Sri Athulyanatheswarar Temple at Thiru Arayaninallur (Arakandanallur) - Thirukkovilur - Vilupuram District

Temple History

The temple is on the southern bank of the river Pennai. It is believed to have been constructed during the 7th century by the Pallava kings. This temple is built on top of a rock (Paarai). The rock and the nearby river bring out the beauty of this temple.

There are two entrances - one through the main road and the other through the river-side which is very scenic.

In Tamil, “Arai (Paarai)” means rock and “Ani” means beauty. Hence, the lord here is named as “Araiani Nathar” – the Lord who is beautifully seated on top of a rock. This place was earlier called “Arayaninallur” and its name has since been changed to Arakandanallur. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 12^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• The west facing temple has three corridors and its huge (160 feet high) main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 06.02.2003. 

Year of old :  1000-2000 year of old temple

Location 

Thiru Arayaninallur temple is located at a distance of about 3 kms from Thirukkovilur on the Villupuram route. It is about 38 kms from Thiruvannamalai and 36 kms from Villupuram. This temple is opposite to the Thirukkoyilur railway station.

Many buses are available in villupuram. Villupuram to thiruvkovilur via mugayur route, stop name is Aragandanullur.

Anonther padal petra temple Sri Veeratteswarar Temple at Thirukkovilur just 5 kms from this temple. 

Important Festivals

10 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-March) and Tirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec) are the important festivals observed in the temple. Pradosham is observed regularly. 

Temple Timings

 From 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Athulyanatheswarar Temple
Arakandanallur Post
Thirukovilur Taluk
Villupuram District
Tamil Nadu – 605 752.
Tele: +91-93456 60711.