Arunachalam Temple Timings
| Timings | Details |
| 5:00 am | Temple opening Hours |
| 5:15 am | Gomatha Pooja |
| 5:30 am | Palli Ezhuchi Pooja |
| 6:00 am | Ushakala Pooja |
| 8:30 am | Kalasanthi Pooja |
| 11:00 am | Uchi Kala Pooja |
| 12:30 pm | Temple closing Hours |
| 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Temple remains closed |
| 3:30 pm | Temple reopens |
| 5:30 pm | Sayaratchai Pooja |
| 7:30 pm | 2nd Kala Pooja |
| 9:00 pm | Arthajama Pooja |
| 9:15 pm | Palliarai Pooja |
| 9:30 pm | Temple closing Hours |
The sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai stands as one of South India’s most revered spiritual destinations. Every year, millions of devotees journey here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and experience the divine energy that permeates this ancient temple. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another pilgrimage, understanding the temple timings, darshan schedules, and pooja rituals will help you make the most of your spiritual journey.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Arunachalam Temple timings, from free darshan slots to special pooja ceremonies and the sacred Giri Pradakshina ritual. We’ve included current pricing, booking information, and practical tips to ensure your visit is both meaningful and well-organized.
Temple Operating Hours
The Arunachaleswarar Temple maintains consistent operating hours throughout the week, welcoming devotees from early morning until late evening:
Daily Schedule:
- Opening Time: 5:30 AM
- Closing Time: 8:30 PM
- Days: Monday through Sunday (no weekly closure)
The temple follows a traditional schedule with a midday break, resuming evening services after the afternoon rest period. This timing allows devotees to participate in both morning and evening rituals according to their preference and travel schedule.
Darshan Timings and Types
General Darshan (Free)
The most accessible option for devotees, general darshan provides free access to the main sanctum during specific hours:
- Morning Session: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening Session: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Cost: Completely free
- Queue: Standard waiting line with natural flow
Special Darshan Options
For devotees seeking quicker access or specific time slots, several paid darshan options are available:
Special Darshan
- Timing: Available in pre-selected time slots
- Cost: ₹50 – ₹100
- Benefits: Reduced waiting time and better crowd management
Seva Darshan
- Timing: According to seva schedule
- Cost: ₹500 – ₹5,000 (varies by seva type)
- Benefits: Includes participation in specific rituals
VIP Darshan
- Timing: Special arrangements made upon request
- Cost: Higher charges (contact temple for current rates)
- Benefits: Priority access with minimal waiting
Specialized Darshan Services
Online Darshan
- Timing: During specific pooja hours
- Cost: Free
- Access: Available through temple’s digital platforms
Senior Citizens & Differently-Abled Darshan
- Timing: Allocated time slots with assistance
- Cost: Free or nominal fee
- Benefits: Special assistance and comfortable access
Group Darshan
- Timing: Pre-booked slots based on group size
- Cost: Varies depending on group size and requirements
- Booking: Advance reservation required
Daily Pooja Schedule and Timings
The temple conducts six major poojas throughout the day, each offering unique spiritual experiences and benefits:
Morning Poojas
Ko Pooja (Dawn Worship)
- Timing: 5:00 AM – 5:15 AM
- Ticket Price: ₹100
- Significance: The day’s first ritual, invoking divine blessings
Ushakala Pooja (Early Morning)
- Timing: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
- Ticket Price: ₹200
- Significance: Welcoming the deity with morning prayers
Kalasandhi Pooja (Morning Prayer)
- Timing: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Ticket Price: ₹300
- Significance: Major morning ritual with elaborate ceremonies
Uchikkala Pooja (Midday Worship)
- Timing: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Ticket Price: ₹400
- Significance: Pre-noon worship before the temple’s rest period
Evening Poojas
Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening Protection)
- Timing: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Ticket Price: ₹200
- Significance: Evening protection prayers and lighting of lamps
Irandamkala Pooja (Second Evening)
- Timing: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Ticket Price: ₹300
- Significance: Main evening worship with devotional music
Ardhajama Pooja (Late Evening)
- Timing: 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Ticket Price: ₹500
- Significance: Final pooja of the day before temple closure
Special Abhishekam Services
For devotees seeking more intensive worship experiences, the temple offers various abhishekam (sacred bathing) services:
Premium Abhishekam Services
1008 Sangu Pooja Special Abhishekam
- Timing: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Cost: ₹10,000
- Significance: Most elaborate abhishekam with 1008 conch shells
Thirukkalyana Utsavam Special Abhishekam
- Timing: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Cost: ₹8,500
- Significance: Celestial marriage ceremony abhishekam
Regular Abhishekam Options
Rudrabhishekam
- Timing: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Cost: ₹5,000
- Benefits: Powerful Shiva worship for removing obstacles
Panchamoorthigal Abhishekam
- Timing: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM
- Cost: ₹4,500
- Coverage: Five main deities worship
Vinayagar, Swami, Amman Special Abhishekam
- Timing: 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM
- Cost: ₹3,000
- Coverage: Three main deities
Swami Amman Special Abhishekam
- Timing: 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM
- Cost: ₹2,500
- Focus: Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Milk Abhishekam
- Timing: 6:30 AM & 9:00 PM
- Cost: ₹1,000
- Ritual: Sacred milk bathing ceremony
Parivara Moorthi Sannathi Milk Abhishekam
- Timing: 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM
- Cost: ₹1,000
- Coverage: Family deities worship
Sacred Prasadam and Offerings
The temple offers blessed prasadam items that devotees can purchase and consume as divine blessings:
Prasadam Menu and Pricing
Traditional Rice Items
- Tamarind Rice: 100g for ₹10
- Sweet Pongal: 100g for ₹10
Sweet Offerings
- Laddu: 5 pieces (250g) for ₹50
- Athirasam: 5 pieces (250g) for ₹50
Savory Snacks
- Thenkuzhal: 5 pieces (200g) for ₹50
- Milaguvadai: 5 pieces (150g) for ₹50
These prasadam items are prepared following strict traditional methods and are considered spiritually beneficial when consumed with devotion.
Giri Pradakshina: The Sacred Circumambulation
One of the most significant spiritual practices at Arunachalam is the Giri Pradakshina—circumambulating the sacred Arunachala hill on foot.
Giri Pradakshina Details
Spiritual Significance: This sacred walk is believed to remove sins, fulfill desires, and help devotees attain spiritual liberation. The practice connects pilgrims directly with the divine energy of Lord Arunachala.
Duration: The complete circumambulation typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on your walking pace, rest breaks, and crowd conditions.
Most Auspicious Time: Full Moon Day (Pournami) is considered the most spiritually beneficial time for Giri Pradakshina, though devotees perform this ritual year-round.
Distance: The pradakshina path covers approximately 14 kilometers around the base of Arunachala hill.
Tips for Giri Pradakshina
- Start early morning (around 4:00 AM) to avoid heat and crowds
- Carry sufficient water and light snacks
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Maintain silence or chant prayers during the walk
- Take breaks at designated rest areas along the path
Planning Your Visit: Practical Information
Contact Details
Temple Address:Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – 606601
Phone Number: 04175-252438
Email: jceotvm_20343.hrce@tn.gov.in
Booking and Reservations
- Special darshan and pooja tickets can be booked in advance
- Group bookings require prior arrangement
- Online booking options available for select services
- Counter booking opens early morning for same-day services
Best Times to Visit
- Least crowded: Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Festival seasons: Expect higher crowds during Karthigai Deepam, Shivaratri
- Weather: October to March offers pleasant weather for extended visits
Making the Most of Your Temple Visit
Your journey to Arunachalam Temple offers multiple pathways for spiritual fulfillment. Whether you choose the simple free darshan, participate in elaborate abhishekam ceremonies, or undertake the transformative Giri Pradakshina, each experience contributes to your spiritual growth.