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Annamalaiyar Temple facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Annamalaiyar Temple is a very old and important Hindu temple in India. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and is located at the base of the Annamalai Hill in a town called Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. This temple is especially important for followers of Saivism, a branch of Hinduism that focuses on Shiva. It is one of five temples linked to the five main elements, and this temple represents the element of fire, or Agni. The main gods worshipped here are Arunachaleshwarar (Shiva) and his wife, Unnamalai Amman (Parvati).

What is the Temple Like?

The temple area is huge, covering about 10 hectares (which is like 25 acres!). This makes it one of the largest temples in India. It has four big gateway towers called "gopurams." The tallest one is on the eastern side. It has 11 stories and stands about 66 metres (217 ft) (217 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest temple towers in the whole country.

Why is Annamalaiyar Temple Special?

This temple is very special because it is connected to the element of fire. Many people believe that the god Shiva appeared as a giant pillar of fire here. This is why the temple is also known as Arunachaleswarar Temple, meaning "Lord of the Sacred Hill of Fire." It's a place where people come to feel closer to the divine fire energy.

Festivals and Celebrations

One of the most famous festivals celebrated at the Annamalaiyar Temple is Karthigai Deepam. This festival happens during the full moon day between November and December each year. During this time, a huge beacon (a very large fire) is lit at the very top of the Annamalai Hill. Millions of pilgrims, who are people traveling for religious reasons, come from all over Tamil Nadu to see this amazing event. It's a truly grand celebration of light and faith.

Images for kids

  • Tiruvannamalai Temple 1

    The Annamalai hills with temple towers in the foreground

  • Tiruvannamalai Temple Tower

    The Raja gopuram – the Eastern gateway, the tallest temple tower and a view of the tank

  • Arunchaleshvara Temple - Tiruvannamalai - India

    View of the temple complex

  • Thiruvannamalai Tower

    Towers

  • Thousand pillar

    The View of Thousand Pillar Mahal at temple premises

  • Tiruvannamalai Temple Procession

    Temple deities in a procession.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Annamalaiyar para niños

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