The very thought of Thiruvannamali will bring salvation. The Sthalapuranam says that one can attain salvation by being born in Tiruvarur, by meeting with death in Kasi, by worshipping at Chidambaram and by mere thinking of Thiruvannamalai.

The five elements of the universe are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether(Sky) and our sastras call them Pancha Boothams or Pancha Bootha Sthalams of which Thiruvannamalai is Theyu (Fire) Sthalam.

Arunachala hill has a high status in our sacred tradition and Tamil legends hold that it is far more ancient than the Himalayas which are comparatively known to be of later origin. The temple occupies an extent of about 25 acres of land and is one of the biggest in South India. It is also one of the Saivite shrines sung by the great saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manikkavachagar. Three important factors constitute the greatness of this place, namely

The dispute between Brahma and Vishnu which resulted in the origin of Thiruvannamalai and celebration of Karthigai Deepam festival

Goddess Parvathi, performed penance and got the left half of Lord Siva's body (Vamabagha) and

The association of saintly personages like Arunagirinathar, Guhai Namasivayar, Guru Namasivayar, Isanya Gnana Desikar, Deivasikamani Desikar, Seshadri Swamigal and Ramana Swamigal.

The place is also noted for the existence of holy waters(Theerthams) the bathing in which will purge one's sins and purify the soul. It is said that there are as many as 360 Theerthams and 400 Lingams in the eight mile circuit of the hill. Sivaganga and Brahma Theerthams are inside the temple.

Apart from the Theerthams round the hill in course of the circuit round it, there are the Seshadri Swamigal Sannadhi, Ramanasramam, Duruvasaraman, Gouthamasramam, Adi Annamalai temple (popularly called as Adhi Annamalai), Manikkavachagar temple, Esanya Gnandesigar Mutt, Durga temple and Coral hill (Pavala Knuru). In the mid-portion up the hill, there are the Kanthasraman, Virupaksha cave, Sadaisami cave, and Mamarathu cave.