Arunachalesvara Temple (Annamalaiyar Temple) is located at the base of Arunachala hill in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.
The ancient temple is associated with the element Agni (fire) and Tamil scholars such as Nakkirar (1st century BCE), Kapilar and Paranar (125 to 225 CE) have referred to Annamalai and the presiding deity. 7th century CE Tamil work Tevaram, and the 9th century saint Manikkavasagar also have referred the temple.
The temple is one of the largest and elaborate – the tallest Eastern Gopura with 11 stories and a height of 217 feet was built in the early 16th century by Vijayanagara kings and Sevappa Nayakkar. The current masonry structure was built by Cholas in 9th century CE, while later expansions and modifications were done during Vijayanagara times.
Girivalam, the circumambulation of the Arunachala hill, covers a distance of 14 kms and is considered sacred.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ydEN317mPD4nr1P4A
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