Today, we’re in Tamil Nadu, visiting the Arunachalesvara Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple. This is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India, and it’s part of the Panchabootha Stala group of temples, which represent the five elements. This temple, in particular, is associated with Agni, or fire, and the Shiva Lingam here is known as the Agni Lingam. the word Arunachala" translates to Hill of the Red Fire "Aruna" meaning "red" or "dawn" and "Achala" meaning
immovable or mountain. The temple complex spans over 25 acres, with grand gopurams, amazing sculptures, and intricate architecture. The history of this temple is linked to a fascinating story about God Vishnu and God Brahma.
According to legend, there was once a dispute between God Vishnu and God Brahma over who was the most powerful and supreme. To teach them a lesson, God Shiva appeared as a massive column of fire, known as the Agni Lingam. He then challenged Vishnu and Brahma to find the beginning or end of this fiery column, saying that whoever succeeded would be considered the greatest.
To take on this challenge, God Vishnu transformed into a boar and dug deep into the earth, while God Brahma turned into a swan and flew upward. After travelling vast distances, neither could find the limits of the Agni Lingam. Realizing they couldn’t succeed, both returned and prayed to God Shiva for forgiveness.
Pleased with their realization, God Shiva emerged from the Agni Lingam and took the form of the Arunachala Hill. This hill is now considered very sacred, and performing Giri Pradakshina or walking around the hill is seen as doing Parikrama to God Shiva.
After that, at the request of God Brahma, God Vishnu, and other devotees, and for the ritualistic purpose of worship, God Shiva created a Lingam. This is the exact Lingam we can see in the main temple today.
Arunachalesvara Temple and the Hill have attracted countless saints and sages over the centuries, including Gautama Rishi, Tirugnanasambandar, and more recently, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, who meditated deeply on the spiritual significance of Arunachala.
In our next episode, we’ll be doing the Giri Pradakshina and visiting the ancient temples along the path. There are eight main Lingas around the hill, known as the Ashta Lingas, which we’ll be exploring as well. But before that, let’s start by exploring the main temple complex.
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