Tiruvannamalai
The city of sacred shrines

Situated at the foot of Tiruvannamalai Hills and cover 25 acre, Arunachaleswarar Temple is an imposing structure with a marvellous architecture. It boasts four gateway towers referred to as gopurams, each of which is encompassed with mandapams, shrines and enclosures, decorated with finely carved sculptures and pillars. The eastern tower with 11 storeys, stands at a height of 66 m and is one among the most important temple towers in India. Also referred to as the Annamalaiyar Temple, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and invites devotees in large numbers from all parts of the country. inbuilt the normal Dravidian sort of architecture, the temple is believed to be the eighth-largest Hindu temple within the world. The temple complex houses many halls and therefore the hottest one is that the thousand-pillared hall, which was constructed during the Vijayanagar period (1336-1646). The temple is one among the pancha bhoota sthalams, which are dedicated to the manifestation of 5 natural elements. Legend has it that the lord has apparently manifested himself as a component of fireside during this temple.
Arunachaleswarar Temple houses eight lingams referred to as ashtalingam, which are positioned at different locations facing different directions. These lingams are named as Indralingam, Agnilingam, Yamalingam, Niruthilingam, Varunalingam, Vayulingam, Kuberlingam and Esanyalingam. Each lingam signifies different directions of the world and is believed to bless the devotees who undertake Girivalam, a well-liked religious ceremony , with different benefits. The temple remains open from 5.30 am to 9 pm everyday.

One of the foremost magnificent citadels of South India, Gingee Fort, in Villupuram, is perched upon three hillocks – Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chandrayanadurg. Comprising palatial, military and non secular structures, the fort forms an enormous triangular enclosed area.
The prime attraction of the fort complex is Rajagiri, which houses the multi-storeyed Kalyana Mahal, adorned with a pyramidal top. Right next thereto is an open ground featuring a good stone platform. The lower a part of Rajagiri Hill holds the remains of palaces, granaries and an elephant tank. There’s also a temple dedicated to the guardian deity, Kamalakanni Amman. One also can see a watchtower and a couple of cannons near this temple. The 16th-century Venkataramana Temple is another attraction at Gingee Fort. Built by the Nayaks, it stands outside Rajagiri Hill’s innermost fortification. The fort lies at a distance of 40 km from Tiruvannamalai and makes for an excellent one-day excursion.
Gingee Fort served because the residence for many dynasties of South India during the medieval period, and is claimed to possess been built by the Chola rulers within the 13th century.

Girivalam may be a popular religious practice in Tamil Nadu during which devotees revolve around the Annamalai Hill on the occasion of full-of-the-moon monthly . Thousand of devotees gather at the Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai to steer all the way round the 14 km path around the hill. The word girivalam has been derived from the Tamil words giri meaning hill and valam meaning coming around. The practice is claimed to bring peace to one’s mental and physical health. The Arunachaleswarar Temple has eight lingams referred to as Ashtalingam which are positioned at different locations facing different directions. These lingams are named as Indralingam, Agnilingam, Yamalingam, Niruthilingam, Varunalingam, Vayulingam, Kuberlingam and Esanyalingam. Each lingam signifies different directions of the world and is believed to bless the devotees who undertake Girivalam, with various benefits. Girivalam is typically practiced barefoot and devotees must check out the highest of Capitol Hill throughout their walk and chant the Om Arunachala mantra. the simplest time to undertake the 14 km journey round the hill is during the first morning hours, ranging from 4.30 am. it always takes three to four hours to finish the round at a mean pace. This practice is like the Govardhan Parikrama taken by devotees in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh .