empires and conquests.
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Dedicated to Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, another saint of Tiruvannamalai, it is a place for meditation and spiritual learning. It attracts spiritual seekers from far and wide. Seshadri Swamigal was also called the "Saint with a Golden Hand." He was born in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and lived in Tiruvannaamalai, where he reached samadhi. He arrived at Arunachala Hill 6 years before Ramana Maharshi. They had many similarities.
Parvathamalai Mountain
Parvathamalai is a power spot where a Shiva temple was built atop a steep mountain. It is a very sacred place in south India. The Shiva temple was supposedly established by Siddhars to meditate and become enlightened. The deity here is Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, who grants his devotees’ wishes and helps them gain knowledge and salvation. For those who are adventurous, Parvathamalai is a challenging trek.
Conclusion
A visit to Tiruvannamalai is an experience that is truly unforgettable. Here, nature and spiritual tradition vie for your attention. The spiritual energy in this beautiful and tranquil place is palpable and powerful. It can literally change your life.
Ramana Maharshi Ashram
Ramana Maharshi Ashram, or Sri Ramanasramam, was the abode of the modern sage and master of Advaita Vedanta, Ramana Maharshi, from 1922 to 1950. It is located at the foot of the Arunachala hill. His samadhi shrine draws people from all corners of the world.
The ashram offers sanctuary for spiritual seekers. It is very serene and peaceful and is ideal for self-reflection and meditation.
The famous writer W. Somerset Maugham visited the ashram in 1938. Other visitors include Swami Sivananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Alfred Sorensen (Sunyata) and Wei Wu Wei.
Annamalaiyar Temple View Point
This is a perfect vantage point from which to get a breathtaking view of the Annamalaiyar Temple against the backdrop of Mount Arunachala.
Virupaksha Cave
Virupaksha Cave gets its name from the renowned sage Virupaksha Deva, who did meditation here in the 13th century. However, it became very famous in the early 20th century when the renowned sage, Ramana Maharshi, made it his home for many years. The sage's presence attracted many seekers and followers and became a place of spiritual awakening.
The cave is located on Arunachala Hill and has borne witness to centuries of spiritual practice. It is frequented by those seeking peace and quiet.
Sathanur Dam
Sathanur Dam forms the Sathanur reservoir and is a major dam in Tamil Nadu. It is built across the Thenpennai River or Pennaiyar River in Thandarampet taluk among the Chennakesava Hills. It is around 30 km from Tiruvannamalai city. Nestled amidst lush greenery, Sathanur Dam is a lovely picnic spot. It offers picturesque views and a break from one’s spiritual journey through Tiruvannamalai.
Skandashramam
This is a peaceful hermitage associated with Ramana Maharshi. It offers a calm environment for those seeking a quiet place for meditation and self-reflection. One can enjoy enchanting views of the surrounding area.
Gingee Fort
Gingee or Senji Fort is one of the ancient forts in Tamil Nadu, India that has managed to survive the ravages of time. It is in Villupuram District, 160 kilometers from Chennai, and is near the Union Territory of Puducherry. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha king, described it as the "most impregnable fortress in India", and the British called it the "Troy of the East." This historical marvel’s ruins still tell tales of a bygone era of empires and conquests.
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Dedicated to Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, another saint of Tiruvannamalai, it is a place for meditation and spiritual learning. It attracts spiritual seekers from far and wide. Seshadri Swamigal was also called the "Saint with a Golden Hand." He was born in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and lived in Tiruvannaamalai, where he reached samadhi. He arrived at Arunachala Hill 6 years before Ramana Maharshi. They had many similarities.
Parvathamalai Mountain
Parvathamalai is a power spot where a Shiva temple was built atop a steep mountain. It is a very sacred place in south India. The Shiva temple was supposedly established by Siddhars to meditate and become enlightened. The deity here is Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, who grants his devotees’ wishes and helps them gain knowledge and salvation. For those who are adventurous, Parvathamalai is a challenging trek.
Conclusion
A visit to Tiruvannamalai is an experience that is truly unforgettable. Here, nature and spiritual tradition vie for your attention. The spiritual energy in this beautiful and tranquil place is palpable and powerful. It can literally change your life.