Skandashram, Tiruvannamalai - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvannamalai Bus Station, Skandashram is a sacred cave nestled amidst the ancient hills of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the many holy caves in Arunachala hills, and among the must-visit places as part of Tiruvannamalai packages.

Skandashram is situated close to the Arunachaleshwar temple and Virupaksha Cave, where Sri Ramana Maharshi resided during his time in Thiruvannamalai. Initially, he meditated in isolation at Virupaksha Cave for over 16 years before moving to Skandashram due to his mother Alagammal's presence. From 1916 to 1922, Sage Ramana lived at Skandashram, where his mother took care of cooking for everyone, including his disciples. Following his mother's passing in 1922, Ramana Maharshi relocated to the present Ramana Ashram located near his mother's shrine.

There is a small room in Skandashramam where mother Alagammal used to live. A small photo of her is kept and people are allowed to meditate at this place. Adjacent to this room is the place where Sri Ramana Maharshi stayed. Sri Ramanar's room is converted into a meditation hall, with a photo of Sri Ramana in the centre with lamps lit on either side. Sitting in meditation in this room was really exuberating. Right outside this room there is kind of a sitout from where one could sit and have a darshan of Arunachala.

There are two ways to reach Skandashramam, one way is through Sri Ramanashramam and the other way is near the road, in the northern side of Sri Arunachaleshwarar temple. Skandashramam is about a kilometer uphill from Virupaksha cave. The entire path was filled with small stones initially and then steps made out of stones or rocks later on.

Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM

Entry: Free