Planning your visit to Tiruvannamalai? Ensuring the timings of the Arunachalam Temple get sorted is the very first and foremost step before booking your transport. Unlike any other temple where visiting hours are set on an open-ended basis, the timings at Arunachalam are strictly session-based. You need to know the exact timing of each session as being late may leave you disappointed with the closed sanctum despite reaching there after travelling from afar.
Here is everything that you need to know Arunachalam Temple Timings: daily darshan times, complete six-pooja timing list, ticket prices ranging from zero to Rs. 10,000 Abhishekam, Girivalam timings for 2026, online booking procedures, appropriate dress code, and much more!
Arunachalam Temple at a Glance
Before going deeper into the pooja schedule and timings, here is every key detail you need in one place:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple (Annamalaiyar Temple) |
| Location | Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Arunachaleswarar) & Unnamalai Amman (Parvati) |
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (Mon-Fri) / 7:45 PM (Sat, Sun, Holidays) |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (closed for public darshan) |
| Entry Fee | Free (General Darshan) | Special Entry from Rs. 50 |
| Open on Holidays | Yes, 365 days a year |
| Official Website | annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in |
| Temple Contact | +91 4175 252438 |
Arunachalam Temple Timings 2026: Daily Darshan Schedule
The Arunachaleswarar Temple remains accessible throughout the year for the entire 365 days. It is open even on public holidays and festivals. There are two major slots every day during which the darshan sessions take place.
Darshan Slots: Morning Slot: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM; Evening Slot: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
The temple starts functioning at 5:30 AM. The first slot is when the pilgrims have the least crowd and the atmosphere is calm and tranquil. Darkness prevails at this time of the day and therefore it forms the perfect timing for seasoned pilgrims. Both Ushakala Pooja and Kalasandhi Pooja take place within the specified timeframe. Both these events involve Abhishekam of the Shivalingam. The gates shut precisely at 12:00 PM in the midday for public darshan.
Midday Closure Slot: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The temple shuts down for all visitors from noon to 5:00 PM. No exceptions whatsoever! These are the times when the Uchikala Pooja takes place along with other internal rituals. Quite often, many first-time visitors reach the temple in the afternoons but realize that the gates are locked.
Evening Slot: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (Weekdays)
The evening session starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 9:30 PM. It goes on till 9:30 PM on weekdays i.e. Mondays to Fridays. The Sayaraksha Pooja (Deeparadhana) which takes place at 5:30 PM is the only event that one should make plans according to its schedule. Oil lamps are waved in front of Lord Arunachaleswarar with music and chanting.
Evening Session Closing Time on Weekends and Public Holidays: 7:45 PM
Note: On Saturdays, Sundays, full moon days (Pournami) and public holidays, the evening session closes at 7:45 PM and not 9:30 PM. This catches quite a large number of pilgrims unawares who plan to be there at 8:00 PM on Sundays. This restriction arises out of the large crowds during these times.
The entry into the temple complex is through the East Rajagopuram (the majestic 217-foot Raja Gopuram) and North Ammani Amman Gopuram.
Full Daily Pooja Schedule at Arunachaleswarar Temple
The temple follows Saiva Agama traditions with six rituals performed every day. Each pooja runs at a fixed time with its own offering and its own atmosphere. Know the schedule and you can position your darshan exactly where you want it.
| Pooja Name | Timing | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Thiruvanandal (Ko Pooja) | 5:30 AM | Temple opens; first ritual of the day, devotees greet Lord Shiva at sunrise |
| Ushakala Pooja | 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM | Abhishekam begins; temple is at its quietest; best window for free darshan without a long queue |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Main morning Abhishekam; elaborate offerings with milk, honey, sandalwood and Vedic hymns |
| Uchikala Pooja | 12:00 PM | Noon ritual; marks the closing of the temple for public darshan until evening |
| Sayaraksha Pooja (Deeparadhana) | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Lamps waved before the deity with nadaswaram and chanting; the one ritual worth timing your visit around |
| Irandaam Kala Pooja | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Second evening pooja; deepakarti and sacred adornment of the deity |
| Arthajama Pooja | 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Final ritual of the day; temple closes after this; the sanctum goes quiet and most devotees sit in silence |
During the Abhishekam at Ushakala and Kalasandhi Poojas, the Shivalingam is bathed with milk, curd, honey, rose water, turmeric, sandalwood paste, vibhuti, and sacred river waters while priests chant the Shri Rudram, Chamakam, and Panchakshara mantra.
Arunachalam Temple Darshan Ticket Price 2026
General darshan at Arunachaleswarar Temple is completely free of charge. No ticket is needed to enter and perform darshan at the main sanctum. However, the temple offers paid ticket options for devotees who want to avoid long queues or experience closer, more exclusive darshan.
| Darshan Type | Price | Best For | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | FREE | Budget pilgrims; weekday visits | Walk-in at East Rajagopuram |
| Special Entry Darshan | Rs. 50 | Faster queue; weekends | Online or temple counter |
| VIP Darshan | Rs. 200 | Shorter wait; festivals | Online (HRCE portal) |
| Gold Darshan | Rs. 500 | Priority entry | Online (HRCE portal) |
| Platinum Darshan | Rs. 2,000 | Premium; close darshan | Online / temple office |
| Diamond Darshan | Rs. 5,000 | Exclusive; VIP access | Temple office / helpdesk |
Special Entry Darshan at Rs. 50 is the most used paid option, especially on weekends when the free queue can stretch for a couple of hours. VIP and above are the smart choice during Maha Shivratri and Karthigai Deepam. Platinum and Diamond slots sell out within hours of going live for festival dates.
Abhishekam & Seva Ticket Prices at Arunachalam Temple
General darshan gets you inside the temple. Abhishekam and seva bookings get you into the rituals. The temple offers several options at different price points, bookable online through the HRCE portal or at the administration counter in person.
| Seva / Abhishekam | Price | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Ko Pooja (Basic Ritual) | Rs. 100 | 5:30 AM |
| Milk Abhishekam (Pal Abhishekam) | Rs. 1,000 | 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM |
| Special Abhishekam (Swamy + Amman) | Rs. 2,500 | 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM |
| Vinayagar + Swamy + Amman Abhishekam | Rs. 3,000 | 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM |
| Panchamoorthigal Abhishekam (5 Deities) | Rs. 4,500 | 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM |
| Rudrabhishekam | Rs. 5,000 | As per schedule |
| Thirukalyana Utsavam Special Abhishekam | Rs. 8,500 | As per schedule |
| 1008 Sangu Pooja (Grand Abhishekam) | Rs. 10,000 | Festival days |
Each Abhishekam ticket is for one couple. Children below 12 may come in free. Prasadams are given after the ritual. For the 1008 Sangu Pooja and Panchamoorthigal Abhishekam, tickets drop 30 to 45 days before the date and sell out fast. Keep checking the portal once the release is announced.
Note: All prices above are subject to revision by the temple trust. Confirm the latest rates at annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in or by calling the temple office at +91 4175 252438 before visiting.
How to Book Arunachalam Temple Darshan Online
The HRCE Tamil Nadu portal lets you book darshan, Abhishekam, and sevas from home. Here is how to do it:
- Go to annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in (the official HRCE temple portal)
- Select Darshan Booking from the main menu
- Choose your darshan type: General, Special Entry, VIP, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond
- Use the calendar to pick your preferred date and time slot
- Enter devotee details: name, mobile number, and government-issued ID proof
- Complete payment via UPI, Debit Card, Net Banking, or Credit Card (all transactions are encrypted)
- Download your e-ticket or save the SMS/email confirmation
- Present your digital or printed ticket at the entry gate on arrival
Book at least 3 to 5 days in advance, especially on weekends. During Karthigai Deepam and Maha Shivratri, book as early as the slots open, often 30 to 45 days before the festival. Carry a valid government ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport) on the day of your visit.
Girivalam at Arunachalam: Timings, Dates & What to Expect
Girivalam, also called Giri Pradakshina, is the ancient practice of walking barefoot around the sacred Arunachala Hill. The hill itself is considered by Shaivites to be the physical form of Lord Shiva. The path covers exactly 14 kilometres and passes through dense forest stretches, ashrams, ancient shrines, and open hillside terrain.
Along the Girivalam route, there are eight Ashta Lingam shrines representing the eight directions, each with its own spiritual significance:
- Indra Lingam (East, 0 km): Purifies the mind and brings peace; starting point near the main temple
- Agni Lingam (Southeast, 1.8 km): Symbolises fire; connected to the hill’s identity as Agni Lingam
- Yama Lingam (South, 3.5 km): Removes sins and negative energies; contemplative atmosphere
- Niruthi Lingam (Southwest, 5.3 km): Aids in karma dissolution and the path to moksha
- Varuna Lingam (West): Enhances compassion and kindness
- Vayu Lingam (Northwest): Clears the air element; devotees pause here for deep breathing meditation
- Kubera Lingam (North): Associated with prosperity and abundance
- Isanya Lingam (Northeast): The final lingam before returning to the main temple
The walk typically takes 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace and the number of stops you make. Girivalam can be done any day of the year, but it is considered most auspicious on Pournami (full moon) nights, when hundreds of thousands of devotees walk through the night.
Major Girivalam Dates (Pournami) 2026
| Month 2026 | Pournami (Full Moon) Date | Special Note |
|---|---|---|
| July | July 10, 2026 | Summer Girivalam |
| August | August 9, 2026 | Sravana Pournami |
| September | September 7, 2026 | Aadi Pournami |
| October | October 7, 2026 | Karthigai season begins |
| November | November 5, 2026 | Pre-Karthigai Deepam rush |
| December | December 4, 2026 | Margazhi festival season |
On Pournami nights, the temple remains open for extended hours, often until midnight or later, to accommodate the massive crowd. If you are planning a Pournami Girivalam, arrive early in the afternoon to complete your temple darshan before the evening crowd builds, then begin the walk around 7:00 PM to walk through the night hours.
Best Time to Visit Arunachalam Temple: Month-by-Month
October to December: Peak Season
This is one of the best periods to pay a visit to Arunachaleswarar Temple. The festival known as Karthigai Deepam is observed in November and December. This is the temple’s biggest festival attracting nearly 3 million devotees from all over the globe. There is a Maha Deepam that is a big sacred fire lit on the top of 800 metres high Arunachala Hill. The Maha Deepam can be seen from as far as 30 kilometres away from the temple premises. The 10-day festival is an incredible spiritual experience; however, you should book accommodation and tickets for darshan months beforehand.
February to March: Maha Shivratri
There is one of the most energetic celebrations of Shivratri at Arunachaleswarar Temple. All the spots for abhishekam are booked within hours after being available for booking. The darshan sessions will take place overnight. You need to book the accommodation and darshan tickets months in advance, not just weeks.
Weekdays (Monday to Wednesday): Ideal For a Quiet Darshan Session
In case you want to avoid people around, choose Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday for visiting the temple when it is not the festival period. The best timing of the visit on these days is 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM when you have to wait in the shortest queue and can be near the main temple sanctum without paying additional money for that.
Timing of the Afternoon Darshan Sessions
The window of 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM is closed for all visitors. Even if you come to the temple with the darshan ticket, you won’t enter the temple until 5:00 PM.
Temple Architecture and Highlights You Should Not Miss
The Arunachaleswarar Temple covers 25 acres of land near the base of the Annamalai Hill. It is one of the biggest temple complexes in India. The temple has been erected and developed by different kings, starting with the Chola kings (9th century), then Hoysala, Vijayanagara and finally Nayaka dynasty. The features of architecture and spiritual significance of Arunachaleswarar Temple are:
- Raja Gopuram (Eastern Tower): One of the tallest temple towers in India at 217 feet (66 m). It was built by Sevappa Nayakkar in the 16th century. The golden Kalashas on top of the tower reflect the morning sunlight.
- Four Gopurams: Four big towers, located at each cardinal point of the complex and decorated with the statues of deities, celestials, and Shaiva legends over many generations.
- 1,000 Pillared Hall (Ayiram Kaal Mandapam): This hall of carved stone pillars is passed over by most tourists who do not take time to stop and see.
- Unnamalai Amman Shrine: Separate shrine dedicated to the wife of Shiva, Goddess Parvati. You need to visit both shrines to have darshan.
- Arunachala Patala Lingam: Underground shrine where Sri Ramana Maharshi had practiced meditation for many years after coming to Tiruvannamalai in 1896. This shrine lies within the complex and most people do not realize its existence.
- Nine Towers and Five Praharams: The temple has more than one inner praharam with nine towers altogether.
How to Reach Arunachalam Temple, Tiruvannamalai
By Road
Tiruvannamalai is well connected to Chennai (195 km), Bengaluru (210 km), Pondicherry (90 km), and Vellore (80 km) by state highway. Tamil Nadu government buses (TNSTC) operate frequent services. Private taxis and cab aggregators are available from all major nearby cities.
By Train
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (station code: TNM) is on the Villupuram-Katpadi branch line. Trains connect from Chennai (via Villupuram), Vellore, and Bengaluru. The temple is approximately 1.5 km from the railway station, reachable by auto-rickshaw in 5 minutes.
By Air
The nearest major international airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), approximately 195 km away. Vellore Airport (smaller, limited routes) is 80 km away. From Chennai airport, taxis and buses make direct connections to Tiruvannamalai, typically in 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
Dress Code, Entry Rules & What to Carry
Dress Code
Wear traditional attire. Men should have a dhoti (veshti) or full-length trousers with a formal shirt. Women should wear a saree, salwar kameez, or similar. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and casual Western wear will likely be turned away at the inner sanctum gates. For Girivalam, comfortable walking clothes work fine.
Entry Rules
- Photography is strictly not permitted inside the inner praharams (enclosures)
- Mobile phones should be on silent; avoid using them inside the sanctum
- Do not step on temple thresholds (the raised doorsteps are considered sacred)
- Leather items (belts, bags, shoes) must be removed and left outside or in cloakrooms
- Do not interrupt ongoing poojas; wait for the ritual to conclude before entering the sanctum
- Maintain silence in the vicinity of the Shivalingam
What to Carry
- ID Proof Issued by Government (Required for Booking Tickets)
- E-Ticket (Booked for paying darshan)
- Bottle of water (Needed especially for Girivalam)
- Flowers, fruits, and coconut for offering (Available with vendors outside the temple)
- Money for booking the poojas from the counter; Payment via UPI at the administration office
Accommodation near Arunachalam Temple
From dharamshala to 3 star, Tiruvannamalai has accommodation of all types and at every budget. Most of the places of accommodation are located around 1-2 kilometres away from the temple. Early morning darshan of temple is convenient to reach due to the proximity.
- Hotel Himalayaa: 3-star hotel about 1km from the temple and restaurant facilities available
- Sakthi International: Pilgrim favorite and great value with closeness to the east gopuram
- Ramana Ashram Guest House: For devotees planning visit for Ramana Maharshi and spiritual retreats; Book in advance as far as months ahead
- Devasthanam Rooms: Accommodation managed by the temple available via the official website; Limited in number and high in demand
For occasions of Karthigai Deepam and Maha Shivratri, book the accommodation well in advance by minimum 3-4 months. Properties in 5km radius get fully booked in weeks before the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arunachalam Temple Timings
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 on weekdays (Monday to Friday), and 5:00 PM to 7:45 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, full moon days, and public holidays. The temple is closed from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily.
Is the temple open every day?
Yes. Arunachaleswarar Temple is open all 365 days of the year, including government holidays and major festivals. Darshan timings may be extended during significant festivals.
What is the best time to visit Arunachalam Temple?
The best time for a peaceful darshan is early morning, between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM on a weekday (Monday to Wednesday) outside of festival season. October to December is the most spiritually significant season but also the most crowded.
Is general darshan free at Arunachaleswarar Temple?
Yes. General darshan is completely free of charge. No ticket is required for standard entry through the East Rajagopuram or North Ammani Amman Gopuram. Paid tickets start at Rs. 50 for Special Entry Darshan for faster queue access.
How do I book Arunachalam Temple darshan tickets online?
Visit the official HRCE portal at annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in. Select Darshan Booking, choose your date and darshan type, fill in your details, and complete the payment. You will receive an e-ticket via SMS and email.
What is Girivalam and when is it performed?
Girivalam is the practice of circumambulating the 14-km path around Arunachala Hill, considered the physical form of Lord Shiva. It is most auspicious on Pournami (full moon) nights. It can be done on any day but the Pournami Girivalam draws hundreds of thousands of devotees.
What are the Abhishekam charges at Arunachalam Temple?
Abhishekam prices range from Rs. 100 for the basic Ko Pooja to Rs. 10,000 for the 1008 Sangu Pooja. Milk Abhishekam is Rs. 1,000. Rudrabhishekam is Rs. 5,000. All can be booked online or at the temple administration counter.
What is the Karthigai Deepam festival?
Karthigai Deepam is the most significant festival at Arunachaleswarar Temple, celebrated in November or December each year. A massive flame, the Maha Deepam, is lit at the summit of Annamalai Hill on the final day, symbolising Lord Shiva as the eternal pillar of light. The festival draws close to 3 million pilgrims from around the world.
Plan Your Visit to Arunachalam Temple in 2026
Arunachaleswarar Temple is not a quick stop. It is one of the oldest active Shiva temples in India, sitting at the base of a hill that Shaivites believe is Shiva himself. Get the Arunachalam Temple timings right, book your Abhishekam slot in advance if you want one, and do the Girivalam at least once. Everything else you will figure out when you get there.
Confirm your timings on the official portal before you leave. For festivals, plan months ahead, not weeks.
More Articles: Kanipakam Temple Timings
For more interesting article visit: Tourist Place category by Timingsandtickets.com