India's Largest Temples With Outstanding Architecture

Annamalaiyar Temple

The shrine is situated at the base of Annamalai Hill in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The main deity is Lord Shiva and the temple is associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of fire, or Agni. The Karthigai Deepam is one of the main festivals celebrated here, during the day of the full moon between November and December. An enormous fire is lit at the top of the hill, which denotes the Shiva lingam of fire joining the sky and nearly 3 million pilgrims visit the temple to witness this charm. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.