Arunachalam Temple An independent guide to Tiruvannamalai

Adi Annamalai Temple

Adi Annamalai is a Shiva temple on the western side of Arunachala, on the Girivalam path. The sign over its gopuram reads Adi Arunachaleswarar. Local tradition holds it to be older than the main temple in town, and most Girivalam walkers stop here on the far side of the hill.

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The painted gopuram of Adi Annamalai Temple against a blue sky, with a sign reading Adi Arunachaleswarar
The painted gopuram of Adi Annamalai Temple. Photo: Adityamadhav83, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

What it is

The temple stands in the village of Adi Annamalai on the western side of the hill. It is dedicated to Shiva as Adi Arunachaleswarar, the name painted over its entrance. Its tall, brightly painted gopuram is one of the landmarks of the Girivalam road.

The word Adi means “first” or “original”. Local tradition holds that Adi Annamalai is older than Arunachaleswarar Temple in town. We have not found a documented date that confirms this, so treat it as tradition rather than established history.

On the Girivalam walk

Adi Annamalai comes roughly halfway round the walk, after Varuna Lingam, which the district administration puts about 8 km from the Rajagopuram. The view of Arunachala from here is very different from the town side: the western face looks steeper and more rugged.

  • Stop here to rest. Many walkers take a break at Adi Annamalai before the northern half of the route.
  • Darshan: the temple is usually open for worship during the day. Timings are not published officially online, so ask locally.
  • Dress and footwear: the same etiquette as at the main temple applies. See dress code and rules.

Getting here outside Girivalam

Adi Annamalai is on the ring road around the hill, so you can reach it by auto or car from town when you are not walking. Agree the auto fare first.

Common questions

Where is Adi Annamalai Temple?

On the Girivalam path on the western side of Arunachala, in the village of Adi Annamalai, roughly halfway round the walk from the main temple.

Is Adi Annamalai older than the main temple?

That is the local tradition, reflected in the name 'Adi' (first or original). We have not found a documented date that confirms it, so it is best understood as tradition.

Sources & references

  1. Full Moon Day (Girivalam)Tiruvannamalai District AdministrationGovernment of Tamil Nadu · checked27 September 2026
  2. ArunachalaWikipediaReference work · checked27 September 2026

Please verify important timings and festival dates with official sources before travelling.

This is an independent informational guide, not the official temple website. For darshan tickets, sevas and donations, use the official HR&CE temple website.