In Tiruvannamalai, the practice of Annadanam (the sacred offering of free food) is considered one of the highest forms of charity. Thousands of sadhus, pilgrims, and devotees are fed every single day across various ashrams and temples.
1. Arunachaleswarar Temple Annadanam
The main temple operates a massive Annadanam hall (Nithya Annadhana Koodam) which provides high-quality, hot vegetarian meals to devotees daily.
- Timings: Usually starts around 12:15 PM and serves hundreds of devotees until the food is exhausted.
- Location: Inside the temple complex.
- How to partake: You may need to collect a token earlier in the morning near the temple office.
2. Sri Ramana Ashram
Ramana Ashram has a long-standing tradition of feeding everyone who visits, a practice initiated by Sri Ramana Maharshi himself.
- Timings: Lunch is served exactly at 11:30 AM. Dinner is served around 7:30 PM.
- Rules: Eat in complete silence. Do not waste a single grain of food. The food is exceptionally pure and sattvic.
3. Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Right next door to Ramana Ashram, Seshadri Ashram also provides excellent Annadanam.
- Timings: Lunch begins around 12:00 PM.
- Details: Similar to Ramana Ashram, the food is served on traditional banana leaves.
4. Girivalam Path Annadanam
If you are walking the Girivalam path, especially on a Pournami (Full Moon) day or during the Karthigai Deepam festival, you will find hundreds of trusts, charities, and local families offering free food, water, buttermilk, and snacks along the entire 14 km route.
Even on regular days, various smaller ashrams and charitable trusts along the Girivalam path offer free meals to sadhus (renunciates) and passing pilgrims.