Abodes of Ganesha
Temples of Tamilnadu
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Tiruvannamalai
Temples
of Tamilnadu
Temple layout
The ancient and vast Arunachaleswarar Temple as it stands today is the result of several centuries of building, alteration and extension.
A Nandi faces the main shrine in each of its five prakarams.
The outermost prakaram houses the thousand pillared hall and the Shiva Ganga tank and is pierced on four sides with colossal Gopurams. The fourth prakaram includes the Bhramma Tirtham, and its eastern gateway Vallala Gopuram holds a statue of King Ballala.
The third prakaram which dates back to the 12th century CE has several Linga Shrines, and the Kili Gopura Entrance. In the East side of the prakaram stands the Flag Staff while the Northern side is home to the massive shrine of Unnamulai Amman.
The 3rd prakaram surrounds the roofed 2nd prakaram which houses the pantheon of deities associated with Shiva, which in turn surrounds the shrine of Annamalaiyar.
