About Virupaksha Cave:
Virupaksha Cave is a cave ashram in the shape of a perfect ‘OM’ located on the eastern slope of the famous Arunachala hill in Thiruvannamalai. This holy cave is perched on a small peak just below, about 200 ft below, the Skandasram cave. This cave has a small gopuram on the eastern side of it. Down the peak, there are seven sacred springs on the slope of the hill. Virupaksha Cave is named after the renowned 13th century saint named Virupaksha Deva. It is believed that saint Virupaksha spent most of his life in this cave and surroundings. Legends tell that his body turned into ashes just after his Samadhi. The sacred ash (vibhuti) is assumed to be preserved here and daily pujas are offered.
General Information about Virupaksha Cave:
Location: Thiruvannamalai
State: Tamil Nadu
Capital: Chennai
Language: Tamil, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 40˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 29˚C, Min 20˚C (winter)
Best Season: November to March
How to Reach Virupaksha Cave:
By Air:
The nearest major airport is Chennai International airport which is located at a distance of about 185 km from Thiruvannamalai. Chennai is well air connected to other major airports in India and abroad. Taxi services are available from the airport t holy town of Thiruvannamalai. Taxi fare to cover the distance from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai is about Rs. 2000.
By Rail/Train:
The Thiruvannamalai railhead is just one km away from the heart of the town. It is located in the rail route between Madurai and Tirupati. Regular train services are available from Thiruvannamalai to Madurai.
By Road:
Thiruvannamalai town is well connected by Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses. Regular and frequent bus services are available from Thiruvannamalai to Madurai, Tirupati and Chennai.