Arunachalam Temple, also known as Arunachaleswarar Temple, is one of the most powerful and sacred Shiva temples in India. Located at the holy town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, this ancient temple represents the Agni (Fire) element among the Pancha Bhoota temples. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit this divine place to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in the form of Annamalaiyar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman.
In 2026, knowing the correct Arunachalam Temple timings is very important for devotees planning darshan, daily poojas, and special abhishekam rituals. The temple follows a strict schedule for Suprabhata Seva, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Deeparadhana, and Ardha Jamam pooja, and timings may vary on festival days, full moon (Pournami), and during Girivalam occasions.
Arunachalam Temple Giri Pradakshina Timings 2026 – Girivalam Distance, Best Time & Rules
Arunachalam Temple Opening & Closing Timings 2026
Daily Temple Timings
| Activity | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 5:30 AM |
| Temple Closing | 10:00 PM |
| Darshan Hours | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Break Timings | Short breaks during poojas |
✅ Timings generally remain the same throughout 2026, except on festival days.
Arunachalam Temple Darshan Timings 2026
Devotees can have Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan) throughout the day.
Sarva Darshan Timings
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
⏳ Waiting time may range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on crowd.
Special Pooja & Abhishekam Timings
Daily Abhishekam Timings
| Abhishekam | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Abhishekam | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM |
| Midday Abhishekam | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Evening Abhishekam | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Night Abhishekam | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
🔔 Abhishekam tickets are usually available offline at the temple counter.
Arunachalam Temple Pooja Schedule (2026)
Daily Poojas
- 🕉️ Ushakkala Pooja – Early morning
- 🔱 Kalasandhi Pooja – Morning
- 🪔 Uchikala Pooja – Noon
- 🌆 Sayaraksha Pooja – Evening
- 🌙 Ardhajama Pooja – Night
Devotees can witness poojas by standing in designated areas.
Pradosham Timings at Arunachalam Temple
Pradosham occurs twice a month (Trayodashi).
- Evening Pradosham: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Special Abhishekam for Nandi
🐂 Pradosham at Arunachalam is considered highly powerful.
Full Moon (Pournami) Temple Timings
- Temple opens earlier: 4:30 AM
- Darshan extended till 10:30 PM
- Heavy crowd expected
- Special police & volunteer arrangements
🌕 Pournami day is ideal for Girivalam + Darshan.
Karthigai Deepam Festival Timings
During Karthigai Deepam, timings may change:
- Temple opens as early as 4:00 AM
- Darshan continues till late night
- Special queues and barricades in place
🔥 The Maha Deepam lighting on the hill is the main highlight.
Best Time to Visit Arunachalam Temple
Ideal Time of Day
- Early morning (5:30 AM – 8:00 AM)
- Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Best Months
- November to February (pleasant weather)
Avoid If Possible
- Afternoon hours in summer
- Festival days if you dislike crowds
Dress Code for Darshan
✔ Traditional & modest attire
✔ Saree, salwar, dhoti preferred
❌ Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, mini skirts
Important Rules for Devotees
- Mobile phones may be restricted inside
- No photography inside sanctum
- Follow queue discipline
- Keep silence near sanctum
- Respect temple traditions
Facilities Available
- Free drinking water
- Shoe stands
- Annadanam (free meals)
- Medical camps on special days
- Help desks & volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Arunachalam Temple timings in 2026?
The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
2. Is the temple open on all days?
Yes, the temple is open all 365 days in 2026.
3. Is there VIP darshan available?
There is no official VIP darshan like Tirumala; darshan is mostly free.
4. Can we attend Abhishekam?
Yes, by purchasing tickets at the temple counter.
5. Is night darshan allowed?
Yes, darshan is allowed till 10:00 PM.
Travel Tips for 2026 Visitors
- Reach early to avoid queues
- Carry water bottles
- Book hotels early on Pournami days
- Combine darshan with Girivalam
- Follow local announcements
Final Words
Knowing the Arunachalam Temple timings 2026 helps you plan a peaceful and divine visit. Whether you come for darshan, abhishekam, or Girivalam, the spiritual energy of Arunachala will leave a lasting impression on your soul.
🙏 Om Arunachala Shiva 🙏