Famous Ashrams of Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai is a well-known city in Tamil Nadu. It is a very famous pilgrimage destination and also a major religious center. It was named after the holy mountain Arunachala (also known as Thiruvannamalai). Tiruvannamalai has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under PM Narendra Modi's flagship Smart Cities Mission.

Tiruvannamalai is located on the banks of the river Cauvery and is surrounded by several hills, which are considered sacred according to Hindu tradition. The town is divided into two geographical regions: Srirangam and Tiruvannamalai. Tiruvannamalai is bounded by three rivers, Cauvery, Koraiyar, and Pambar, all of which are tributaries of the Coleroon, which ultimately merges with the Bay of Bengal.

It is believed that Arunachala was worshipped even 3000 years ago by the ancient Tamil people. Inscriptions found near Arunachala date back to 2000 years ago while early Tamil literature refers to this place as Pothigai Malai (the hill that never sleeps).

Tiruvannamalai is known as the Land of Saints, as pilgrims from all over the world come here to seek enlightenment.

Tiruvannamalai is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Stalams - Land, Water, Earth, Sky, and Fire. The place enjoys a salubrious climate due to its geographical location and the presence of Lord Shiva here as Arunachaleswarar. The other major deity here is Goddess Vanadurga Devi.

Lets see the gracious and popular ashrams in Tiruvannamalai.

1. Ramanashramam

Ramanashramam is a Hindu monastery situated in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It was founded by Ramana Maharishi, an Indian sage, and saint. The ashram is located on the southern bank of the River Cheyyar. It has been a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world since 1948 when Maharishi died. Ramana Ashram was established in 1918 by Ramana Maharishi who had come to Tiruvannamalai to live in solitude as per his guru's wishes. The ashram has been a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world since 1948 when Ramana Maharishi died.

All visitors to the Ramanashram are greeted with an arch at the front gate. A large courtyard with several old trees, one of which is claimed to be around 450 years old, maybe found. The two magnificent towers placed at the temple in Dravidian architecture are next to draw the attention of visitors to the Ramanashram. One of the towers is built atop Ramana's mother's tomb, while the other houses a life-size statue of Ramana Maharishi. This is comprised of a single stone that has been given an exquisite polish to give it the appearance of black marble.

2. Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram

The Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram is a spiritual center in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Noyyal River and is a popular tourist attraction.The ashram was founded by Yogi Ramsuratkumar, a Hindu saint and yogi who was born in Tiruvannamalai. He was a follower of Sri Ramana Maharshi and had a significant following during his lifetime.

The saint has left a legacy, and the ashram serves as the foundation for the devotees' devotion, which is reflected here. The spacious ashram is centrally placed and accommodates both devotees and pilgrims as well as visitors. The chanting takes place in the large central hall. Donations can be made at the Ashram office. The Dharam's daily Annadana feeds a large number of needy people. A modest room adjacent to the main hall allows visitors to peek into the holy man's personal belongings and resting spot. Surroundings are magical.

3. Seshadhri Ashram

Seshadhri Ashram is a famous pilgrim center near Tiruvannamalai, India. It is a very ancient temple situated at the foothills of Thirumullaivoyal hill, amidst tamarind trees. The Ashram was founded by Swami Seshadri, who was one of the disciples of Ramana Maharshi. He had arrived in Tiruvannamalai in the year 1922 and had stayed in this ashram till his death on July 29, 1975. People who are interested in spirituality come here to have a darshan (Holy Sight) of Swami Seshadri and meditate at this holy place.

Devotees say Swami Seshadri has performed numerous miracles and can benefit all who come to worship at this ashram. On the ashram's grounds, there is a lovely garden. It's the ideal spot for meditation and relaxation. Accommodation is also available at the ashram.

4. Skandashramam

Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi lived at the Skandashramam cave from 1916 to 1922. From the Ramanashramam's side, we can approach the Skandasramam. Ramana Maharshi's mother joined him at Skandasramam and began preparing meals at the ashram, rather than having prepared food brought up as had been the norm since the ashram's inception. Ramana took up residence at Mother's samadhi, which is now known as Ramanashramam, after Mother's mahasamadhi and subsequent interment at the base of the hill.

It's about a mile away from Ramanashramam. To get to this cave, you must go 1.4 kilometers uphill. This is an excellent location for meditation. You may obtain a bird's eye view of Arunachaleshwarar temple, the world's largest temple devoted to Lord Shiva, from there. From 8.15 a.m. until 4.30 p.m., it is open.

In the days gone by, Tiruvannamalai has been called the “temple town of south India”. It lies in the center of Tamil Nadu and is located approximately a one-hour drive from Chennai. Tiruvannamalai, with its long history of spiritual dominance, has several ashrams to its credit. The ashrams provide an open platform for people of all faiths and religions to practice their faith in a place of worship based on their beliefs.