Thiru Annamalaiar Temple at Tiruvannamalai
Annamalaiar Temple or Arunachalesvar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to deity Shiva. It is located at the base of Arunachala Hill in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The Present Structure was built by Chola dynasty in the 9th Century. It is built on Dravidian architecture.
The Annamalaiyar temple in Thiruvannamalai is a sacred Hindu shrine located at the base of the Annamalai Hills in the South India state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and associated with the Pancha Bhoota Stalas (five elements). Shiva is represented in the phallic form of a Lingam in this shrine and popularly known as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar. The element of fire is specifically revered here and Shiva’s symbol is referred to as Agni Lingam. He is accompanied by his consort Goddess Parvati who is revered as Unnamulai Amman. The deity finds mention in the ancient Hindu sacred text the ‘Tevaram’ which was written by the fabled Tamil ‘Nayanars’ (saint poets). Many works of literary art were also composed here by eminent saints of yore. The administration and maintenance of the temple is carried out by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. This highly popular shrine is a famous pilgrimage and tourist center, attracting numerous visitors from far and near.
A Special cover was issued on 12 Dec 1997.
