Ashta Lingams Temple, Tiruvannamalai

The Ashta Lingams Temple stands around the sacred Arunachala Hill in Thiruvannamalai. Eight temples surround the hill along its octagonal perimeter and align with the four cardinal and four intercardinal directions. Legends state that each direction represents essential aspects and qualities of human life, which makes the Ashta Lingams spiritually significant.

The Eight Temples Around Arunachala Hill

Eight Lingam temples encircle Arunachala Hill, with each temple occupying one of the eight directions. Together, these shrines form the sacred Ashta Lingams circuit. Moopanar Swamy actively contributed to the renovation and restoration of these temples and preserved their religious and historical value.

Temples Located at the Cardinal Points

• North – Kubera Lingam Temple
• East – Indra Lingam Temple
• West – Varuna Lingam Temple
• South – Yama Lingam Temple

Temples Located at the Intercardinal Points

• North West – Vayu Lingam Temple
• North East – Esanya Lingam Temple
• South West – Niruthi Lingam Temple
• South East – Agni Lingam Temple

Each Lingam connects with a specific Navagraha, the nine planetary deities. Devotees believe that worshipping a particular Lingam grants blessings associated with the respective Navagraha. The following sections describe each Ashta Lingam in detail.

Kubera Lingam (North)

• The Kubera Lingam Temple honors Lord Kubera, the God of Wealth, and stands on the northern side.
• The temple lies along the Girivalam path that circles Arunachala Hill.
• Kubera Lingam associates with the Navagraha deity Lord Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter).
• Devotees worship this Lingam to gain peace of mind and financial growth.

Indra Lingam (East)

• The Indra Lingam Temple honors Lord Indra, the God of Heaven, and stands on the eastern side.
• The temple stands on Car Street near the eastern tower of Arunachaleswarar Temple.
• Indra Lingam associates with the Navagraha deities Lord Surya (Sun) and Lord Shukra (Venus).
• Devotees worship this Lingam to gain long life and prosperity.

Varuna Lingam (West)

• The Varuna Lingam Temple honors Lord Varuna, the God of Water and Rain, and stands on the western side.
• The temple lies on the outer Girivalam path, about one kilometer before Adi Annamalai village.
• Varuna Lingam associates with the Navagraha deity Lord Shani (Saturn).
• Devotees worship this Lingam to recover from illness and remove sins.

Yama Lingam (South)

• The Yama Lingam Temple honors Lord Yama, the God of Death, and stands on the southern side.
• The temple stands beside the cremation ground on Chengam Road.
• Yama Lingam associates with the Navagraha deity Lord Mangal (Mars).
• Devotees worship this Lingam to gain long life and overcome financial difficulties.

Vayu Lingam (North West)

• The Vayu Lingam Temple honors Lord Vayu, the God of Wind, and stands on the north-western side.
• The temple lies along the Girivalam path, about one kilometer before Adi Annamalai.
• Vayu Lingam associates with the Navagraha deity Lord Kethu.
• Devotees worship this Lingam to find relief from health problems.

Esanya Lingam (North East)

• The Esanya Lingam Temple honors Lord Esanya, a Rudra form of Lord Shiva, and stands on the north-eastern side.
• The temple lies on the old Girivalam path beside the cremation grounds.
• Esanya Lingam associates with the Navagraha deity Lord Budha (Mercury).
• Devotees worship this Lingam to attain peace of mind.

Niruthi Lingam (South West)

• The Niruthi Lingam Temple honors Lord Niruthi, the Lord of Asuras, and stands on the south-western side.
• The temple lies on the Girivalam path near the Shantimalai compound.
• Niruthi Lingam associates with the Navagraha deity Lord Rahu.
• Devotees worship this Lingam to gain health, wealth, and fame.

Agni Lingam (South East)

• The Agni Lingam Temple honors Lord Agni, the God of Fire and Knowledge, and stands on the south-eastern side.
• The temple stands on the right side of the Girivalam path near Seshadri Ashram on Chengam Road.
• Agni Lingam associates with the Navagraha deity Lord Chandra (Moon).
• Devotees worship this Lingam to gain long life and good health.