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Arunachaleswarar Temple

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November 29, 2025

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance

Why in News?

Encroachments around Arunachaleswarar Temple demolished for Karthigai Deepam.

  • Location - Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
  • Deity - Lord Shiva (as Arunachaleswarar / Annamalaiyar), Goddess Unnamalai Amman.
  • Form of Shiva - Agni Lingam (Fire)
  • Associated Hill - Arunachala Hill.
  • Temple type - Dravidian-style Hindu temple.
  • Religious Significance - One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams represents the Fire (Agni) elements (Others represent Earth, Water, Air, and Space)
  • Connected with the legend of Shiva as an endless pillar of fire
  • Considered one of the holiest Shiva temples in South India.
  • Architecture - Famous for its massive gopurams (temple towers).
  • Eastern Rajagopuram is about 66 metres tall (one of India’s tallest)
  • Sprawling temple complex with:
    • Large mandapams (halls)
    • Sacred tanks
    • Intricate sculptures
  • Built and expanded mainly by the Chola, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara dynasties
  • Festivals - Karthigai Deepam – the most famous festival
  • A huge sacred flame is lit on Arunachala Hill
  • Symbolizes divine light removing ignorance
  • Girivalam / Giri Pradakshina - Devotees walk around the Arunachala Hill (about 14 km) barefoot, especially on full moon nights.
  • Cultural Importance - Centre for Shaivism and spiritual learning
  • Associated with Saint Ramana Maharshi.

Reference

The HIndu | Arunachaleswarar Temple

1 comments
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JoannVNeubauer 6 days

The overall feeling of the vast complex, the towering gopuram, and the Karthigai Deepam festival with its sacred fire on Arunachala Hill reminded me of the challenging feeling of "climbing levels" in Geometry Dash!

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