Tiruvannāmalai, India

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Tiruvannāmalai, India

Region: Tamil Nadu

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Geographic Coordinates: 12.130000, 79.070000

Climate: Seasonal monsoon climate with a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November. Temperatures range from 20-35°C.

Population: 172348

Language: Tamil

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Tiruvannāmalai is a bustling city located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at the foothills of the Annamalai hills and is known for its rich cultural heritage, Ancient temples, And natural beauty. The city has been a spiritual hub for centuries and attracts thousands of tourists every year. One of the most famous attractions in Tiruvannāmalai is the Arunachaleswarar Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the largest temples in South India. The temple complex covers an area of 25 acres and consists of several shrines, Halls, And towers.

The main tower or Gopuram stands tall at 66 meters high making it one of the tallest towers in Asia. Another popular attraction in Tiruvannāmalai is Mount Arunachala which looms over the city as a majestic backdrop. It’s believed to be one of five sacred mountains that represent Lord Shiva’s five elements – earth, Water, Fire, Air, And space. Many pilgrims visit this mountain during full moon nights to perform circumambulation or Girivalam which involves walking around its base.

Apart from its spiritual significance Tiruvannāmalai also has several natural wonders that are worth exploring such as Gingee Fort which was built by Chola dynasty rulers in 1190 AD on top of three hills overlooking lush green forests below. The Ramana Ashram located on Pavalakundru hill was founded by Sri Ramana Maharshi who lived there until his death in 1950. This ashram attracts visitors from all over who come seeking spiritual guidance or just to experience peace within themselves.

Tiruvannāmalai also offers visitors an opportunity to explore traditional South Indian cuisine with many restaurants serving authentic dishes such as dosa (rice pancake), Idli (steamed rice cake), And sambar (lentil soup). the city is known for its vibrant festivals such as Karthigai Deepam which is celebrated in November/December. During this festival, The Arunachaleswarar temple is adorned with thousands of lamps and devotees flock to witness the grand spectacle. Tiruvannāmalai is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of spirituality, Natural beauty, And cultural heritage.

It’s a place where one can experience peace within themselves or explore the rich history of South India. With so much to offer it’s no wonder why Tiruvannāmalai attracts thousands of tourists every year.

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1. Arunachaleswarar Temple
2. Sri Ramana Ashram
3. Virupaksha Cave
4. Skandashramam
5. Girivalam Path
6. Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
7. Gingee Fort
8. Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram
9. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham
10. Sri Ramanasramam Bookstore & Publication

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• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Textile manufacturing
• Handicrafts
• Small-scale industries such as brick making and weaving
• Production of silk sarees
• Educational institutions
• Healthcare facilities

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Noteable History

1. The Arunachalesvara Temple is a significant historical landmark in Tiruvannamalai, dating back to the 9th century AD, and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest temples in India.
2. Sri Ramana Maharshi, a spiritual leader who resided in Tiruvannamalai for many years, is another notable figure associated with the town. He was renowned for his teachings on meditation and self-realization.
3. Girivalam is an important pilgrimage event that involves circumambulating Mount Arunachala, which holds great significance for Hindus.
4. The Annamalaiyar Temple is another prominent temple in Tiruvannamalai that dates back to the 9th century AD and attracts numerous devotees annually who come to pay homage to Lord Shiva.
5. Bhagavan Nityananda was yet another spiritual leader who lived in Tiruvannamalai and was known for his teachings on yoga and meditation.
6. The Karthigai Deepam Festival held at the Arunachalesvara Temple during November or December each year involves lighting thousands of lamps around Mount Arunachala and draws large crowds from across India.
7. Seshadri Swami was a revered spiritual leader who lived in Tiruvannamalai during the late 19th century and early 20th century, renowned for his devotion to Lord Vishnu.
8. Ramanashram, established by Sri Ramana Maharshi as a spiritual center continues to attract visitors from all over the world seeking to learn about his teachings through meditation practices.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Arunachaleswarar Temple is a renowned Hindu temple that pays tribute to Lord Shiva.
2. Ramana Maharshi Ashram, once the dwelling of the spiritual leader Ramana Maharshi, has now become a popular pilgrimage site.
3. Virupaksha Cave is where Ramana Maharshi purportedly meditated for several years.
4. Skandashramam is another cave where Ramana Maharshi lived and meditated.
5. The Sri Ramanasramam Library and Research Centre houses books and documents related to the life and teachings of Ramana Maharshi.
6. The Seshadri Swamigal Ashram focuses on promoting the teachings of saint Seshadri Swamigal.
7. Gingee Fort, located about 30 km from Tiruvannāmalai, holds historical significance as an ancient fort.
8. The Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple in Vellore district is made entirely out of gold and situated 75 km from Tiruvannāmalai.
9. Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, which lies approximately 160 km from Tiruvannāmalai, honours Lord Shiva.
10. Pondicherry or Puducherry is a Union Territory that boasts French architecture, beaches, temples, churches & cafes etc., located around 130 km from Tiruvannāmalai.

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Cultural Events

1. Arunachaleswarar Temple Festival is a 10-day event that takes place in March/April, attracting devotees from across India who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
2. Karthigai Deepam is a festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated by lighting lamps around the temple premises during November/December.
3. Pongal is a harvest festival observed in January, where people prepare traditional dishes like sweet pongal and offer it to the gods.
4. Girivalam is a monthly event held on full moon days, where devotees circumambulate the Arunachala Hill on foot as a form of worship.
5. Annamalaiyar Temple Car Festival takes place during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May), involving pulling a chariot carrying Lord Annamalaiyar around town amidst much fanfare and celebration.
6. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in February/March and dedicated to Lord Shiva; it involves fasting, prayer and meditation for spiritual enlightenment.
7. Thai Poosam occurs in January/February as an elaborate procession with decorated chariots carrying idols of Lord Murugan through town streets.

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Cuisine

• Idli and dosa – These are traditional South Indian breakfast dishes made from fermented rice and lentil batter.
• Sambar – A spicy vegetable stew that is often served with idli and dosa.
• Rasam – A tangy soup made with tamarind juice, tomatoes, and spices.
• Pongal – A savory rice dish made with lentils, ghee (clarified butter), and spices.
• Biryani – A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables and flavored with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices.

Some popular restaurants in Tiruvannāmalai that serve these dishes include:

• Ramana’s Garden Cafe – This vegetarian restaurant serves healthy organic food using ingredients from their own garden.
• Shri Arunachala Bhavan – This restaurant serves delicious South Indian vegetarian food at affordable prices.
• Sathya Narayana Bhavan – Another popular vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, vada etc
• Saravana Bhavan- Famous for its authentic south indian delicacies especially the filter coffee
• Raghavendra Tiffanys- Known for its mouth-watering sambar vadai

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Parks and Recreation

1. Arunachaleswarar Temple is a popular tourist attraction and pilgrimage site in Tiruvannamalai. The temple is surrounded by a large park where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
2. Sri Ramana Ashram is dedicated to the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, a renowned spiritual leader who lived in Tiruvannamalai. The ashram has a beautiful garden with lush greenery and trees.
3. Girivalam Path is a 14-kilometer path that circumambulates Mount Arunachala, which is considered sacred by Hindus. Many people walk this path as part of their spiritual practice.
4. Sathanur Dam offers boating facilities and scenic views of the surrounding hills, located about 30 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai.
5. Gingee Fort, about 40 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and has significant historical importance.
6. Virupaksha Cave was where Sri Ramana Maharshi spent many years in meditation and contemplation.
7. There are several yoga centers in Tiruvannamalai that offer classes for all levels of practitioners to improve their physical health while also promoting mindfulness practices such as meditation.
8. The hills around Tiruvannamalai offer some great opportunities for hiking or nature walks with stunning views along the way that provide an opportunity to connect with nature while getting exercise at the same time.
9. Throughout the year there are various cultural events/festivals that take place in Tiruvannamalai including Pongal (harvest festival), Karthigai Deepam (festival of lights), and Mahashivratri (celebration honoring Lord Shiva). These festivals celebrate local traditions while providing opportunities for visitors to experience new cultures firsthand through music, dance performances or food fairs etcetera.

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