The ancient and vast Arunachaleswarar Temple
as it stands today is the result of several centuries of building, alteration and
extension.
A Nandi faces the main shrine in each of its
five prakarams.
The outermost prakaram houses the thousand
pillared hall and the Shiva Ganga tank and is pierced on four
sides with colossal Gopurams. The fourth prakaram includes the
Bhramma Tirtham, and its eastern gateway Vallala Gopuram holds a statue
of King Ballala.
The third prakaram which dates back to the 12th
century CE has several Linga Shrines, and the Kili Gopura Entrance. In
the East side of the prakaram stands the Flag Staff while the Northern side is home to the
massive shrine of Unnamulai Amman.
The 3rd prakaram surrounds the roofed
2nd prakaram which houses the pantheon of deities associated with Shiva, which
in turn surrounds the shrine of Annamalaiyar.