Attractions

The Ramana Ashram in Thiruvannamalai is a calm and inviting ashram offering tranquility and secluded meditation options. This ashram displays the life, philosophies and teachings of Bhagwan Ramana Maharishi, the revered mystic saint who attained Samadhi at this place.

The legends say that Saint Ramana Maharishi had received his vision of the Supreme Truth at Arakandanallur, a place nearby to Thiruvannamalai. This place has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses caves carved by Pallavas. This ashram is visited by Hindu pilgrims admiring the Maharshi Ramana. The ashram carries out many social services for the upliftment of spirituality.

Skandashramam in Thiruvannamalai town is located on the north side of the Arunachala hill where the famous Arunachaleswara temple exists. This ashram is also near to the renowned Ramana Ashram. This is one of the caves where the saint Ramana spent his period of stay in Thiruvannamalai.

A long trek is required to reach the cave ashram. Skandashram hosts the disciples of Sri Ramana Maharishi all through the year. This Ashram witnesses huge flow of pilgrims from all over the world, all through the year. The Skandashram offers majestic panoramic views of the downhill.

Virupaksha Cave is a cave ashram in the shape of a perfect ‘OM' located on the eastern slope of the famous Arunachala hill in Thiruvannamalai. This holy cave is perched on a small peak just below, about 200 ft below, the Skandasram cave. This cave has a small gopuram on the eastern side of it. Down the peak, there are seven sacred springs on the slope of the hill.

Virupaksha Cave is named after the renowned 13th century saint named Virupaksha Deva. It is believed that saint Virupaksha spent most of his life in this cave and surroundings. Legends tell that his body turned into ashes just after his Samadhi. The sacred ash (vibhuti) is assumed to be preserved here and daily pujas are offered.

Arunachaleswara temple, located on Arunachala hills, in Thiruvannamalai is one of the most scared Shiva temples in India. The temple is dedicated to the form of Lord Shiva known as Arunachaleswarar. It is one of the five Panchabhoota (five elements wind, water, fire, earth and space) Stalams. This temple is for fire. The other four temples are in Kalahasti (wind), Tiruvanaikka (water), Kanchipuram (Earth) and Chidambaram (Space).

The temple has majestic towers and pillars adorned with sculpted images showing the artistic excellence of the ancient periods. The walls showcase many beautiful inscriptions of successive rulers and chieftains. This temple witnesses huge inflow of pilgrims all through the year. Krithika Deepam - the light festival celebrated in the month of Krithika, Pournami - the full moon day and Thiruvoodal - the sacred quarrel are the major festivals in this temple.

The Sathurnur Dam in Thiruvannamalai is a major tourist attraction in this place. It is built across the River Pennar. The dam site houses imposing gardens, beautifully landscaped regions, imposing fountains and many other relaxing and entertaining facilities. The Dam is placed at a picturesque locations and it offers breathtaking views of the surroundings.

The water flow from the Dam resembles a natural water fall. The dam region has a swimming pool, boating facilities and a crocodile park. Thirnkoilur temple is a nearby attraction. It is an ancient temple with architecturally carved pillars and towering gopurams. It lies on the serene shores of the river Pennar.

Mamara Guhai, literally means mango tree (mamara) cave (guhai), is a religious cave temple in the hilly terrain of Thiruvannamalai. This ancient temple is ideally located in the majestic foothills of Thiruvannamalai nestled among the breathtaking natural views and is the cave where the mystic saint Sri Ramana Maharishi carried out penances and meditation for six years.

Mamara Guhai enshrines Lord Shiva in the form of Vishwanathar (Lord of World). Two forms of Goddess Devi, Annapoorna Devi and Rajarajeswari, are also enshrining this cave temple. Lingams of local Siddha Gurus (sages) are also seen here and these lingams are worhsipped by the Siddhars.

Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is a sacred spot in the Thiruvannamalai town. This is located close to the famous Ramana Ashram. Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal was a 20th century saint who had displayed majestic powers. The devotees believe that he had carried out many miracles and has the power to bless the devotees who offer worship at this ashram.

Devotees from all over the globe visit this sacred Ashram. There is a beautiful garden in the premise of this garden. It is a perfect place to do meditation and religious rituals. The ashram offers accommodation facilities to the visitors.