Arunachala

Arunachala (IAST: Aruṇācalam [əɾʊˈɳaːtʃələ], 'Red Mountain') is a hill in Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, and one of the five main Shaiva holy places in South India. The Arunachalesvara Temple to Shiva is located at the base of the hill. The hill is also known by the names Annamalai, Annamalaiyar Hill, Arunagiri, Arunachalam, Arunai, Sonagiri, and Sonachalam. Every year in the Tamil month of Kārttikai (November–December), the Kārttikai tīpam light is lit atop the hill. It is also an important place for devotees of Ramana Maharshi, with Sri Ramana Ashram situated at its foothills. According to the legend, associated with the Temple, a dispute occurred between Brahma the creator, and Vishnu the preserver, over which of them was superior. In order to settle the argument, Lord Shiva is said to have manifested as a column of light, and then the form of Arunachala. But Brahma and Vishnu forgot their highest sacred duties and competed with each other. To solve this, Lord Shiva got up to test the heavens and the earth, saying that the one who sees his head and feet is the greatest among you. Brahma and Vishnu, no matter how hard they tried, failed miserably. Following this, the Devas, who could not bear the heat, prayed to Lord Shiva for peace. Lord Shiva, in response to their request, bowed down to a mountain and a small torch appeared on top of it, and everyone worshiped. The place is also known as Thiruvannamalai, also known as Arunachalam, the site of the fire. The Karthika lamp is mounted on this hill every year during the month of Karthika. Tens of thousands of people flock to Thiruvannamalai on that day. Creation is an action of Brahma; Maintenance is done by Vishnu; Destruction (Renewal) is attributed to Shiva

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