Fifth Prakaram

Raja Gopura

Raja Gopura

The main entrance to Arunachaleswarar Temple is via the east gate i.e. the Raja Gopura. The Gopura built by Krishnadevaraya in 1516 A.D. is 11 stories in height (217 feet) and is the tallest Gopura in this Temple.

Thittivasal

By the side of the Raja Gopura is an entrance known as the Thittivasal which is used as an departure and access point for the deities during Festivals.

Thittivasal outside gate

As Murtis (idols of the Divine) are taken to represent sukshma sarira (i.e. the subtle body) they are not taken through the Eastern Gopura as that represents the sthoola sarira (i.e. the gross body). In earlier times the thittivasal was also used by royalty and important personages.

Thittivasal photograph from 1949

Thittivasal taken from inside Temple Compound

Masappirappu Mandapam

Masappirappu Mandapam

The Masappirappu Mandapam is situated at the north-east enclosure wall of the fifth prakaram. On the first day of each Tamil month, Lord Chandrasekarar is brought here for ablution and aradhana.

Fifth Prakaram

Kambathu Ilayanar Sannathi

Opposite the 1000 pillar mandapam on the bank of the Sivagangai Teertham there is a Shrine built by Vena Odeyan.

Kambathu Ilayanar Shrine

Shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga

This shrine is called Kambathu Ilayanar and the figure of Lord Subramanya is carved on its north-eastern pillar.

Lord Subramanya with Peacock on pillar

This shrine has seven steps leading upwards into the inner chambers of the Lord Muruga Temple. At the top there is statue of Lord Muruga seated on his Peacock. In the first chamber the two walls to the left and right have a total of eight pictures.

Inside Lord Muruga Shrine

Details throughout Shrine

Ceiling inside Shrine

Left Wall:

Tiruparankundram Temple: Lord Muruga's marriage to Deivanai
Tiruchendur Muruga: Muruga, Chandran, Sugah Prama Rishi (parrot faced) Verabhahu and Agastya Munivar. Centre Tiruchendur Muruga followed by Mahavishnu, Devendran, Brahma and Narada.
Tiruvanakoodi; Palani Muruga. Muruga with Lakshmi, Kamadhenu, Bhudevi, Suriya and Agni.
Swamimalai Temple: Muruga giving upadesha to Siva

Lord Murugan anointing Arunagirinathar

Right Wall:

Tirutani Temple: Muruga with Valli and Deivanai
Alakar Temple near Madurai. Muruga with Vallii and Deivanai
Muruga anointing Arunagirinathar
Prauda Devaraya's court showing contest between Sambandandan and Arunagirinathar.

In the second chamber there is a symbol of Lord Muruga on the left wall and a painting of Sri Seshadri Swamigal.

Painting at place Swamigal meditated

This Shrine was probably built in 1421 A.D., by Proudha Deva Raya or Deva Raya II of Vijayanar to commemorate the vision King Deva Raya had of Lord Subramanya emerging out of the pillar (which occurred when Saint Arunagirinathar sang in praise of Subramanya at that place). It is believed that Saint Arunagirinathar was the inspiration for this construction. On the walls inside the mandapam is transcribed the Saint's famous Kandar Anubuthi.

Legend of the Pillar

In the court of King Devaraya there was a famous scholar, Sambandandan, who had a tendency to boast both about his spiritual attainments and his religious knowledge. When Sambandandan, who was a favourite to the King, heard of the reception accorded Arunagirinathar he felt that his position in court to be threatened.

His jealousy motivated him to hatch a plot against Arunagirinathar which he hoped would belittle his rival in the eyes of the King. Sambandandan's tapas had resulted in winning a boon from the Goddess Kali, his Ishta Devata (chosen deity). The boon was that for a period of twelve years She would appear before him whenever he summoned Her. Knowing that he could call on Kali to appear at any time, Sambandandan proposed to the King that he and Arunagirinathar should have a competition in which each would try to make their chosen deity manifest in a form that would be visible to everyone. The King agreed to the contest and also that the loser of the competition should leave the Kingdom and never return.

The competition was held in publically at Arunachaleswarar Temple. Sambandandan, full of confidence, undertook to manifest his God first. To the accompaniment of great pomp and ceremony, he called on Goddess Kali to appear, but for some reason She refused to manifest. In some versions of the story it is said that the twelve-year period of the boon had expired the previous day, so She was no longer under any obligation to appear. Since Sambandandan was still able to communicate with Her, even though he could not make Her appear, he got Her promise that She would hold Muruga tightly in Her arms so that He would be unable to manifest when Arunagirinathar called on Him.

Arunagirinathar began his attempt by singing a song. After praising Muruga at length in verse form, he summoned Him to appear. As Muruga was being restrained by His mother, Kali, Arunagirinathar devised a strategy to counter Kali's influence. He thus sang a song that was so entrancing, Kali unconsciously began to loosen Her grip on Her son. When Arunagirinathar sensed that this was happening, he sang another song to summon Lord Muruga's vahana (the peacock) to appear and dance before Muruga and Kali. The peacock promptly appeared and danced in such an enticing way, Kali momentarily forgot to hold on tightly to Muruga. At this crucial moment Muruga leapt out of Her arms, mounted His peacock and entered the physical world through one of the pillars of a mandapam in the Arunachaleswarar Temple.

Legend has it that the Kambathu Ilayanar Sannathi was built around the pillar to commemorate the great event. The manifestation of Lord Muruga was so dazzling, the light he emanated caused Pravuda Devaraya, the King, to lose his eyesight.

Vallaikappu Hall

This is an open 16 pillar mandapam on a high plinth, facing west with a flight of four steps. The inner raised platform is supported by four pillars. It is attached to the back of the Garbhagriha of the Kambathu Ilayanar Shrine.

Mandapam attached to the back of Lord Muruga Shrine

Mandapam adjacent to Sivagangai Teertham

This mandapam is used during the Adipuram Festival i.e. the annual 10 day Parvati Amman Utsavam Festival. The Festival concludes with a traditional Vallaikappu (bangle) ceremony and worship of Amman by lady devotees. On this day glass bangles are offered to Ambal and then distributed to devotees.

Vimana on Bangle Hall

These bangles are said to provide offspring and generally protect the wearer from evils. In addition Valaikaappu is a Festival during which a pregnant woman wears glass bangles as the sound of the bangles is believed to protect her and her pregnancy from evil forces.

Sivagangai Teertham

Adjacent to Kambathu Ilayanar Sannathi is the Sivagangai Teertham which was originally dug by King Krishnadevaraya in 1516 A.D., and was intended for Theppotsavam. He named it 'Vasanta Kolam' and to get water to it (it is said in his epigraph) he dug the Tirumalai Devi Amman Samudram and connected it to the former with an underground conduit. Sivagangai Teertham is the name of a river in Kailayam, the abode of Lord Siva—this Teetham is named after that river. Water from this Teertham is used for worship inside the Shrines.

Sivagangai Tank, Raja Gopuram to east

This Teertham has stone steps and is surrounded by enclosed long verandahs called Thirumanapathi Mandapams. This tank is closed to devotees. However it is still used for thirthavari (dipping in the water of Hasthi Devar, a bronze metallic symbol during eclipse) and at certain other Festival times.

Sivagangai Teertham, Arunachala to West

This tank was repaired and renamed in 1902 A.D. as "Sivagangai Teertham" by sponsors who financed its renovation i.e. the Natukottai Chettiars. On the walls surrounding this tank are seen two figures of helmeted soldiers in uniform with dogs at their feet.

Sarvasiddhi Vinayaka

This shrine is on the northern bank of the tank. Sivagangai Vinayaka is another name by which this Vinayaka is known. He is in a seated posture.

Wish Fulfilling Lord Vinayaka

The roof of the Mandapam encircling the sanctum sanctorum is painted with various pictures of the later Nayak period and include; Veerabadhirar, Mushikam, Dandayuthapani, Nagar and Nandi.

Sarva Siddhi Vinayaka Shrine

This shrine which faces east is situated at the northwest corner of the Sivagangai Teertham. The shrine is within a rectangular open mandapam on its four sides and supported by fourteen pillars.

Sarvasiddhi Vinayaka ceiling paintings

Rudraksha Mandapam

Rudraksha Mandapam

Rudraksha Mandapam ceiling

This Mandapam is located adjacent to the 1000 Pillar Hall and directly east of the Periya Nandi. This is an open four pillar mandapam, situated north of the Sarvasiddhi Vinayaka Shrine and in the axial line of the Annamalaiyar Sanctum Sanctorum. The ceiling of this Mandapam is covered with rudraksha beads. Rudraksha (Eloeocarpus) nuts are worn as sacred beads by Saivites.

1000 Pillar Hall

Inside the first quadrangle, on the right is the 1000 pillar mandapam built by King Krishnadevaraya. A copper plate of around 1435 A.D., reveals that land measuring 275 feet (east to west) and 395 feet (north to south) was sold to Krishnadevaraya for 500 sovereigns of gold by members of a Mutt in Tiruvannamalai.

Thousand Pillar Mandapam

Picture of Mandapam taken over 70 years ago

As one enters this mandapam, the pillar on the right has on its top (what appears to be) the figure of Krishnadevaraya, in a posture of supplication. On the pillar opposite is his Ishtadevata. In the centre of the pillars of this mandapam is a 2 feet high raised platform which is used as a dais for Lord Nataraja during certain abhishekam functions as Ani Thirumanjanam and the day of Thiruvathirai.

In olden times Temple halls like the 1000 pillar mandapam served not only for meditation and functions but also as sanctuaries for townspeople whenever their town was under threat from warfare or natural calamities.

This mandapam has sixteen rows of 32 pillars each on either side in a south-north direction - leaving a central passage. The inner most pillars on the northern side form a rectangular space with two aniottikkals on either side. The southern side lacks one row of pillars on each side adjacent to the central aniottikal column. The entire mandapam is on a very high plinth. At the top and bottom of the pillars of the Hall are figures depicting various Vishnu incarnations, and a variety of gods and sages. On the sides of the central platform are figures of ladies and representations of heroic feats. Every pillar is engraved with figures and the roof is covered with various representations of Nandi.

In the Tamil months of Aani (June-July) and Margazhi (December-January), Lord Nataraja is ceremonially installed in the hall. After puja and abhishekam, Lord Nataraja is taken out in procession around the mada veedhis.

Patala Lingam

In the southwest corner of the 1000 Pillar Hall is the Patala Lingam in a small underground shrine. This Lingam used to be connected to the mutt that belonged to the Thondaimandala Vellas where the 1000 pillar hall stands. Azhiavradam Poonda Tambiran (head of the Mutt) was a Siva devotee and part of his observance included worship at a jnani's samadhi—this is the samadhi that is now known as the Patala Lingam.

Entrance to Patala Lingam

Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanar wishing to build the 1000 pillar hall purchased the property from the Vellalas, who went on to build a Mutt at another place—inscriptions inside the hall describe this event. The name Patala (i.e. underground) Lingam arose because the floor was raised around the lingam, in order not to disturb it, thus reducing the lingam to a lower level.

Steps leading down to Patala Lingam

This shrine was to become a meditation place for Sri Ramana Maharshi soon after he came to Tiruvannamalai in 1896. This shrine has been renovated twice in the last century, first in 1949 and more recently in 1996.

Patala Lingam before 1940's renovation

Vimana on Patala Lingam

Vahana Mandapam

Storage for many Festival Vahanas

The continuation of the 1000 Pillar Hall mandapam towards the Gopura Subramanya Shrine was also built by King Krishnadevaraya and is now used for storage of processional vahanas.

Ravana Vahana in storage

The Vahana is of the 10 headed Ravana while in storage at the Vahana Mandapam.

Ravana Vahana alangaram

The above photograph is of the alangaram Vahana ready to go on procession during the 2014 Deepam Festival.

Temple Garden

South of the tank is a Temple garden and a small idol of Ganesha (under an Iluppai tree) known as Mangai Pillaiyar.

Big Nandi

In front of the second Gopura (called the Ballala Gopura) is a large Nandi in a mandapam. This was installed by King Deva Raya II and on the pillars of the mandapam are statuettes of that King and his Queen. This Nandi has round it a framework of iron on which are arranged lamps which when lighted form the outline of a Lingam. This statue of the Periya Nandi is situated in a four pillar mandapam on a raised platform, north of the Sivagangai tank and directly in front of the Rudraksha Mandapam.

Periya Nandi outside Vallala Gopura

Periya Nandi outside Vallala Gopura

This Nandi is 6 feet long with his gaze directed to the west and the Moolasthana. Its head is slightly turned towards north while the heads of all the other Nandis at Arunachaleswarar Temple are turned slightly south.

Five Temple Nandis

From east to west the five Temple Nandis are:
Periya Nandi in front of Vallala Gopuram Fifth Prakaram.
Chinna Nandi fourth prakaram
Kodi Kampathu Nandi, Third Prakaram
Ratha Vilaku Nandi, Second Prakaram
Pradosha Nandi, Moolastanam

Kalyana Eswarar Sundar Temple

The Kalyana Sundara Temple is a 24 pillar mandapam that lies to the left of the stairs leading to the Vallala Maha Raja Gopura. Annabhishekam at the Kalyana Eswarar Sundar Temple is held once a year on the Full Moon day in the seventh month of the Tamil year i.e. Aippasi (October/November).

Annabhishekam which is performed at Siva Temples, is connected to the rice harvesting time. It is performed at the time of the Full Moon as it is considered to have the energies of bounty, abundance and expansion. This festival gives an opportunity to people, who believe that God is the creator of food and life, to show gratitude for the bounty they have received.

To read more about annabhishekam at this shrine go to this link here.

Lingam covered in rice during function

The Shrine can be entered from a small opening on the stairs or from an arched entrance within the Courtyard of the fifth Prakaram.

Kalyana Eswarar Sundar Temple

Devotees perform own puja in Shakti section

The actual shrine where the linga resides is enclosed having a Linga Amman and a Nandi. A small Pillaiyar is set into the back wall close to the small aperture that leads out onto the stairs of the Vallala Gopura. This Ganapati is called Ucchi Pillaiyar. There is a mandapam south of the shrine which is now renovated and in which marriages are performed.

Kalyana Eswarar Sundar Mandapam

Marriages celebrated at Mandapam

As with the Gopurathu Ilayanar Shrine, the Kalyana Sundareswarar Sannidhi is also believed to have been extended by Deva Raya II around the year 1421 A.D. And in this respect the Vijayaganar insignia, the 'Boar and Dagger' is seen on the basement of the Sundareswarar Shrine.

Gopurathu Ilayanar Shrine and Arunagiri Mandapam

These two structures are situated at the base of the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram at its northern side. They are reached by a flight of stairs. The Gopurathu Ilayanar Shrine consists of a cella and an antarala both rectangular in shape.

The Gopurathu Ilayanar (Subrahmanya of the gateway) is housed in a shrine built around the statue of Subrahmanya in a niche in the eastern face of the Kambattu Ilayanar (i.e. Subrahmanya of the pillar). However the image of Subrahmanya of that small pillar hall has become such an object of devotion that this additional and imposing shrine was built to shelter the pillar-deity.

Gopurathu Ilayanar Mandapam

The Shrine and Mandapam are located to the right of the stone stairs at the bottom of the Vallala Gopura. An additional legend (which follows below) tells that Lord Subramanya caught hold of and saved Arunagirinathar when he flung himself off the pillar to end his life. To commemorate this event this Temple was built adjoining the tower (Gopurathu Ilayanar i.e. "Subramanya near the tower"). Inside this shrine is a statue of Lord Muruga with his two wives Valli and Devasena. There is also a copper image of Arunagirinathar praying at the Lord's feet. To the left and right of the walls there are statues of Vinayaka and Muruga.

The Arunagiri Mandapam is in front of this shrine which extends to the north. It is supported by pillars on both the northern and southern sides, leaving a central space for devotees to worship Lord Muruga in the Shrine.

Doorway leading to Shrine

Diagrams on Wall

Shrine Mandapam

The walls of the Arunagiri Mandapam contain diagrams and pictures. One diagram is in the shape of a chariot with a peacock flag on top. The chariot is divided into many square. At the side there are some songs of Arunagirinathar. A picture shows Lord Muruga blessing Arunagirinathar. To the left of the chariot there is a plaque displaying a Tamil "Aum", with the spear of Lord Muruga inside. There are prayers written by Bampan Swamigal on the wall plus his photograph.

Arulmigu Gopurathu Ilaynar Hall

This shrine is believed to have been extended by Deva Raya II around the year 1421 A.D. The Vijayaganar insignia, the 'Boar and Dagger' is seen on one of the extensions at its junction with the Gopura. His statuette is seen on the south wall of the shrine and in other places.

The Legend goes thus:

Arunagirinathar is renowned as one of Tiruvannamalai's most famous saints. He was a Muruga bhakta who lived at the foot of Arunachala in the fourteenth century. The major turning point in his life occurred when he had spent all his sister's money. Not knowing that she was destitute, he approached her again in the hope of getting another hand-out. His sister, who had nothing left except the clothes she was wearing, told him that her funds were exhausted. Since she still loved her brother, and since she still wanted to be of assistance to him she offered him her own body, saying, 'If your lust is so insatiable, you can use my body for your sexual satisfaction'.

These words deeply affected and shamed Arunagirinathar. He mentally reviewed the wasted years of his life and came to the conclusion that he had been committing crimes against God. As his sense of shame deepened, he decided to commit suicide by jumping off one of the Gopurams in Arunachaleswarar Temple. He climbed the tower, but before he was able to jump, Lord Muruga manifested and held him back. In some versions of the story, Arunagirinathar actually jumped and Muruga had to catch him before he died on the paving stones below.

Muruga embraced him. Then, with his vel, (the spear he carries) he wrote a mantra on Arunagirinathar's tongue, gave him a japamala and commanded him to sing songs in praise of him.

Vanni Maram Vinayagar Shrine and Tree

A garden and Shrine are reached through an opening in the right wall of the Gopurathu Ilayanar Temple. As well as a Shrine there are also Lingams and Lord Muruga's Vel under a Vanni Maram (tree).

Vanni Maram

The Vinayagar Shrine is in the centre of a group with Goddess Lakshmi on the left and Goddess Saraswathi above. In front there is Shanmuka and to the left a Linga and Sakthi, to the right is a reclining Lord Vishnu. A mouse (mushika) the vehicle of Lord Vinagayar sits facing the Shrine.

Vinayaka Shrine

Shakti Shrines

Nagalinga stones and Muruga's Vel are under the tree. This Vanni Maram tree is ancient and very rare. Legend states that when the ancient Pallavas were in retreat from the region, they lay down their weapons and buried them for safekeeping under the Vanni Maram, where supposedly they lay undisturbed for centuries.

Temple gardens Raja Gopura background

Garden oasis at Temple

Banyan - Sthala Vriksha

The Banyan Tree is the sthala vriksha (assigned tree) of Arunachala. This is the type of tree that Arunagiri Yogi reportedly sat under. Several Banyan trees were previously to be found at the Arunachaleswarar Temple compound, but in the case of the Third Prakaram (outside the Siva Sannidhi) the tree's deep roots were feared could undermine the integrity of the foundation of the Temple's Inner Shrine, thus the tree was dug out and replaced by three Magizha trees (which have shallow roots).

In the case of the Banyan Tree located in the Fifth Prakaram, with access on the side avenue between the Amman Ammani Gopura and the North Kattai Gopura, the old tree became diseased and was replaced by the current Banyan Tree at that location. In front of the Banyan Tree is a modern shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayakar.

Banyan Tree, Fifth Prakaram

Lord Vinayakar Shrine under Banyan Tree

The Banyan tree, which is the Sthala Vriksha tree of Arunachala is one of the most venerated trees in India. Because of its ability to survive and grow for centuries, it is often compared to the shelter given by God to his devotees. It also symbolises the personality of a benevolent ruler or head of family who nourishes and looks after all those under his care. Its large leaf is a motif commonly used in worship, rituals and festive sacrifices. The Banyan tree is mentioned in many scriptures as a tree of immortality. It was under a Banyan tree that the Hindu sages sat in a trance seeking enlightenment and it was here that they held discourses and conducted holy rituals. In Hindu mythology, the tree is called Kalpavriksha, the tree that provides fulfillment of wishes and other material gains. To learn more about this extraordinary tree go to this link here.

Vallala Maha Raja Gopura

This is the direct entrance and exit between the Fifth and Fourth Prakarams. This Gopura was built by the Hoysala King Ballala, who was active in Tiruvannamalai from 1318 to 1343 A.D. This tower was started in 1328 A.D., and completed in 1331 A.D. by King Vallalan.

Steps leading to the Vallala Gopura

King Ballala fled to Tiruvannamalai after the accession of Muhammed-bin-Tughluq and the conquest of Madurai. He was also known by Prapachakravartin Veera Valladeva-which is the reason why King Ballala is referred to as King Vallalan. In the archway of the Vallala Gopura there is a 2½ foot statue of this Hoysala King.

Hoysala Emblem

Veera Vallala also known as Ballalan III (1291-1343 CE) ruled the Hoysala (Hoysala=Lion Killer) Kingdom for over half a century. He was a sincere devotee of Lord Siva and during his life time did great service for Tiruvannamalai and built many buildings in the Temple. Even today one of the towers in this Temple is known as Vallala Gopura.

The Arunachala Purana describes King Vallala as an embodiment of all human virtues and he is praised for his uprightness, generosity and love for Lord Arunachaleswarar. Nine inscriptions of Vallala are found in this Temple. One dated 1317 reads:-

"The illustrious King Vallala Deva ruling over the whole earth and possessing a physique like the killer of elephants, is victorious. This Vallala Deva possessing all auspicious things was staying at his capital which was distinguished by the name Aruna Samudra belonging to the Hoysala Kingdom which was established with love by his father . . . "

Legends associated with King Vallalan

The Festival of Thai Poosam falls in the month of Thai (Jan-Feb) during the constellation of Poosam and is usually dedicated to Lord Muruga. However, in Tiruvannamalai, Thai Poosam and Maasi Magam Festivals are connected with King Vallala Maharaja.

Lord Siva Performs King's Funeral Rites

Lord Siva wanting to test the King's dharma and devotion, appeared with his Sivaganas in the guise of sannyasins. He sent all his followers to the houses of dancing girls in the city and then He himself went to the palace and asked the King for a dancing-girl. As all the dancing girls in the city were already engaged (with the Sivaganas the Lord already sent) the King could find no woman for him. Sallammadevi the King's junior wife, asked the King to offer her as a suitable replacement. In strict observance of the rules of dharma governing hospitality to visitors, the King agreed to his Queen's offer and sent her to the sannyasin. The devotee lay on a cot pretending to sleep. When Queen Sallammadevi touched the sannyasin, he transformed into a child. She took the child to the King and as soon as she handed it to him, the child mysteriously disappeared. Pleased with the King, Lord Siva assured him that He Himself would perform the King's funeral rites as He had become as a child to the King.

In the Big Temple, the festival begins early in the morning with a grand abhishekam to Lord Palani Andavar (i.e. Lord Murugan) in the PichaiIlayanar Shrine (4th Prakaram) and Kambattu Ilayanar Shrine (5th Prakaram). After which Lord Chandrasekara and Goddess Ambal with the Trident deity perform circumambulation of Arunachaleswarar Temple on the mada veddhis. After which the Gods are walked in procession to the Esanya Teertham, crematorium and burial grounds north-east of Tiruvannamalai. At that place, Lord Siva's weapon the Trident is bathed and then placed beside the deities of Siva and Ambal who have meanwhile been installed in the Mourning Pavilion of the grounds.

Before returning to Arunachaleswarar Temple, near the statue of Harischandra (at the entrance of the burial grounds) a person dressed in black robes, the "Otran" (i.e. spy or secret messenger) halts the procession and gives a message to the Temple singer. The musicians accompanying the procession stop playing and the Temple singer reads out the announcement of King Vallala's death. After which the procession returns homeward to the Temple with the musicians now playing a funeral dirge. To read the legend of King Harischandra and burial grounds, go to this link here.

When the Gods arrive back at the Temple, the procession stops at the statue of King Vallala installed in the niche between the Fifth and Fourth Prakarams and a member of the Vallala community bathes and decorates the statue of the King.

The final commemoration of this historic event happens at the festival of Maasi Magam during which the last rites for the departed King are performed by Lord Siva himself (since it is traditional in India for the son to perform the last rites of his father). Even now in the month of Maasi (February) when the annual anniversary of King Vallala Deva's death occurs, at the instruction of Lord Arunachaleswarar, the Lord is taken in procession with great Ceremony to the village Pallikonda Pattu, where the funeral rites take place. This festival is known as 'Masi Maga Theerthavari' where Temple priests (acting as proxies of the Lord) annually perform the funeral rites of the King.

King Vallalan Gopura

According to a traditional story which is well-known in Tiruvannamalai, King Vallalan, after building what is now known as the Vallala Gopura, felt great pride in his achievement. Lord Arunachaleswarar noticing that the feeling 'I have built this great Gopuram', was strongly rooted inside him, decided to teach him a lesson.

There is a ten-day festival in which Arunachaleswarar is paraded each day through the streets of Tiruvannamalai. In the first festival after the Gopura was built the God initially refused to leave the Temple via the passage in the centre of the new Gopura. For the first nine days of the Festival Lord Arunachaleswarar always left the Temple via a different route. On the tenth and last day the King realised his mistake and became humble. He broke down and cried before the Lord, begging His forgiveness and pleading that He use the new Gopura for just one day. Lord Arunachaleswarar seeing the King's pride had abated, granted his request. Immediately the temple workers found it easier to go through the tower gate built by the King. This particular Festival is still celebrated at Tiruvannamalai. To commemorate King Vallalan's attack of pride and his subsequent humility, Arunachaleswarar is only taken through the King's Gopura on the tenth and final day of the Festival. On the rest of the days other routes are used.

This tower was started in 1328 A.D., and completed in 1331 A.D. by King Vallalan. His statue of 2½ feet is installed in a niche in the tower and the tower is known as the Veera Vaiboga Vallala Maharaja Gopura.

Statue of King installed in side niche of Gopura

King Vallalan Maha Raja

Note: Although construction of the fourth and fifth enclosures and their buildings extended over two hundred years, from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries, the asymmetrical placing of the gateway on all four sides of the fourth enclosure indicates that a fifth enclosure was planned from the outset. The Brahma Teertham Tank, originally outside the Temple precincts, as is often the case, was included in the fourth enclosure where two pillared halls were erected on the West Side, as well as one the east, the Puravi Mandapam.