Nestled at the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, the Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple — commonly known as Arunachalam Temple — is one of the most revered Shaivite shrines in all of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Agni (fire), the temple is considered one of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas, the five temples representing the five elements of nature.
Every year, millions of pilgrims from across the globe travel to Tiruvannamalai to seek the blessings of Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamalai Amman. With surging footfall — especially during the grand Karthigai Deepam festival — planning your visit in advance has never been more important.
In 2026, online darshan booking has become the smartest way to skip long queues and ensure a smooth, spiritually fulfilling experience. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Why Book Arunachalam Temple Darshan Online?
Gone are the days of arriving at the temple only to stand in serpentine queues for hours under the blazing Tamil Nadu sun. Online booking offers several compelling advantages:
Avoid Long Queues: Peak festival seasons like Karthigai Deepam, Shivaratri, and Pradosham can attract hundreds of thousands of devotees. Pre-booking your slot saves hours of waiting.
Plan Your Visit Better: Knowing your darshan time in advance allows you to plan your travel, accommodation, and temple circumambulation (Girivalam) more efficiently.
Special Darshan Access: Online booking often gives access to exclusive Seegra Darshan (quick darshan) or Special Archana services that might not be available at the counter on busy days.
Peace of Mind: Especially for elderly devotees, families with young children, or those traveling long distances, a confirmed slot removes the uncertainty and stress from the journey.
About the Temple: A Quick Overview
The Arunachaleswarar Temple complex is one of the largest temple complexes in India, covering an area of over 25 acres. Its towering gopurams (gateway towers) are iconic — the eastern rajagopuram stands at a majestic height of 217 feet, making it one of the tallest in Tamil Nadu.
The presiding deity, Lord Arunachaleswarar (also called Annamalai), is worshipped in the form of a lingam representing Agni (fire element). The goddess is Unnamalai Amman (Apeetakuchambal). The temple follows the Shaiva Agama tradition and conducts elaborate rituals six times daily.
The sacred Arunachala Hill surrounding the temple is itself considered the embodiment of Shiva, and the 14-km Girivalam (pradakshina/circumambulation) around the hill is a deeply spiritual practice performed by thousands every month on Pournami (full moon day).
Types of Darshan Available at Arunachalam Temple
Before booking, it is helpful to understand the types of darshan services offered:
Free Darshan (Samanya Darshan): Open to all devotees without any charge. The wait time can be anywhere from 1 to 4+ hours during peak seasons.
Seegra Darshan (Special Darshan): A paid, faster darshan option. Devotees enter through a dedicated queue and get closer proximity to the deity with a shorter wait time.
Abhishekam & Archana Services: Devotees can book special puja services like Rudrabhishekam, Panchamruta Abhishekam, or personal Archana tickets in the name of their family.
Annadhanam (Free Meal): The temple trust also offers free meals (prasad) to devotees daily, which can be accessed through designated counters.
How to Book Arunachalam Temple Darshan Online in 2026
The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department manages online bookings for many temples, including Arunachaleswarar Temple. Here is a step-by-step guide to book your darshan online:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official Tamil Nadu HR&CE portal: https://www.tnhrce.gov.in
or the dedicated temple portal (if available): https://www.arunachaleswarar.tnhrce.gov.in
⚠️ Important: Always use the official government website to avoid fraudulent third-party booking sites. Double-check the URL before making any payment.
Step 2: Register / Log In
If you are a first-time user, click on “New Registration” and create an account using:
- Your full name (as per ID proof)
- A valid mobile number
- A working email address
- A secure password
Existing users can simply log in with their credentials.
Step 3: Select the Temple and Service
Once logged in:
- Search for “Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai”
- Select the type of darshan or service you wish to book (Seegra Darshan, Abhishekam, Archana, etc.)
- Choose your preferred date and time slot
Step 4: Enter Devotee Details
Fill in the required details for all devotees:
- Number of persons
- Names (as per government ID)
- Age (especially important for concessions for senior citizens)
Step 5: Make Payment
Proceed to the secure payment gateway. Accepted modes of payment typically include:
- Net Banking
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
- Debit / Credit Cards
- BHIM UPI
The fees vary by service type. Seegra Darshan tickets are typically in the range of ₹50–₹300 per person, while special puja services can range higher depending on the ritual.
Step 6: Download Your E-Ticket
After successful payment, you will receive a booking confirmation via SMS and email. Download the e-ticket (PDF) or note your booking reference number.
📲 Tip: Save a screenshot of your e-ticket on your phone and also carry a printed copy as a backup.
Step 7: Arrive at the Temple
On the day of your visit:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your allotted slot
- Proceed to the Online Booking Counter or designated entrance
- Show your e-ticket (digital or printed) along with a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License)
Important Tips for Your Temple Visit in 2026
Dress Code: Traditional attire is expected and respected. Men should wear dhoti or veshti (lungi). Women should wear saree, salwar kameez, or traditional churidar. Revealing clothing is not permitted inside the temple premises.
Mobile Phones & Cameras: Photography may be restricted in the inner sanctum. Always check the temple’s current rules. It is advisable to leave cameras and valuables in the cloak room available near the temple entrance.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning abhishekam (around 5:30–6:30 AM) offers the most spiritually charged atmosphere. Avoid visiting during afternoons in summer when temperatures soar.
Festival Periods: During Karthigai Deepam (November–December), Maha Shivaratri (February–March), and Aadi Annamalai festival, the temple sees massive crowds. Book well in advance — sometimes weeks or months ahead.
Girivalam (Hill Circumambulation): The 14-km walk around Arunachala Hill is best done on full moon nights (Pournami). Wear comfortable footwear and carry water. The entire route is lit and dotted with small shrines and food stalls on festival days.
Prasad: Do collect the temple prasad (holy offering) at the exit — it is considered especially sacred at this temple.
Arunachalam Temple Online Booking: Key Festivals in 2026
Planning your visit around major festivals can make the experience deeply meaningful, though these periods require even earlier online booking:
| Festival | Approximate Date (2026) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | February 26, 2026 | All-night vigil, special abhishekam |
| Panguni Uthiram | April 2026 | Celestial wedding festival |
| Aadi Annamalai | July–August 2026 | Procession & special puja |
| Karthigai Deepam | November–December 2026 | Grand beacon lighting atop the hill |
| Monthly Pournami | Every full moon | Girivalam & special rituals |
🕯️ Karthigai Deepam is the most spectacular festival — a massive flame is lit atop Arunachala Hill, visible from miles around. Millions attend this event. Book accommodation and darshan tickets many months in advance.
How to Reach Tiruvannamalai
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Tiruvannamalai Railway Station, well-connected to Chennai, Villupuram, and Bangalore.
By Road: Tiruvannamalai is about 185 km from Chennai and 240 km from Bangalore. Regular TNSTC and private buses operate on these routes. The journey from Chennai takes approximately 4–5 hours.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport (~200 km). Smaller airports at Pondicherry (~100 km) and Vellore (~90 km) also serve the region with limited connectivity.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and two-wheeler rentals are readily available in Tiruvannamalai for local travel.
Nearby Places to Visit
While in Tiruvannamalai, consider exploring these spiritually significant nearby locations:
- Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram (Ramanasramam) – Located at the base of Arunachala Hill, this is the ashram of the revered sage Sri Ramana Maharshi and a deeply peaceful place for meditation and reflection.
- Virupaksha Cave – A cave on Arunachala Hill where Sri Ramana Maharshi meditated for many years.
- Skandashramam – Another cave dwelling of Sri Ramana, higher up the hill, offering a panoramic view of the town.
- Sathanur Dam – A scenic picnic spot about 40 km from Tiruvannamalai.
- Vellore Fort & Golden Temple (Sripuram) – About 90 km away, making for a great day trip.
Accommodation Near Arunachalam Temple
Tiruvannamalai offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets:
- Temple Dharamshalas / Choultries: Budget stay managed by temple trusts or dharmic organizations. Basic but very affordable.
- Budget Hotels & Lodges: Numerous options within 1–2 km of the temple at ₹400–₹1500/night.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable hotels with air conditioning at ₹1500–₹4000/night.
- Ashram Guesthouses: Ramanasramam and other spiritual centers offer guesthouse facilities for devotees (advance reservation required).
During festival seasons, accommodation fills up quickly. Book your stay at least 2–4 weeks in advance during Karthigai Deepam — ideally months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is online booking mandatory for visiting Arunachalam Temple? A: No, online booking is not mandatory. Free darshan is available to all without prior booking. However, online booking is strongly recommended during festival seasons and busy weekends to avoid long waits.
Q: Can I cancel or reschedule my online booking? A: Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary. Generally, tickets cancelled well in advance may receive a partial refund. Check the official portal’s cancellation policy at the time of booking.
Q: Is there an age limit for children? A: Children below a certain age (usually 5 years) may enter free of charge. Check the current policy on the official website.
Q: What ID proof is accepted at the temple counter? A: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, and Driving License are generally accepted.
Q: Can NRI or foreign devotees book online? A: Yes. Foreign nationals and NRIs can book online and visit the temple. International passports are accepted as valid ID.
Q: Are there special services for differently-abled devotees? A: Yes, the temple management typically provides accessible queues and assistance for elderly and differently-abled devotees. Contact the temple administration in advance for specific arrangements.
Final Thoughts
The Arunachaleswarar Temple is not merely a place of worship — it is a living, breathing spiritual universe that has drawn seekers, saints, and devotees for millennia. From the towering gopurams that greet you from miles away to the ethereal flame lit atop the sacred Arunachala Hill during Karthigai Deepam, every moment at this temple is charged with divine energy.
With the convenience of online darshan booking in 2026, you can focus entirely on what truly matters — your connection with the divine. Plan ahead, book early, and allow yourself the gift of an unhurried, deeply immersive spiritual experience at one of India’s greatest temples.
May Lord Arunachaleswarar bless all who seek His grace. 🙏