If you are planning a visit to the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, knowing the exact temple timings is the single most important thing to get right. The temple does not run on a simple open-all-day schedule — it operates in multiple sessions, each tied to specific poojas and rituals. Arrive between sessions and the sanctum will be closed to the public, no matter how far you have travelled.
This guide gives you the complete 2026 darshan timings, slot-by-slot pooja schedule, abhishekam timings, darshan ticket prices, Girivalam dates, festival timing changes, and everything else needed for a perfectly planned visit to one of India’s greatest Shiva temples.
Arunachalam Temple: Quick Reference 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple |
| Also Known As | Annamalaiyar Temple, Arunachalam Temple |
| Location | Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – 606 601 |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar (Fire Lingam) |
| Consort | Unnamalai Amman (Goddess Parvati) |
| Temple Opens | 5:30 AM (daily) |
| Temple Closes | 9:30 PM (Mon–Fri) / 10:00 PM (Sat, Sun, Full Moon, Holidays) |
| Temple Area | 25 acres (one of the largest temple complexes in India) |
| Eastern Gopuram Height | 217 feet (66 metres) — one of the tallest in India |
| Pancha Bhoota Stalam | Yes — represents the Fire (Agni) element |
| Entry Fee | Free (General Darshan) |
| Special Darshan Ticket | ₹50 per person |
| VIP Darshan | ₹200 per person |
| Official Website | annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
| Temple Contact | +91 4175 252438 |
Arunachalam Temple Timings 2026 — Darshan Schedule
The temple is open for darshan in two main blocks each day — morning and evening — with an afternoon break for internal rituals. The gates used for public entry are the East Rajagopuram and the North Ammani Amman Gopuram.
Standard Darshan Timings (Monday to Friday)
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM | 9:30 PM |
Weekend, Full Moon & Holiday Timings
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM | 7:45 PM* |
*Important: On Saturdays, Sundays, Full Moon days (Pournami), and public holidays, devotees are allowed only until 7:45 PM in the evening — not 9:30 PM — because of high crowd volume and security management. This catches many visitors off guard. Plan accordingly.
Pro Tip: The early morning session (5:30 AM – 7:30 AM) is the most spiritually charged and least crowded window of the entire day. Arrive at the East Gopuram gate before 5:15 AM to enter with the first wave of devotees.
Daily Pooja Timings at Arunachalam Temple 2026
The temple performs six major daily poojas (nithya poojas) in accordance with ancient Agamic tradition. Each pooja marks a distinct phase of the deity’s divine day — from awakening through midday worship to the final night ritual.
| Pooja Name | Timing | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ko Pooja (Gomatha Pooja) | 5:00 AM – 5:15 AM | Sacred cow ritual; pre-dawn offering |
| Ushakala Pooja (Thiruvanandal) | 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM | Dawn pooja; most auspicious of the morning |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Mid-morning pooja; elaborate ritual with Naivedyam |
| Uchikkala Pooja | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Noon pooja; Seeveli (procession) often follows |
| Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening) | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Evening lamp ritual; Deeparadhana; spectacular |
| Irandamkala Pooja | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Second evening pooja; quieter atmosphere |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Final ritual of the day; closing of the sanctum |
Note: The Sayaraksha Pooja (Deeparadhana) at 5:30 PM is considered the most visually spectacular ritual of the day — lamps are waved before the deity with music, chanting, and a charged devotional atmosphere. If you can attend only one pooja, make it this one.
Abhishekam Timings at Arunachalam Temple 2026
The Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam with sacred substances) is one of the most powerful sevas at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Witnessing or booking an Abhishekam in your name is considered deeply auspicious.
| Abhishekam Type | Timing | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Abhishekam | During Ushakala Pooja (5:30 AM – 7:00 AM) | Counter / Online |
| Kalasandhi Abhishekam | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Counter / Online |
| Special Abhishekam (Personal Booking) | As per available slots | Online or temple counter |
| Festival Abhishekam (Maha Shivratri) | Midnight session + multiple day slots | Book well in advance |
How to book Abhishekam:
- Online: Visit annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in and book under the seva booking section
- Offline: Visit the temple’s Administration Booking Counter directly
- Contact: +91 4175 252438
Important: Abhishekam tickets sometimes sell out on the official website. If online booking is unavailable, visit the temple counter in person — tickets are available for purchase on the premises.
Darshan Ticket Types & Prices 2026
| Darshan Type | Price (₹) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| General (Sarva) Darshan | Free | Open to all; queue-based |
| Special Entry Darshan | ₹50 per person | Faster access; dedicated queue |
| VIP Darshan | ₹200 per person | Priority entry; minimal wait |
| Gold Darshan | ₹500 per person | Premium priority access |
| Platinum Darshan | ₹2,000 per person | Near-sanctum experience |
| Diamond Darshan | ₹5,000 per person | Best proximity; guided experience |
| Abhishekam Ticket | ₹2,500 onwards | Personal ritual in deity’s name |
Note: Unlike Tirupati (TTD), Arunachaleswarar Temple does not operate a fixed-format VIP darshan system with timed slots for all tiers. Availability and queue management varies by day and crowd level. Always confirm current ticket availability at annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in before visiting.
How to Book Arunachalam Temple Darshan Online 2026
Step-by-Step Online Booking Process:
- Visit the official temple portal: annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in
- Select the type of service — Special Darshan, Abhishekam, Archana, Annadanam, or Donation
- Choose your preferred date and available time slot
- Enter your personal details — name, mobile number, address
- Complete payment via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking
- Download and save the confirmation with QR code
- Carry the QR pass and a valid government photo ID to the temple
Offline Booking: Visit the Administration Booking Counter at the temple premises during working hours. Cash and card payments accepted. Arrive early on high-footfall days.
Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina) 2026 — Dates & Timings
Girivalam — the sacred circumambulation of the 14 km path around Arunachala Hill — is one of the most powerful spiritual practices associated with this temple. It is performed barefoot, usually during Pournami (full moon) nights when the spiritual energy is believed to be at its peak.
Sri Ramana Maharshi, who spent most of his life at Arunachala, actively encouraged devotees to perform Girivalam as a form of meditation in motion.
Girivalam Pournami Dates 2026
| Month | Pournami Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| March | March 14, 2026 | Saturday |
| April | April 13, 2026 | Monday |
| May | May 12, 2026 | Tuesday |
| June | June 11, 2026 | Thursday |
| July | July 10, 2026 | Friday |
| August | August 9, 2026 | Sunday |
| September | September 7, 2026 | Monday |
| October | October 7, 2026 | Wednesday |
| November | November 5, 2026 | Thursday |
| December | December 4, 2026 | Friday |
Girivalam Route Distance: The complete path around Arunachala Hill is approximately 14 km (some sources note up to 18.7 km including approach roads). At a moderate pace, this takes 3–4 hours. The route passes 8 Ashta Lingam temples representing the 8 directions.
Girivalam Tips:
- Begin at the West Gopuram of the temple complex (traditional starting point)
- Walk barefoot in the clockwise direction
- Offer a coconut and light camphor at the starting point
- Carry sufficient water, especially for daytime walks
- Best time to start: Early morning (Brahma Muhurtham) for peace, or evening to avoid heat
- On Pournami nights, Girivalam is performed throughout the night by lakhs of devotees
Festival Timings — When the Schedule Changes
During festivals, the temple extends its hours and adds special sessions. Crowd levels increase dramatically — plan darshan well in advance.
| Festival | Period | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Karthigai Deepam | November – December (Karthigai month) | Temple open 24 hrs on Deepam day; beacon lit on hill; 5–10 lakh devotees |
| Maha Shivratri | February 2026 | Extended darshan all night; midnight Abhishekam; massive crowds |
| Panguni Uthiram | March – April | Special sevas; Brahmotsavam processions |
| Pournami (Monthly) | Every full moon | Extended hours; Girivalam draws 3–5 lakh pilgrims |
| Pradosham | Twice monthly (Trayodashi) | Special evening pooja; highly auspicious for Shiva devotees |
| Amavasya | Monthly new moon | Special rituals; devotee crowd increases |
| Navaratri | September – October | Extended evening sessions; cultural programs |
| Tamil New Year (Puthandu) | April 14 | Special morning poojas; extended timings |
Karthigai Deepam is the temple’s most significant annual event. A sacred flame is lit atop Arunachala Hill, visible for miles around and considered the living manifestation of Lord Shiva as pure light. During this period, arrive 2–3 days before the main Deepam day to avoid peak crowd chaos and book accommodation in advance.
Day-Wise Visit Strategy
| Day | Crowd Level | Best Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Low | Ideal for free general darshan without waiting |
| Tuesday | Low – Moderate | Good for Abhishekam booking |
| Wednesday | Moderate | Manageable; try Special Darshan (₹50) |
| Thursday | Moderate – High | Shiva’s auspicious day; book VIP darshan |
| Friday | High | Book Special or VIP darshan online in advance |
| Saturday | Very High | Only VIP/Gold darshan recommended; arrive early |
| Sunday | Very High | Busiest day; 7:45 PM closing — plan accordingly |
| Pournami | Extremely High | 3–5 lakh for Girivalam; darshan closes earlier at 7:45 PM |
| Festival Days | Overwhelming | Book premium darshan months in advance |
What Is the Best Time to Visit Arunachalam Temple?
| Visit Goal | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Fewest crowds, most peaceful | Monday–Wednesday, non-Pournami, 5:30 AM–7:30 AM |
| Spectacular pooja experience | Sayaraksha Deeparadhana, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (weekday) |
| Girivalam on Pournami | Arrive evening of full moon; walk through the night |
| Festival atmosphere | Karthigai Deepam (Nov–Dec) |
| Maha Shivratri energy | February 2026 (midnight Abhishekam) |
| Best weather for walking | November to February |
| Avoid completely | Summer afternoons (March–May); Pournami crowd peak hours |
Temple Architecture — Know Before You Go
Understanding the layout makes navigation far easier, especially during high-crowd days:
Four Gopurams (Gateway Towers): The temple has four identical gopurams at the four cardinal directions. The Eastern Gopuram (Raja Gopuram) is the tallest at 217 feet (66 metres) — one of the tallest temple towers in all of India. It was constructed by Sevappa Nayakkar in the 16th century.
Main Shrines: The sanctum of Arunachaleswarar (Lord Shiva) and Unnamalai Amman (Goddess Parvati) are housed separately within the complex. Visit both — most devotees make the mistake of seeing only the main sanctum.
Subramanya Shrine: Located within the complex and highly revered.
Arunachala Pataala Lingam: An underground shrine where Sri Ramana Maharshi meditated for years. Accessible inside the complex — don’t miss it.
1,000-Pillared Hall (Ayiram Kaal Mandapam): A breathtaking hall with intricately carved pillars — one of the architectural highlights of the complex.
Temple Tank (Sivaganga Theertham): The sacred tank within the complex, used for ritual purposes during festivals.
Dress Code — Strictly Enforced
For Men: Dhoti (veshti) and angavastram are the most appropriate attire. Formal pants with shirts or kurta-pyjama are acceptable alternatives. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and revealing clothing are strictly not allowed.
For Women: Saree (preferred), salwar kameez with dupatta, or churidar with a long kurta. Western wear, mini skirts, sleeveless tops, and jeans without a long top are not allowed inside the sanctum area.
General: Remove footwear before entering the temple premises. Footwear stalls are available outside. Photography rules apply inside — check current norms with temple staff on arrival.
How to Reach Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
By Train: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM) is the closest station — just 2 km from the temple. Regular train services connect from Chennai (Villupuram route), Madurai, and other major cities. Nearest major junctions: Tindivanam, Jolarpettai, Villupuram.
By Bus: Tiruvannamalai is well connected by TNSTC state buses and private buses from Chennai (~3.5 hrs), Bangalore (~3 hrs), Puducherry (~2 hrs), Vellore, and Salem. The main bus stand is approximately 1 km from the temple.
By Air: No airport in Tiruvannamalai. Nearest airports:
- Chennai International Airport — approximately 185 km (~3.5 hrs by road)
- Puducherry Airport — approximately 100 km (~2 hrs by road)
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cabs are freely available within the town. Tell the driver “Arunachaleswarar Temple” or “Big Temple” — every driver knows it.
Contact Details — Arunachaleswarar Temple 2026
| Temple Name | Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple |
| Address | Car Street, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – 606 601 |
| Phone | +91 4175 252438 |
| Official Website | annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
| Managed By | Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, Tamil Nadu |
FAQs: Arunachalam Temple Timings 2026
Q: What are the Arunachalam Temple timings in 2026? Morning darshan: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Evening darshan: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (weekdays) and 5:00 PM to 7:45 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, full moon days, and public holidays.
Q: What time does Arunachalam Temple open? The temple opens at 5:30 AM daily for public darshan.
Q: What time does the temple close? On weekdays (Monday–Friday), the temple closes at 9:30 PM. On Saturdays, Sundays, Pournami, and holidays, devotees are allowed only until 7:45 PM.
Q: Is the temple open during the afternoon? No. The temple is closed for public darshan from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily for afternoon rituals.
Q: Is the temple open every day? Yes. Arunachaleswarar Temple is open all 365 days of the year, including holidays.
Q: What is the best time to visit for a peaceful darshan? Early mornings — 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM on Monday to Wednesday — offer the quietest and most spiritually charged experience.
Q: What are the Girivalam timings and dates in 2026? Girivalam is most auspicious on Pournami (full moon) days. Key 2026 dates include March 14, April 13, May 12, June 11, July 10, August 9, September 7, October 7, November 5, and December 4. The 14 km walk can be done at any hour, but night walks on Pournami are the most traditional.
Q: What is the Abhishekam timing at Arunachalam Temple? Abhishekam is performed during the Ushakala Pooja (5:30 AM – 7:00 AM) and the Kalasandhi Pooja (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM) daily. Personal Abhishekam bookings can be made at the temple counter or online at the official website.
Q: How much does the Special Darshan ticket cost? Special Entry Darshan costs ₹50 per person. VIP Darshan is ₹200, Gold is ₹500, Platinum is ₹2,000, and Diamond is ₹5,000.
Q: Can I book Arunachalam Temple darshan online? Yes. Visit annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in to book Special Darshan, Abhishekam, Archana, and other sevas online.
Q: Does the timing change during Karthigai Deepam? Yes, significantly. On the main Deepam day, the temple may remain open for extended hours. Crowd levels reach several lakhs. Arrive well in advance and book premium darshan if possible.
Q: What is the Sayaraksha Pooja timing? The evening Sayaraksha Pooja (Deeparadhana) is from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM — the most spectacular ritual of the day, featuring lamps, music, and devotional chanting.
Q: Can I visit with non-Hindu companions? Unlike Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Arunachaleswarar Temple does not restrict entry by religion. All visitors, regardless of faith, are welcome — but are expected to follow the dress code and maintain decorum.
Q: How long does a typical darshan take? General darshan wait time ranges from 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the day and season. Special Darshan (₹50) significantly reduces the wait. Weekday mornings are typically the fastest.
Final Word
Arunachaleswarar Temple is not just one of India’s great Shiva temples — it is a living, pulsing embodiment of the divine according to millions of devotees across the world. Arunachala Hill itself is considered the physical form of Lord Shiva, and every stone, every gopuram, every lamp lit at evening Deeparadhana is an expression of that presence.
Know your timings. Choose the right slot. Respect the dress code. And if you can manage it — walk the Girivalam once, barefoot, on a full moon night. That 14 km circle around the hill has been walked by saints, sages, and seekers for over a thousand years. You will understand why.
Official Temple Website: annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in Temple Contact: +91 4175 252438
Om Arunachaleswaraya Namaha. 🙏