Ancient ashrams, 1200 year old temples steeped in mythological legends, winding rocky roads leading to a hill thought to be Lord Shiva's earthly residence, a location of absolute calm and tranquillity- that's Tiruvannamalai for you.
Tiruvannamalai is a melting pot of picturesque, ancient, complicated, and aesthetic elements, making it much more than a spiritual destination. This cultural and spiritual hub is just a 4-hour drive from Chennai or Bengaluru and might be your perfect weekend vacation location.
Are you looking for inner peace? Or, at the very least, ephemeral moments of peace? Take a trek to Ramana's cave, where Ramana Maharshi, the self-liberated sage, rests. The gentle humming of Ramana's poems rebounding around the hall and the surrounding images of the guru himself transport you to a parallel realm of calm and tranquillity in the evening.
In Tiruvannamalai, the Arunachaleswarar Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, is the genuine deal. According to legend, Goddess Parvati's prank once went awry and caused Lord Shiva to cover his eyes. The entire globe was thrown into darkness as a result of this. Goddess Parvati pondered with other sages to reverse the situation. It enticed Lord Shiva to return to the Arunachala peak and illuminate the earth. This is how this 1200 year-old shrine came to be.
The 66-meter-long eastern tower, known as the gopuram, is said to be India's highest temple structure. The thousand-pillared hall's construction contributes to the complex splendor of the Annamalaiyar Temple.
Don't overlook the Skandashram, which is about a mile from the Annamalaiyar Temple. A trip uphill on the stone-laden route bordered with thick green plants and dense flora provides a break from the monotony of city life.
Then proceed to Virupaksha cave. Hike to this 13th-century "Om"-shaped cave, which is said to have a miraculous relaxing effect on visitors. Enter a profound state of meditation. It is a sensation that even the most opulent and costly metropolitan meditation centers cannot provide.
Architecture enthusiasts should not miss Senjiyar Kan Kadavan of the Chola dynasty's Gingee fort. The fort is built on three hillocks. The British dubbed the fortification the "Troy of the East" because it was impenetrable.
Plan a trip to Jamunamarathur, Tiruvannamalai's second highest point. The waterfalls and hillscape make it an ideal refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The well-kept gardens and attractive environs make the Sathanur dam a popular location for filming. Visit the fish grotto, crocodile farm, and dam zoo to get your kids enthused about animals. At Sathanur - Pickup dam, tantalise your taste senses with unique Tamil fish delicacies.
