Tiruvannamalai, in Tamil Nadu, is home to the great Arunachaleswarar temple of Lord Shiva, set at the foot of the sacred Arunachala hill, which is worshipped as Shiva himself in the form of fire.
The ordinary darshan is free. For a shorter wait you book a special darshan on the official Tamil Nadu government system. Pilgrims walk the girivalam, a circle around the hill, and you can join them, above all on full moon nights. You book on the government system, not on a reseller.
Free and special darshan
- The ordinary darshan is free and open to all.
- For a shorter wait you book a paid special darshan on the official government system.
- On full moon nights, at Karthigai Deepam, and on Shivratri the crowds are enormous, so book ahead and reach early.
[The exact darshan and seva types and prices are shown on the official system. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
The girivalam
The great practice at Tiruvannamalai is the girivalam, the walk of about fourteen kilometres barefoot around the Arunachala hill. You do it above all on the full moon night, the Pournami, when many lakhs of people walk together through the night. If you want to do the girivalam, plan for the full moon, carry water, and be ready for a huge, moving crowd. On ordinary days you find it a quiet, lovely walk, with small shrines along your way.
Karthigai Deepam
The biggest festival is Karthigai Deepam, in the Tamil month of Karthigai, usually November or December, when a great flame is lit on top of the Arunachala hill, and you can see it for miles. Millions come for it. If you plan to visit for Deepam, book far ahead, because the town fills completely.
How to book, step by step
Open the Tamil Nadu government HR&CE online ticketing for the Arunachaleswarar temple, reached through hrce.tn.gov.in, and pick a special darshan slot or a seva. Add your details and pay online, then download the ticket. Reach the temple in good time, because the queues can be long on full moon nights and festivals. Carry the ticket and your original identity, because staff check them. Dress modestly, as at any temple.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The biggest trap is booking on a private VIP darshan site that adds a fee. You book only on the official government system. The next is coming on a full moon night or at Karthigai Deepam without a plan, into an enormous crowd. Do not attempt the full girivalam without water and comfortable feet. Do not miss the smaller shrines and the Ramana ashram nearby.
Questions people ask
Is Tiruvannamalai darshan free?
Yes, the ordinary darshan is free. A paid special darshan gives a shorter wait, booked on the official government system.
What is the official Tiruvannamalai website?
The Tamil Nadu government HR&CE online ticketing, reached through hrce.tn.gov.in. Nothing else is the temple.
What is the girivalam?
A walk of about fourteen kilometres barefoot around the sacred Arunachala hill, done above all on the full moon night.
When is it busiest?
On full moon nights, at Karthigai Deepam, and on Shivratri.
Can I book a seva online?
Yes, sevas are booked on the official government system.