The Arunachaleswara Temple, with a fire idol, in Thiruvannamalai is one of the biggest temples in South India. This was built by the Chola Dynasty in AD 9th century. The temple architecture is unique. The temple viewpoint is on Arunachala hill behind the Thiruvannamalai temple. On top of that, the Virupaksha cave and Ramana Ashram are situated. The view from there is bewitching and irresistible. On one side there is the Thiruvannamalai city like scattered shiny pebbles all over below, and on the other side, stands Arunaleshwara Kshetra Gopuram with such pride and marvel. Hiking up the hill a little more, you will reach the Skandasramam. It is a tranquil and serene monastery. Ramana Maharshi had penanced in Skandhasramam. For ten years, from 1912-1922 Ramana Maharshi was in this monastery. You can reach the Virupaksha Cave by going through, the stone scattered way, from the monastery. It was believed that, Ramana Maharshi had penanced in this cave, and it was also believed that, even though there is a monastery, Ramana Maharshi had spent almost his life in this cave. There are two routes to reach Virupaksha Cave. One is through Ramana Monastry and the other is to climb the Thiruvannamalai and walk to the monastery from the temple. Thousands of devotees and travelers are visiting here every year.
Virupaksha Cave
