'''Thiruvannamalai''', also known as Arunachala, is a hill in India.

It is one of the pancha bhuta sthalas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Understand

In India Lord Shiva is also worshipped as a pillar of fire with no beginning and no end.The hill and the linga in the sanctum-sanctorum are said to show the same.

The hill Arunachala itself is worshipped as Lord Shiva, and it is said that Lord Shiva has taken the form of this mountain. It is said that a continued lineage of siddhas and rishis live around Arunachala. In the 20th century , it is known for the presence of sages like Seshadri swami, Ramana Maharishi and Yogi Ramsuratkumar.

Get in

It is about 190 km from Chennai. Regular buses are available from Chennai main, or Tambaram. Ticket is about Rs 60. First time and occasional visitors are better advised to visit Thiruvannamalai anytime during year except on Full Moon days because this pilgrim centre is heavily thronged during Full moon days and any visitor is likely to be stranded without accommodation during these days!

Get around

See

Do

  • It is considered auspicious to take a circular trip round the thiruvannamalai hill, a distance of 14 km by foot. One can also do it by cycle, two-wheeler/three wheeler. By foot it takes about 3-5 hours...there are many small temples on the way.
  • Bicycles are available for renting at nominal rate of Rs 10 per trip. It takes 60-90mins for a trip..its pleasant ride on a smooth road.
  • Two wheelers are also available on rent; auto rickshaws (three wheeler) charge upto Rs 150 for a trip.
  • '''Ramana Ashram's on Hill'''. One can visit Ramana Maharshi ashram's on the hill. they are basically caves where the saint meditated in his early days of enlightenment.
  • Buy

  • '''Thangam Stores''' has been available for shopping an all steel vessels and puja materials. (Like Kamachi villagu and Kudhu Villagu).
  • '''Venue''', 145/65, Chinna kadai Street.
  • Eat

    A very good vegetarian restaurant - "'''Satvam'''" located at Sparsa Resorts, Athiyandal Village

    Drink

  • There is a very cute Resort - '''Sparsa''' [http://www.sparsaresorts.com].
  • Get out