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Ashta Lingams Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Ashta Lingams Temple is situated around the Arunachala Hill in Thiruvannamalai. Each of these temples is located around the octagonal perimeter reflected by the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. As per legend, it is believed that the cardinal points represent the vital aspects and qualities of life.

The Eight Temples

Arunachala hill is surrounded by eight Lingam Temples, each temple built in one of the eight directions. Moopanar Swamy played a vital role in the renovation and restoration of the Ashta Lingam Temples.

Temple located at the Cardinal Points:

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

Temple 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 of the Lingam is dominated by Navagrahas (the nine planetary deities) to whom they are associated with. It is believed that, by worshipping a particular Lingam, devotees receive blessings that are associated with the respective Navagraha. Here’s a look at each of the Ashta Lingam.

Kubera Lingam (North)

  • The Kubera Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Kubera (The God of Wealth) and is located on the north side.
  • The temple is located on the girivalam or circumambulation path around the Arunachala Hill.
  • Kubera Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter).
  • Devotees are believed to be blessed with peace of mind and economical growth on worshipping this deity.

Indra Lingam (East)

  • The Indra Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Indra (The God of Heaven) and is located on the east side.
  • The temple is found on Car Street close to the eastern tower of Arunachaleswarar Temple.
  • Indra Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deities – Lord Surya (Sun) and Lord Shukra (Venus).
  • Devotees are believed to be blessed with long life and prosperity on worshipping this deity.

Varuna Lingam (West)

  • The Varuna Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Varuna (The God of Water and Rains) and is located on the west side.
  • The temple is located on the outer girivalam or circumambulation path about one kilometer before the village of Adi – Annamalai.
  • Varuna Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Shani (Saturn).
  • Devotees are believed to be cured from illness, freed from committed sins on worshipping this deity.

Yama Lingam (South)

  • The Yama Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Yama (The God of Death) and is located on the south side.
  • The temple is located beside the cremation ground on Chengam Road.
  • Yama Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Mangal (Mars).
  • Devotees are believed to be blessed with long life and to get rid of financial constraints on worshipping this deity.

Vayu Lingam (North West)

  • The Vayu Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Vayu (The God of Wind) and is located on the north-west side.
  • The temple is located on the girivalam or circumambulation path about one kilometer before the village of Adi Annamalai.
  • Vayu Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Kethu (Neptune).
  • Devotees are believed to find relief from illness on worshipping this deity.

Esanya Lingam (North East)

  • The Esanya Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Esanya (one of the Rudra forms of Lord Shiva) and is located on the north-east side.
  • The temple is located on the old girivalam path beside the cremation grounds.
  • Esanya Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Budha (Mercury).
  • Devotees are believed to be blessed with peace of mind on worshipping this deity.

Niruthi Lingam (South West)

  • The Niruthi Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Niruthi (The Lord of Asuras/Demons) and is located on the south-west side.
  • The temple is located on the girivalam path near to Shantimalai compound.
  • Niruthi Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Rahu.
  • Devotees are believed to be blessed with health, wealth and fame on worshipping this deity.

Agni Lingam (South East)

  • The Agni Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Agni (The Lord of Fire and Knowledge) and is located on the south-east side.
  • The temple is located on the right side of girivalam path, close to Seshadri Ashram on Chengam Road.
  • Agni Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Chandra (Moon).
  • Devotees are believed to be blessed with long life and better health on worshipping this deity.