Thiruvannamalai
is a sacred pilgrimage town in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a
beautiful and homely city which attracts hundreds of devotees every
year. Tiruvannamalai is a home to Arunachaleswara Temple nestled
at the foot of the Arunachala hill. Tiruvannamalai has been long
coupled with many yogis and siddhars and more recently the 20 th
century guru Ramana Maharshi.
Tiruvannamalai is one of the panchabhootasthalas representing
the fire element along with Chidambaram, Sri Kalahasti, Thiruvanaikoil
and Kanchipuram representing sky, air water and earth respectively.
Tourist
Destinations:
» Sri
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
One
of the holy places in Thiruvannamalai, this Ashram is dedicated
to Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal.
» Arunachaleshwara
Temple
This
gigantic temple is located at the foot of the sacred Annamalai or
Arunachala Hill Nine lofty towers of the Arunachaleshwara Temple,
the numerous stucco figures and the neatly and intricately carved
stone sculptures stand as admirable testimony to the Dravidian Architecture
and skills of the master craftsmen of the yesteryears. The temple
is located on a sprawling 25 acre land, encompassing several shrines,
mandapams, corridors and other such enclosures each adorned with
massive pillars with sculptures minutely and aesthetically carved.
» Ramana
Ashram
Raman
Maharishi, the 20th century saint lived here and taught simple methods
of meditation to his disciples from all over the world. He attained
mukthi in 1950, but his Ashram continues his work by propagating
his teaching and voluntary services. The tourists visit from all
over the world and they feel that they get peace and spiritual elevation
by visiting the Ashram. Kandashramam were Ramana once meditated
is half way up the hill and mountain path used by him is beautiful
and tranquil.
» Sathanur
dam
Constructed across Pennaiyar River among Chennakesava Hills, this
dam is located 35 km from Thiruvannamalai. It has a well-maintained
green foam park, huge trees, and a mini zoo with crocodile farm.
» How
to reach Thiruvannamalai
By
Air : The nearest airport is at Chennai.
By Rail : You can board a passenger train to Vellore
or Villupuram from the railway station at Thiruvannamalai.
By Road : Thiruvannamalai is well-connected
by a network of roads to many cities and towns in Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
